Program Overview

PhD Program in Geography

The PhD program in Geography is designed for candidates who wish to make a significant and original contribution to the field of geography. The program requires the completion of a dissertation that demonstrates proficiency in conducting independent research.

About the Doctoral Degree Program in Geography

The faculty of the Department of Geography and Sustainability has extensive worldwide experience in various areas of geography, including biogeography, paleoclimatology, geomorphology, spatial analysis, and human geography. The PhD program is tailored to meet the needs of students with diverse research interests.

Program Requirements

• Completion of a Master's Degree is expected prior to full admission into the PhD program.
• Course requirements are determined by the student's doctoral committee and must include:
  • Basic graduate courses (Research Design, Geographic Concept and Method, Topics in Quantitative Methods)
  • 12 hours of credit in related fields outside the department
  • Several doctoral seminars
  • Participation in the departmental Colloquium
• Competence in cartography, statistical methods, and other methodologies pertinent to the student's research specializations (including foreign languages, when appropriate) are also required.
• Admission to candidacy is granted following successful completion of written comprehensive examinations and an oral examination over the student's program and dissertation proposal.

Academic Plan, Admission Requirements, and Financial Aid

The University of Tennessee operates on a semester system. General information on admission requirements can be obtained from the university's admissions office. Students interested in graduate studies should consult with the department.

Admission Requirements

• A 3.0 (4.0 scale) or higher undergraduate grade point average is normally required for admission to a graduate degree program.
• Official transcripts of all previous college work and a minimum of three letters of recommendation are required.
• Foreign students without degrees from an accredited U.S. institution must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores, with minimum score requirements for admission to the Graduate School being:
  • A total score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT)
  • A 6.5 overall band score on the IELTS
• Admission to the geography graduate program is subject to the availability of space and faculty advisors.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available, including:

• Teaching and graduate assistantships that include stipend and tuition waiver
• Research grants and contracts
• Part-time research positions through various campus research units and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Tennessee Valley Authority
• University housing (furnished and unfurnished apartments) is available at modest prices.

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market is an agreement among Southern states for sharing unique programs. Participating states can make arrangements for their residents who are fully admitted to specific programs at the University of Tennessee to enroll on an in-state tuition basis if these programs are not available in the state of residence. Cooperating states in the Academic Common Market include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.