Ph.D. in Geology Program

The Ph.D. in Geology program at the University of North Dakota is designed to build the skills and expertise in independent research that are the foundation for a successful geology career. As a Ph.D. candidate, students will conduct extensive fieldwork and build analytical skills in state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Experienced and accessible faculty are committed to seeing students achieve their research goals and build skills for professional success.

Program Details

• Program type: Doctoral Degree
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated time to complete: 3-5 years
• Credit hours: 90

Why Earn a Ph.D. in Geology?

As a Geology Ph.D. candidate, students will:

• Conduct research advancing theoretical and applied science
• Prepare to teach at the college level or for a career in advanced research

Areas of Emphasis

Areas of geology faculty emphasis include:

• Hydrogeology and environmental geology
• Economic geology of petroleum, coal, and mineral resources
• Sedimentology, stratigraphy, and paleontology
• Geomorphology and glacial geology
• Petrology and geochemistry
• Geophysics and tectonics And interdisciplinary projects involving topics such as integrated basin analysis, surface mining and reclamation, and underground coal gasification.

Program Requirements

Students will complete:

• Two consecutive semesters in residence during the first two years of their studies
• A qualifying exam (that includes a research proposal)
• Submission of a series of peer-reviewed journal and conference papers
• Successful defense of a dissertation

Program Resources

• Access to the largest geoscience library in the upper Midwest, which contains 100,000 maps and 50,000 volumes
• A diverse student body from around the country and world
• The Geology program is based in the four-story, 70,000-square-foot Leonard Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for research in geophysics, hydrogeology, petroleum engineering, mining, and more
• The Wilson M. Laird Core and Sample Library, which contains cores from nearly every oil well drilled in North Dakota and is an invaluable research resource
• Opportunities to enhance professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies

Career Opportunities

A geology degree is the gateway to careers in a wide range of fields, including:

• Environmental and engineering geology companies
• Federal government
• Laboratories
• Mining and mineral industries
• Oil and gas industry
• State geological surveys
• Universities and colleges Typical careers include:
• Geologist
• Operations geologist
• Biostratigrapher
• Senior geologist
• Maturation geologist
• Structural geologist
• Sedimentologist
• Stratigrapher

Courses

Example courses include:

• Topics in Physical Hydrogeology (GEOL 530)
• Advanced Structural Geology (GEOL 511)
• Topics in Advanced Geomorphology (GEOL 523)
• Geothermics (GEOL 560)
• Heat Flow (GEOL 551)
• Water Sampling and Analysis (GEOL 540)

University of North Dakota: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of North Dakota (UND) is the state's oldest and largest university, offering over 225 accredited on-campus and online degrees. It is known for its commitment to student leadership and fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.

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Services Offered:

UND provides a range of support services for students, including:

Diversity and Inclusion:

UND values diverse perspectives and actively promotes a sense of belonging for all students.

TRIO Programs:

Support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students to help them succeed at UND.

Pride Center:

Resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

Disability Resources:

Equal opportunities for qualified students with disabilities to participate in all UND activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UND emphasizes student leadership and provides opportunities for students to make a positive impact. The campus offers a vibrant community with various student organizations and activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

UND offers a wide range of highly accredited programs, including specialized fields like Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, Data Science, and Forensic Science.

Affordability:

UND consistently ranks among the best for educational quality and affordability.

Career Outcomes:

UND prepares students for successful careers with strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.

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Academic Programs:

UND offers a diverse range of academic programs, with notable strengths in:

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations:

A cutting-edge program in a rapidly growing industry.

Data Science:

A high-demand field with strong career prospects.

Economics:

A solid foundation for careers in law, business, and other fields.

Forensic Science:

Immersive program with hands-on experience in forensic labs.