Program Overview

Geological Sciences PhD Program

The PhD program in Geological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University's Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences is designed to set students on the path toward their career goals. As a PhD student, you will be an integral part of the department, collaboratively working with faculty, researchers, and other students in your specialized field.

About the Program

The program focuses on understanding the Earth's history, ecology, and comparative geology of other planets. Students can explore various disciplines, including environmental geochemistry, stable isotopes, meteoritics, planetary geology, planetary geophysics, stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleoclimatology, mineral physics, and high-temperature geochemistry.

What to Expect

The research-intensive yet flexible curriculum covers an abundance of disciplines. Students will build an understanding of how the geological sciences incorporate elements from other major scientific realms like biology, chemistry, physics, and even the social sciences. The small department size allows for a close-knit mentoring environment, providing unique preparation for all aspects of academic life at the highest levels.

Research Opportunities

The program grants research opportunities in field and observational, experimental, computational, and theoretically based disciplines. Research within the department is primarily supported by funding from federal sources, including the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, and the United States Geological Survey.

Beyond the Classroom

After earning a PhD in Geological Sciences, graduates will be qualified to work in a wide range of environments, including colleges and universities, commercial and nonprofit research laboratories, mining, energy, and environmental consulting industries, local state and federal regulatory agencies, federal research laboratories, and museums.

By the Numbers

• 1:1 faculty-to-graduate-student ratio
• 6-8 graduate students at any time
• 4 years to degree completion if arriving with a master's degree
• 5-6 years to degree completion straight from a bachelor's degree
• 100% of students receive full financial support

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements include:

• Completed online application
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose exploring unique research strengths
• Unofficial transcripts
• Resume/CV
• Non-refundable $50 application fee
• TOEFL Scores (if applicable)