Program Overview
Geology and Earth Science, PhD
The Geology and Earth Science, PhD degree program prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills to analyze the structure, composition, and evolution of the Earth, the history of life the Earth supports, and the processes that govern the formation and behavior of the Earth's landforms and materials. The program trains students in the observation, measurement, and analysis of Earth's systems: the hydrosphere, the lithosphere, and the atmosphere. The program focuses on the interrelationships of these systems and their interactions with the biosphere.
Program Overview
The program combines study in the disciplines of both geology and Earth science. Geology, the more traditional term for this area of study, is the study of the present and ancient Earth from the perspective of the rock record. The study of Earth science is inclusive of geology, but also encompasses study of present-day Earth processes, including those involving the atmosphere, oceans, and freshwater systems.
Admissions
Applicants should have an undergraduate or graduate degree in geology, Earth sciences, or a related field from an institution of higher education accredited by a recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent with a GPA of at least 3.00 in their undergraduate work.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 72
Core Courses
- Geology and Earth Science Foundation
- GEOL 525: Modeling Earth Signals and Systems (3 credits)
- GEOL 540: Modern Methods in Geology (3 credits)
- GEOL 541: Great Events in Earth History (3 credits)
- GEOL 601: The Lithosphere (3 credits)
- GEOL 752: Earth Sciences in Academia (2 credits)
- Geology and Earth Science Seminars
- Select a total of four credits in any combination of the following seminar courses:
- GEOL 536: Paleontology Seminar
- GEOL 792: Seminar in Earth Systems Science, Geology, Earth Science
- Select a total of four credits in any combination of the following seminar courses:
- Research Methods
- GEOL 720: Bayesian Methods in Geology and Earth Sciences (3 credits)
- GEOL 996: Doctoral Reading and Research (repeat for a total of 15 credits) (15 credits)
- STAT 634: Case Studies in Data Analysis (3 credits)
- Total Credits: 39
Restricted Elective Courses
- Select 18 credits from the following, approved in advance by the Graduate Coordinator:
- GEOL 500: Selected Topics in Modern Geology
- GEOL 501: Selected Topics in Modern Geology
- GEOL 504: Sedimentary Geology
- GEOL 506: Soil Science
- GEOL 510: Advanced Structural Geology
- GEOL 512: Invertebrate Paleontology
- GEOL 513: Hydrogeology
- GEOL 521: Geology of Energy Resources
- GEOL 532: Paleoclimatology
- GEOL 534: Vertebrate Paleontology
- GEOL 535: Quantitative Stratigraphy
- GEOL 553: Field Mapping Techniques
- GEOL 563: Coastal Morphology and Processes
- GEOL 565: Paleoceanography
- GEOL 603: Geochemistry
- GEOL 734: Paleobiology
- GEOL 741: Isotopes in Geology
- Total Credits: 18
Dissertation Committee
Requirements for the dissertation committee's composition can be found in the AP.6.10.5 section of this catalog.
Comprehensive Exam
The comprehensive exam includes written and oral components to assess whether students have the subject matter knowledge and skills to successfully propose and complete a dissertation research project.
Written Comprehensive Exam
The written portion of the comprehensive exam will assess the student's ability to apply theoretical concepts towards the designing of potential research studies necessary to write a doctoral dissertation.
Oral Comprehensive Exam
The oral portion of the comprehensive exam will assess the student's knowledge and comprehension of the subject matter background to the field of geology and Earth sciences as a whole, as well as the specific body of knowledge related to the student's chosen area of specialty and research.
Dissertation
- GEOL 998: Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (repeated for a minimum of 12 credits) (12 credits)
- GEOL 999: Doctoral Dissertation (repeated for a minimum of 3 credits) (3 credits)
- Total Credits: 15
Advancement to Candidacy
Advancement to candidacy is based upon the student's successful completion of all required coursework and passing the comprehensive examination.
Dissertation Proposal
Students who have advanced to candidacy begin working on the dissertation proposal the semester after passing their comprehensive exams by registering for GEOL 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal.
Dissertation Defense
The dissertation defense is an oral presentation of the dissertation work in a public forum open to all members of the university community.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge of geology and earth sciences across the subfields of geology and earth sciences, along with a depth knowledge in their area(s) of specialization.
- Exhibit expertise in research methodologies, analytical techniques, and interpretation of findings applicable to a variety of geologic research questions.
- Effectively conduct critical reviews of relevant scientific literature.
- Incorporate appropriate ethical standards in all research activities.
- Produce original, reproducible research that contributes to the knowledge base of geology and earth sciences.
- Expertly communicate research results to both scientific peers and general audiences.
- Master the skills to conduct a research program including running a research laboratory and writing effective grant proposals.
- Design instructional strategies in geology and Earth sciences that facilitate student learning in higher education.