Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctorate in Geography Program

The Doctorate in Geography program is an innovative and vibrant discipline that provides an integrated approach to the study of the interplay of human societies and physical environments. The department works at the forefront of nature-society dynamics, cultural/historical geography, and geographic information science, including unmanned aerial systems.

Program Details

• Department: Department of Geography
• College: Arts and Sciences
• Available At: OSU Stillwater Campus
• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Geography
• Specialty Area(s): Geography Courses

Curriculum

• Sixty credit hours beyond a master's degree, including 15 hours of dissertation
• Core coursework – 13 hours, including:
  • GEOG 5001 – Professional Development in Geography
  • Choose two:
    • GEOG 5303 – Geographical Analysis I
    • GEOG 5423 – Geographic Renderings in Qualitative Methods
    • GEOG 6313 – Mixed Methods in Field Research
  • GEOG 5403 – Current Geographic Research
  • GEOG 5413 – History and Philosophy of Geography

Research and Faculty

Many faculty members have considerable experience conducting fieldwork, research, and teaching in international settings. The department has outstanding facilities in Murray Hall and offers access to state-of-the-art technology, from drones and sensors to software for analyzing and visualizing data. The department houses several laboratories, including 3 GIS labs for classes and independent student work, the Center for the Applications of Remote Sensing, and OSU Cartography Services. The department also manages the Applied Geoarchaeology Lab, which is located in the Noble Research Center.

Admissions Requirements

• Transcripts
• Three letters of reference
• Sole-authored writing sample
• Application letter indicating interest in program, potential faculty advisors, and general biographical information that has led you to choose OSU
• Additional requirements listed on the general OSU Graduate College application

Application Deadlines

• July 1 (fall admission)
• November 1 (spring admission)
• April 1 (summer admission)
• February 1 (full consideration for graduate assistantships)

Cost and Assistance

The department offers a number of paid graduate teaching assistantships and graduate research assistantships. These assistantships include a monthly stipend for the nine-month academic calendar, and all students on a qualifying assistantship receive health insurance through the university. In addition, all students on a .50 FTE (20 hours per week) assistantship also receive a full tuition waiver (up to the number of hours needed for the degree). The department has several scholarships available for graduate students, including an outstanding first-year graduate student award, various travel scholarships for conferences or field work, as well as other scholarships relating to geographic education and the pursuit of the GIS certificate.