Geosciences, Ph.D.

About the Geosciences Doctoral Program

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree follow those of the Graduate School. The first-year Ph.D. student will be expected to prepare and defend research proposals. The intent of this work is to determine whether the individual is capable of doctoral-level research. In the second year, the student will formalize the dissertation topic and committee. Under normal circumstances the committee will consist of three to five members, including the faculty advisor. The Comprehensive Examination will be completed before the end of the fourth long semester in residence. One tool subject is required. Tool subjects include foreign language, computer science, and statistics and are determined by the graduate advisor and the student’s dissertation committee. The tool can be met by taking two successive courses in the tool subject for a total of at least 6 semester hours, except for foreign language as outlined in the Graduate School  section of this catalog.