degree phd geology

Best Geology Programs

Ranked in 2023, part of Best Science Schools

Geology graduate school programs include classroom-based

Geology graduate school programs include classroom-based courses as well as field work, which often means students will travel to locations around the world to study. These are the best earth sciences schools for geology. Read the methodology »

• Clear Filters

Top 25 U.S. Colleges for a Geology Ph.D.

Where Geology Professors Got Their Degrees

Steve Lewis Stock/Getty Images

• Types Of Rocks
• Landforms and Geologic Features
• Plate Tectonics
• Weather & Climate
• B.A., Earth Sciences, University of New Hampshire

Where did most geology professors get their Ph.D.s? Of the teaching faculty of American universities, a study by the American Geological Institute found that an overwhelming 79 percent earned their geoscience doctoral degree from just 25 institutions. These same schools granted 48 percent of the doctorates held by all faculty at the time of the survey.

Here they are, ranked from first to last, with their current post-graduate degree programs. This is not the only way to rank colleges, but these ones are all top-notch. In some cases, the doctoral program may no longer by offered by the institution.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology  Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) offers undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs. They have an active professional organization of graduate students, the EAPS Graduate Student Advisory Committee.

2. University of California, Berkeley  Department of Earth and Planetary Science offers Master of Arts and doctoral programs.

3. University of Wisconsin, Madison  Department of Geoscience offers Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees.

4. University of Washington  Department of Earth and Space Sciences offers Master of Science and doctoral programs.

5. Columbia University  Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences offers a Ph.D. in Earth and Enviromental Sciences and a Masters degree in Climate & Society.

6. Stanford University  Department of Geological Sciences offers M.S., Engineer, and Ph.D. degrees.

7. Pennsylvania State University  Department of Geosciences offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees

8. Harvard University  Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences admits students for the Ph.D. degree only.

9. University of California, San Diego  Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers three Ph.D. programs, including Geosciences of the Earth, Oceans, and Planets.

10. University of Michigan  Earth and Environmental Sciences has a Ph.D. program.

11. University of California, Los Angeles  Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences has M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Geochemistry, Geology, and Geophysics & Space Physics.

12. California Institute of Technology  Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences has a doctoral degree program and you may also be awarded a master's degree en route.

12.  University of Illinois (tie) Department of Geology offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and notes that the oil and gas industry aggressively recruits in Illinois.

14. University of Arizona  Geosciences department offers M.S. and four-year Ph.D. programs that are research-based.

15. University of Minnesota  Department of Earth Sciences - Newton Horace Winchell School of Earth Sciences

16. Cornell University  Earth and Atmospheric Sciences has a Geological Sciences field with Master of Engineering, Master of Science, and doctoral degrees.

17. Yale University  Department of Geology & Geophysics has only a Ph.D. program.

18. University of Colorado  Geological Sciences offers Masters of Science and doctoral degrees.

19. Princeton University  Department of Geosciences offers only a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

20. University of Chicago  Department of the Geophysical Sciences offers a Ph.D. program.

21. Oregon State University  College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

22. Johns Hopkins University  Morton K. Blaustein Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences offers a doctoral program.

23. University of Texas, Austin  Department of Geological Sciences

2 3.  Texas A&M University (tie) Department Geology & Geophysics offers Master of Science and doctoral degrees.

25. Ohio State University : No longer lists a doctoral program, but offers BS and BA in Earth Sciences.

Thanks to the American Geological Institute for this information, reported in Geotimes May 2003.

• How to Become a Chemist
• List of Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
• The 10 Best U.S. Business Schools
• Photo Tour of Dartmouth College
• A Doctor of Philosophy or Doctorate
• Choosing an Ivy League Business School
• Which Degree Is Right for You?
• Should I Earn a Doctorate Degree?
• How to Decide Between a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology
• Why You Should Get a PhD in Chemistry
• 10 Best Colleges for Environmental Science Majors
• What Does It Take to Earn a Master's Degree?
• What Comes After a Master's Degree?
• The California State University System
• Should I Earn a Management Degree?
• College vs. University: What's the Difference?

Geological Sciences, PHD

On this page:.

At a Glance: program details

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Geological Sciences

The PhD program in geological sciences is designed to develop creative scholarship in the terrestrial and planetary geosciences. Students are encouraged to cross subject boundaries and pursue new understandings of Earth and the solar system.

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (1 credit hour) SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)

Electives or Research (70 credit hours)

Other Requirements (1 credit hour) SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) SES 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree in a related field to be used for this degree. Substitutions for courses listed as Other Requirements may be made per department approval.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admissions application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Graduates are prepared for academic and professional careers in geological science fields such as geochemistry, field geology, geomorphology, structure and tectonics, mineralogy and petrology, geophysics, planetary geology, hydrology, volcanology, Earth observation and remote sensing, and related areas, including geoscience education.

Professionals with expertise in geological sciences are in high demand across sectors and industries, including remote sensing, natural resource management, data science, environmental consulting, economic geology (oil and mining industries), hazard and risk assessment, geophysics and planetary science. Coding and numerical modeling skills translate across many domains, even beyond geosciences. Skills in the measurement and analysis of data related to the physics, chemistry and structures of earthly and planetary systems are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven strategies to interact with the planet and explore beyond Earth. The doctoral degree in geological sciences is required for careers in post-secondary education and research.

Career examples include:

• data scientist
• environmental consultant
• geosciences professor
• instrument builder
• planetary scientist
• program manager
• research scientist

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-5081

• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate Programs
• M.Eng. Program in Geological Sciences
• Student Opportunities
• DEI Initiatives
• Faculty & Research Staff
• Field Faculty
• Graduate Students
• Administrative Staff
• Advisory Council
• Academic Leadership
• Centers, Labs, and Institutes
• Geochemistry Facilities
• Heasley Museum
• Give to EAS
• Get Involved
• EAS Magazine
• Mental Health Support
• EAS Graduate Virtual Open House
• Experience and Employment
• Undergraduate Student Activities
• Academic Support
• Graduate Student Activities

M.S. and Ph.D. Programs in Geological Sciences

Our graduate program in geological sciences is designed to give students broad training in the basic sciences as well as field, theoretical, and practical experience through research in their specialty. The program has particular strengths in geophysics, geochemistry and petrology, structural geology, sedimentology, marine ecology, and energy resources. However, the exceptional flexibility of Cornell's graduate program provides ample opportunity for students to work across disciplinary areas. For example, arrangements exist for study of marine ecology, water resources, and various branches of applied geological science. Faculty members in other fields or divisions offer interdisciplinary courses including planetology and extraterrestrial geology, paleobotany, ecology and systematics, biogeochemistry, limnology, soil genesis, soil mineralogy, soil and rock mechanics, remote sensing, environmental fluid mechanics and hydrology, fluid dynamics, elasticity, geotechnical and earthquake engineering, regional planning, hydraulics and hydrology, and materials science and engineering. 

At least one minor subject outside the field is required for the doctoral degree. Before the end of their third semester in residence, all students must take a qualifying examination. This exam, an addition to those required by the Graduate School, determines the candidate's fitness for undertaking advanced studies and enables the student's special committee to plan programs that will make the student familiar with the requisite knowledge in the chosen areas. 

Research and Study Opportunities: 

Research programs are being conducted by the field in such diverse areas as fluid cycling in subduction zones; space-based geodetic studies of faults, volcanoes, and anthropogenic deformation; interaction of tectonics, topography, and climate in major mountain systems; investigation of igneous rocks in arc systems; tectonics, seismology, sedimentation, and geomorphology of the central Andes; planetary science, comparative planetology, and solar system exploration; seismic reflection profiling of the deep crust and upper mantle; mechanics and properties of subduction zone megathrusts and other large faults; induced earthquakes; using seismic signals of earth noise to understand atmospheric and solid-earth phenomena; development and application of earth system models; response of marine ecosystems to climate variability and change; surface responses to extreme precipitation; dynamics and mechanics of the lithosphere and asthenosphere; application of geophysical techniques to environmental and archaeological problems; marine ecological and paleontological studies; sedimentology and diagenesis of mudstones; dynamics of marine ecosystems and organisms from plankton to whales using remote sensing and other tools; volcanic hazard assessment; biogeochemistry, soil development, and dynamics in young volcanic terrains; geochemistry and geophysics of oceanic islands, mid-ocean ridges and island arcs; and remote sensing of seismic and volcanic deformation of the crust.

The field maintains working agreements with institutions worldwide to facilitate research projects in those areas or to work on materials especially accessible there. Current and recent graduate students have carried out field investigations in such diverse places as Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Honduras, Chile, Argentina, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Monterey Bay (California), Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, and Tibet. The Paleontological Research Institution, located near the campus, has world-renowned facilities and collections available to students interested in paleontology.

Major Concentrations:

economic geology engineering geology environmental geophysics general geology geobiology geochemistry and isotope geology geohydrology geomorphology geophysics geotectonics mineralogy ocean science and technology paleontology petroleum geology petrology planetary geology Precambrian geology Quaternary geology rock mechanics sedimentology seismology stratigraphy structural geology

Ph.D. students choose a major advisor representing one of the above concentrations and two or more minor advisors, one of which must represent a minor from a field outside of geological sciences. Astronomy, chemistry, ecology and evolutionary biology, education, and civil engineering are just a few of the examples of typical outside minors. Together, these advisors form the special committee that guides the student's program. The same is true for M.S. students, but they need choose only a single minor advisor. There are no specific course or credit requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees; rather, a student's coursework is determined by the special committee. Generally the last two to three years of the Ph.D. program and last year or more of the M.S. program are devoted entirely to dissertation or thesis research. 

Application and Admission

How to Apply

We strongly recommend that potential applicants contact faculty members with whom they are interesting in studying before applying.

We accept applications online via the  Cornell Graduate School website . You should specify the "field of geological sciences" as there is no graduate field of earth and atmospheric sciences. In your essay, please indicate clearly the discipline(s) within geological sciences in which you are interested (e.g., "active tectonics," "low temperature geochemistry," "global change," etc.). Your essay, and indeed your entire application, will be stronger if you have carefully investigated Cornell's strengths via these webpages and individual faculty pages, the published literature, and have contacted individual faculty with whom you might be interested in working.

Please note that Cornell University expects all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credential services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services violates University policy, and may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from the University.

Application deadlines

Fall: January 1st

Spring: Check with field  (we typically don't admit students for the spring term)

Financial Aid

Information on tuition and fees  can be found on the Cornell Graduate School website. There are a variety of forms of financial aid available to graduate students at Cornell. Nearly all our Ph.D. and M.S. students receive financial aid that provides tuition, academic-year stipend and health insurance. Summer support may also be available. This financial aid is generally available for up to five years for Ph.D. students and two years for M.S. students and is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.

• Department fellowships—the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences typically has available to it two fellowships, known as the Long Fellowship and the McMullen Fellowship.
• Cornell Fellowships—the field of geological sciences typically has available to it two Cornell Fellowships , which are awarded to incoming Ph.D. students.
• Teaching assistantships—students supported on teaching assistantships spend an average of 15 hours a week assisting with the teaching of courses in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. This teaching experience is vital to those wishing to go on to a teaching career and it is likely that many graduate students will be appointed as a teaching assistant at some point during their Cornell career.
• Graduate research assistantships—most graduate students in geological sciences are supported as graduate research assistants through a faculty member's externally funded research project.
• National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships —we encourage all applicants and first-year graduate students to apply directly to NSF for these prestigious and competitive graduate fellowships.
• NASA Fellowships—graduate students commonly apply for these fellowships after their first year, when their research project has become well-defined.
• Fellowships from international governments, agencies, or companies—graduate students may be sponsored by an agency in their home nation.
• Other fellowships—we occasionally have students supported on Department of Energy or Department of Defense fellowships.

Contact Information:

Director of Graduate Studies Professor Matthew Pritchard [email protected] 607-255-4870

Assistant Director of Graduate Programs & Course Coordinator Sierra Henry [email protected] 607-255-8737

• Graduate Programs
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Degree Programs >

PHD, Geology

As the terminal degree in Geology, the Ph.D. is the starting point of an academic career in the Earth and Planetary Sciences. It is also sought-after by public- and private-sector organizations focused on natural resources development and regulation.

Degree Type: Doctoral

Degree Program Code: PHD_GEOL

Degree Program Summary:

The Department of Geology offers M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs across a diverse array of specializations, including environmental geology and surficial processes, structural and planetary geology, paleobiology and stratigraphy, petrology and volcanology, geophysics, and geoarchaeology. Depending on the area of specialization, research may include field work, laboratory studies, and computational analyses. The Department has a wide array of instrumentation, and additional instrumentation is available across campus.

Graduate students in Geology are supported by teaching assistantships as well as research assistantships, which are funded through grants and industry sources. The Department of Geology has several internal grants programs that support research and travel by graduate students, and we mentor students in seeking external funding. Graduate students are admitted to work with individual faculty members, and the Department places a strong emphasis on mentoring students and developing individualized plans of instruction. M.S. students typically complete their degree requirements in two years, and Ph.D. students typically complete theirs in four years.

Geology graduate students have consistently had a high employment rate in the discipline, with careers in environmental geology, the petroleum and mining industries, government, and academia. The Department maintains close ties with its alumni, who financially support departmental programs and make available internships and employment opportunities.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty in their area of interest as well as the Graduate Coordinator. Students are typically admitted only for Fall Semester.

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

Franklin College of Arts & Sciences

346 Brooks Hall Athens, GA 30602

706-542-8776

Department:

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Steven Holland

Phone Number:

706-542-0424

Search for another degree

Find your graduate program.

Offering 200+ degrees, certificates and programs of study, we’ll help you get started on your graduate journey.

 or 

Search by keyword, program of study, department or area of interest

Interested in earning both a bachelor’s & master’s degree in five years or less?

Learn more about Double Dawgs .

Unlocking potential. Building futures.

Apply Today

The Graduate School Brooks Hall 310 Herty Drive Athens, GA 30602 706.542.1739

• Administration
• Graduate Bulletin
• Strategic Plan
• Virtual Tour
• Request Information
• Requirements
• Application Fee
• Check Status
• UGA Main Campus
• UGA Gwinnett
• UGA Griffin
• UGA Atlanta-Buckhead

University of South Florida

School of Geosciences

College of Arts and Sciences

Main Navigation

Ph.d. in geology.

The Ph.D. degree in Geology is a research-oriented interdisciplinary program. Students participate in high-impact research and scholarship to develop, apply, and disseminate scientific knowledge about Earth and planetary systems and their evolution in space and time. Research areas within the geology program span a wide range of sub-disciplines and geographic locations.    Students design their specific curriculum of high-quality, skills-based geology courses with their major professor and advisory committee. This flexibility enables students to tailor their degree to support their research interests and career goals.  

• Program Requirements

• Graduate Students
• Geology Graduate Program

PhD in Geology

The Ph.D. in Geology is an advanced degree with a program made up of coursework, comprehensive exams and a major research investigation. Students are expected to be grounded in one or more of the geology program’s key areas of specialization: Earth’s systems interactions, energy resources, environmental geology and geochemistry, and planetary geoscience. 

In the doctoral program, we seek a close alignment between an applicant’s proposed area of investigation and faculty expertise. Applicants are strongly encouraged to  contact faculty  in their proposed area of specialization before applying. The Ph.D. requires 9 hours of academic credit and typically takes four years of full-time study. 

Graduate Catalog

Take the next step and become a Mountaineer.

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

Request Information

Want to know more about WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the endless possibilities we offer.

• Enroll & Pay
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Degree Programs
• Geology Graduate PhD

Doctoral students can specialize in any area where the faculty has sufficient expertise, including sedimentology, paleontology, tectonics, geobiology, glaciology, geophysics and hydrogeology.  The MS degree is  not  a prerequisite for admission to the doctoral program, and doctoral students are subject to the same initial requirements as master’s students.  A student that is initially admitted to the MS program but performs exceptionally well during the first two semesters may be invited to proceed directly toward the doctorate. Upon admission to the PhD program, the new student is classified as a PhD aspirant.  Once the student has completed coursework, completed a satisfactory PhD dissertation proposal, and passed oral comprehensive exams, the student is advanced to candidacy and classified as a PhD candidate.This degree program, usually completed in five years, requires coursework, publications and a dissertation.

Required credit hours for the PhD degree:

• There are no formal credit hours requirements for the PhD degree, although all PhD students are required to fulfill requirements for Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship (see below). 
• The actual program of study will be developed by the advisory committee in consultation with the student and designed to meet the needs of the students research and career interests.

Required courses for the PhD degree:

• GEOL 701: Graduate Student Professional Skills and Ethics
• GEOL 999: Doctoral Dissertation*

*  Doctoral aspirants can enroll in GEOL 999 beginning the semester they intend to take their Oral Comprehensive Exam, or after they have passed the Oral Exam and they have been advanced to candidacy.  Exceptions should be made only through consultation with the Graduate Academic Advisor and/or the Director of Graduate Studies.

All doctoral students must meet the  Research Skills  and Responsible Scholarship* requirement before proceeding to comprehensive exams. The requirement must include at least 2 components:

• Every doctoral student is required to obtain research skills pertinent to the doctoral level of research in their field(s).
• Every doctoral student is required to have training in responsible scholarship pertinent to the field of research.

*The University requires that all PhD students receive “training in responsible scholarship relative to the field of study.”  The Department of Geology offers a 2-credit hour course to meet this requirement,  GEOL 701: Graduate Student Professional Skills and Ethics , during the fall semester of each year.  Topics include but are not limited to human subjects, data management, conflicts of interest, appropriate research conduct, collaborative research, authorship of research articles and grant applications, citation ethics, plagiarism, copyright, peer review, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, mentor/student responsibilities, classroom behavior and ethics, and professional liability. The format will consist of readings, policy reviews and resources, short presentations, case studies, and discussion.

Applications to the Geology PhD program can be submitted through Graduate Admissions . 

Geology Degrees

• Geology Undergraduate BA
• Geology Undergraduate BS
• Geology Undergraduate Minor
• Geology Graduate MS
• Environmental Geology PSM and Environmental Geology Certificate
• Geology Graduate NDS

Ph.D. in Geology

Build the skills and expertise in independent research that are the foundation for your geology career.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you'll conduct extensive fieldwork and build analytical skills in state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Experienced, accessible faculty are committed to seeing you achieve your research goals as you build skills for professional success.

Why earn a Ph.D. in geology?

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

As a Geology Ph.D. candidate, you'll:

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

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.

Geology Ph.D. Program Requirements

You'll complete:

• Two consecutive semesters in residence during the first two years of your studies.
• Complete a qualifying exam (that includes a research proposal)
• Submit a series of peer-reviewed journal and conference papers
• Successfully defend a dissertation

UND's Ph.D. in Geology

Access the largest geoscience library in the upper Midwest, which contains 100,000 maps and 50,000 volumes.

We are diverse. Students in UND's Geology program come from around the country, and world.

The Geology program is based in the four-story, 70,000-square-foot Leonard Hall. It's a state-of-the-art facility for research in geophysics, hydrogeology, petroleum engineering, mining and more.

The Wilson M. Laird Core and Sample Library , across from Leonard Hall, contains cores from nearly every oil well drilled in North Dakota and is an invaluable research resource.

Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

What can I do with a Ph.D. in geology?

Median salary for geoscientists, top 10% earner

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Expected job growth for geoscientists to 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook

A geology degree is the gateway to careers in a wide range of fields. Employers include:

• 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:

• Operations geologist
• Biostratigrapher
• Senior geologist
• Maturation geologist
• Structural geologist
• Sedimentologist
• Stratigrapher

Ph.D. in Geology Courses

GEOL 530. Topics in Physical Hydrogeology. 2 Credits.

Selected topics in groundwater, vadose-zone hydrology, fracture flow, analytical/numerical modeling, GIS and hydrology, and wetland soils/hydrology. Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 8.00 credits. F,S.

GEOL 511. Advanced Structural Geology. 4 Credits.

Reading and research in special topics in structural geology and geotectonics.

GEOL 523. Topics in Advanced Geomorphology. 1-4 Credits.

Selected topics in geomorphic processes and landforms. Prerequisite: GEOL 311 . Repeatable to 4.00 credits.

GEOL 560. Geothermics I. 3 Credits.

A survey of the methods of geothermal exploration, assessment and production. The course covers the various methods for discovery and characterization of geothermal resources. Methods for assessment of energy in place and determination of recoverable energy are covered in depth. Current technologies for energy extraction and power production are presented with current examples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Corequisite: Permission of instructor. On demand.

GEOL 551. Heat Flow. 3 Credits.

An exploration of Earth's thermal structure, thermal history and heat sources. The course begins with the theory of heat transfer within and through the surface of terrestrial planets. Methods of observation and modeling provide hands-on experience in field and laboratory activities. Applications of heat flow in tectonics, petrology, thermal maturity of kerogen, hydrogeology, geothermics and climate change are presented with current examples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Corequisite: Permission of instructor. On demand.

GEOL 540. Water Sampling and Analysis. 3 Credits.

Techniques of water and sediment sampling and analysis using equipment in the UND Water Quality Laboratory. Results are interpreted in the context of the natural systems from which the samples are taken. Enrollment is limited to eight students per section. A laboratory fee is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 .

Leaders in Geology

With hands-on learning guided by experienced professionals, you'll conduct ground breaking research at UND.

UND geologist unearths world’s oldest ice

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities. 

• Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering
• Find Similar Programs

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information .

Ph.D. Geology

Program description.

Ph.D. research in Geology focuses on fundamental questions in the Earth Science Sciences ranging from how Earth formed, how it has evolved through time, and how it operates and is changing today.

The Ph.D. in Geology often involves extensive fieldwork and prepares students for both academic and other professional careers in a broad variety of geoscience fields including geomorphology, field geology, groundwater and hydrogeology, sedimentology, geochemistry and geophysics, mineralogy and petrology, plate tectonics, volcanology, and the geospatial exploration of Earth and other planetary bodies.

Our geologists and geoscientists leverage NASA and NSF-funded research to explore both terrestrial and planetary geosciences using our in-house, cutting-edge analytical laboratories (see: Radiogenic Isotope & Geochronology Laboratory  and the Peter Hooper GeoAnalytical Lab ).

Specializations are offered in:

• Sedimentology-Stratigraphy
• Structural geology – Tectonics
• Mineralogy-Petrology-Geochemistry
• Hydrogeology-biochemistry
• Geophysics-Geodynamics

If you are interested in pursuing an Ph.D. in Geology in SoE and being mentored by one of our faculty members, begin by first visiting their website  and contacting them directly.

By working and training with these leading geologists and Earth scientists, the Ph.D. in Geology will:

• result in a dissertation that will be a significant contribution to the science of geology and the broad geosciences
• be worthy of publication in referred international journals

Program requirements 

• 15 hours minimum of graded course work at 500 level if student has an M.S. Or 17 hours minimum of graded 500-level coursework if student has only a B.S.
• 9 hours maximum non-graduate 300/400 level graded course
• 20 hours minimum of SOE 800 – 1 credit during each semester enrolled except summer
• Courses taken for audit or courses graded Pass/Fail may not be used on the program of study.
• Preliminary exam
• Dissertation
• Final oral exam
• Dissertation defense

Preliminary Qualifying Exam

Each student is required to pass a preliminary examination to become a candidate for the Ph.D. degree. This examination will be taken after most of the required coursework has been completed, as determined by the dissertation committee, and upon submission of a dissertation research proposal, usually after the second year in the program. It will consist of a written exam followed by an oral defense, the format of which will be determined by the individual committee. Both will focus on the student’s major area of competency, courses taken, and the subject matter of the proposed research.

If the student fails to pass the examination after the allowed number of attempts, SOE will recommend to the graduate school that the student be disenrolled from the program.

Developing a Program of Study

Each student will develop a program of study in cooperation with a Supervisory Committee that includes their Faculty Advisor as Chair. The program of study is a plan for your classwork and research credits throughout the rest of your program.

The program of study form is an official form with due dates (see below). You may find the form here .

Pullman, Puyallup, and Tri Cities Students : Programs of study are due by a specific date in your third semester of study. These dates are October 1st if your third semester is during the fall, and March 1st if your third semester is during the spring.  These are firm deadlines, set in place by the Graduate School. 

Vancouver Students : Your program of study is due at the end of your 2nd semester.

As preparation for a Preliminary Examination, a core curriculum must be completed through preceding and/or new coursework that will yield competencies in areas determined by their faculty advisor in accordance with program bylaws and the most recent graduate student handbook.

[Photo credits: Banner photo: View of the Earth from orbit on the International Space Station. Source: Wikipedia . Author: Alexander Gerst (Geophysicist – ESA Astronaut)  License: CC BY-SA 2.0 ]

Labs and Facilities

• FlashLine Login
• Phone Directory
• Maps & Directions
• Mission and DEI Statement
• Forms and Downloads
• Earth Sciences at Regional Campuses
• Earth Sciences Palmer Lecture Series
• Student Organizations
• Career Descriptions
• I'm not an Earth Sciences major. Why should I take Earth Sciences courses?
• Job Search Resources
• Salary Expectations
• What can I do with a degree in Earth Sciences?
• Who hires earth scientists?
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science
• Bachelor of Science - Environmental Geology Concentration
• Bachelor of Science
• Minor in Earth Sciences
• CORE Courses in Earth Sciences
• Undergraduate Course Descriptions
• Endowed Undergraduate Internship Program
• Field Trips
• Undergraduate Awards and Scholarships
• M.S. in Geology
• Ph.D. in Applied Geology
• Career Outcomes for Graduate Students
• Applying to the Graduate Program
• Graduate Course Descriptions
• Graduate Awards and Scholarships
• Graduate Students
• Earth Sciences Faculty Photo Archive
• Environmental Research
• Recent Faculty and Student Research Publications
• Evolution of Earth Systems Research
• Interdisciplinary Research Groups
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities
• Research Funding Updates
• Manual of Field Safety
• Photo Gallery
• Program of Study

Applied Geology - Ph.D.

Applied Geology. Our program offers rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and practical experience in the field, preparing you for a successful career in the industry. With experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and real-world experiences, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to solve complex geology challenges and make a meaningful impact.

• Program Coordinator: David Singer | [email protected] | 330-672-3006
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Apply Now Request Information Schedule a visit

Program Information

Full description.

The Ph.D. degree in Applied Geology prepares students for careers in industry and academic institutions where research into the application of geological principles focuses on solutions to basic and applied research questions. Focus areas include environmental research (water, surface and subsurface processes; geohazards; and natural resources), as well as evolution of earth's systems research (climate change, paleoecology and evolution, crustal processes).

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website . For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website .

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
• Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
• Minimum 77 MELAB score
• Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
• Minimum 58 PTE score
• Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website . For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education website .

Application Deadlines

• Priority deadline: January 15 Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission .

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Show in-depth comprehension of several areas, including both basic and applied aspects of geology/earth sciences.
• Demonstrate the ability to formulate testable scientific hypotheses and carry out independent research using appropriate field, experimental, analytical and/or computational methods.
• Describe, synthesize and interpret the results of a scientific investigation and understand its broader applications.

Program Requirements

Graduation requirements, major requirements.

Each doctoral candidate, upon admission to candidacy, must register for ESCI 80199 for a total of 30 credit hours. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for Dissertation I, and thereafter ESCI 80299 , each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met.

All students will have a fundamental knowledge and understanding of earth materials by the end of the second year in the program. This will be fulfilled by a lecture and lab course in Earth materials or an equivalent course related to mineralogy and/or petrology as determined by the graduate coordinator.

To be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree, a student must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations prior to the start of the fifth semester after admission to the doctoral program. The comprehensive examinations focus on mastery of the student’s major area of concentration and one minor area, as well as the fundamentals of geology and its allied sciences as appropriate to the student’s proposed dissertation topic. Students who fail the comprehensive examinations may be allowed to repeat them once; this must be completed more than one month after the initial examination, but less than six months thereafter.

All students admitted to the doctoral program must complete two successive semesters of full-time graduate study at Kent State University. During this time they must obtain a minimum of 22 credit hours.

• Kent Campus

Important Dates

There are several deadlines that must be met in order to graduate in a timely fashion. If the student applies for graduation in one term and is delayed in finishing the work, it is necessary to file a re-application in the Office of Graduate Affairs, in the term in which graduation is anticipated. 

Students who have completed coursework and are no longer funded by the department, and are finishing their research, must register for a dissertation, and must be registered in the semester they graduate. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for your enrollment term or the Department office for more information.

Additional Resources

View our list of forms and downloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students must take a specific amount of coursework in their minor area. Beyond this, the only specific requirement that must be completed prior to graduation is a dissertation and certain amount of credit hours above the M.S. or B.S. respectively. Specific coursework necessary to prepare the candidate for the dissertation work will be selected on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the faculty advisor and the members of the examination committee. Keep in mind that in addition to the formal courses offered in the department you have the following options available to help you develop the skills you need:

• You can take courses at the University of Akron, Cleveland State University, and Youngstown State University through the Memorandum of Understanding, without transfer. This widens your choice of coursework substantially. The approval form must be completed well before you register for your desired course. Discuss this with the Graduate Coordinator and/or your Advisor.
• You can take coursework in allied fields; such as GIS or Remote Sensing courses in Geography; the Wetlands, Limnology, and Ecology courses in Biological Sciences; the Environmental Chemistry courses in Chemistry; computer programming courses in Math & Computer Science; or relevant courses in Physics. See the Registrar's website for available courses by semester. Note: Please consult primary advisor before enrolling in cross-discipline coursework. 

The candidacy examination committee consists of three members of the earth sciences graduate faculty: the advisor, the minor advisor, and one general earth sciences examiner. All members of the committee must have the appropriate graduate faculty rank as described in the departmental handbook. The dissertation committee, which evaluates the student's dissertation proposal, consists of the candidacy examination committee, plus an outside member who may be from another department on campus or another institution if approved by the Graduate College. All members of the committee must have the appropriate graduate faculty rank as described in the College of Arts and Sciences Rules Regarding the Final Examination.

Upon completion of the dissertation proposal defense, the dissertation final examination committee is formed which consists of the dissertation committee and a graduate representative appointed by the Office of Graduate Affairs of the College of Arts and Sciences. The graduate representative may also serve as the moderator for the defense, or another individual may be appointed. The guidelines regarding the graduate representative and/or moderator are found in the College of Arts and Sciences Rules regarding the Graduate Faculty Representative and Dissertation Defense Moderator.

Requests for an outside committee member from another institution should be made in writing by the advisor to the graduate coordinator and accompanied by a current version of the CV for the prospective outside member. Such requests must be approved by the Associate Dean of the Graduate College.

Yes, you can transfer an amount of credit hours from an accredited institution, as long as the work was done within 10 years of the completion date of your Ph.D. in Geology.

The KSU College of Arts & Sciences Style Guide and Instructions for Formatting Theses and Dissertations is available in the main Earth Sciences office. You can also access these materials from this website, or at the appropriate page in the Arts and Sciences website. Libraries and Media Services also provides guidelines for preparing your thesis or dissertation to help you complete the process

See the University policy for degree completion .

Application for extension of time limits

Please see our information on Ph.D. Minors.

The Department of Earth Sciences requires all Department and University funded students to be enrolled full-time (at least 8 credits) during the academic year. Students who are not funded by the department are recommended to be enrolled full-time to ensure that they make continued progress toward their degree and to save on tuition and fees by shortening their time to degree.

For additional enrollment requirements consult the University Graduate Catalog .

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

slower than the average

number of jobs

potential earnings

about as fast as the average

faster than the average

Request Information

What's Next

Be one step closer to joining our Golden Flashes family!

Street Address

Mailing address.

• 330-672-3000
• [email protected]
• Geology at Regional Campuses
• Student Resources
• Forms Library
• Kent State Kent Campus - facebook
• Kent State Kent Campus - twitter
• Kent State Kent Campus - youtube
• Kent State Kent Campus - instagram
• Kent State Kent Campus - linkedin
• Kent State Kent Campus - snapchat
• Kent State Kent Campus - pinterest
• Accessibility
• Annual Security Reports
• Emergency Information
• For Our Alumni
• For the Media
• Health Services
• Jobs & Employment
• Privacy Statement
• HEERF CARES/CRRSAA/ARP Act Reporting and Disclosure
• Website Feedback

• Departments & Programs
• Office of the Dean
• Welcome from the Dean
• By the Numbers
• State of the College 2023
• Information For Faculty & Staff
• Undergraduate Programs
• Undergraduate Certificate Programs
• Dean's List
• Graduate Programs
• Graduate Certificate Programs
• Advising and Support
• Find a Program
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Future Students
• Current Students
• Student Success
• Study Abroad
• Academic Advisors
• Academic Resources
• Career Ready
• Undergraduate Research
• Graduate Research
• Faculty Research
• Research Development
• Centers & Institutes
• Development Office
• Giving Priorities
• Ways to Give

• College of Arts & Sciences News
• Media Relations
• Women in Science
• Teachers & Educators
• K-12 Students

Ph.D. in Geology

The Ph.D. in Geology will give you a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of geology and training in methods of research.

Through this degree program, you will learn how to:

• Explain the scope, significance and limitations of geological information to land and environment stewardship and civil infrastructure stakeholders
• Develop new methods to evaluate risk and vulnerability from geological hazards and to make detailed evaluations about quality and quantity of Earth resources
• Determine whether geological data indicate a subsurface target of interest so that reliable drilling and excavation decisions can be made
• Design and execute field studies that employ geological data to solve a geoscience problem
• Create robust and reliable inferences of fundamental Earth structures and processes from incomplete and possibly inaccurate geological information
• Combine geological and geophysical data to build and assess the implications of integrative models whose value exceed the sum of its components
• Deliver oral presentations and answer technical questions in plain language, in which you will describe and interpret geological information and carefully explain compelling conclusions to the audience
• Prepare and widely circulate well-written and well-structured documents that contain sound reasoning and robust conclusions based on geological principles
• Use the full capabilities of commercial software packages to process, display and manipulate geological data and work with companies for their further development and refinement
• Use advanced geological field and laboratory equipment
• Execute robust and decisive tests of geological research hypotheses using advanced principles, data, and techniques
• Apply and further develop advanced principles of scientific uncertainty as they relate to geological hypothesis testing
• Be a role model in professional conduct in research and assume leadership roles of professional societies within geological sciences
• Demonstrate exemplary behavior in balancing stakeholder, client and public interest as it pertains to geological investigations

Ph.D. in Geology Program Requirements

Earning a Doctoral Degree

The doctoral program gives you a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of your professional field and training in methods of research.

The final basis for granting the degree will be your grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. You also must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and convincingly in both oral and written form.

The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence, and technical requirements, although these must be met.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

• Recommendations
• Notifications
• My Favorites

Favorites, recommendations, and notifications are only available for UCLA Graduate Students at this time.

Access features exclusively for UCLA students and staff.

As a student, you can:

• Add funding awards to your favorites list
• Get notified of upcoming deadlines and events
• Receive personalized recommendations for funding awards

 We're Sorry

You've signed in with a UCLA undergraduate student account.

UCLA Graduate Programs

Graduate Program: Geology

UCLA's Graduate Program in Geology offers the following degree(s):

Master of Science (M.S.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

With questions not answered here or on the program’s site (above), please contact the program directly.

Geology Graduate Program at UCLA 3683A Geology Box 951567 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567

Visit the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences Department’s faculty roster

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Visit the registrar's site for the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences Department’s course descriptions

• Admission Requirements
• Program Statistics

(888) 377-8252

[email protected]

MAJOR CODE: GEOLOGY

Course Catalog

• Geology, PhD

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geology

Ph.D. students are evaluated by two oral examinations: a preliminary examination, and a final examination. The objectives of the Preliminary Examination are to determine if the student is prepared to carry out original research at the Ph.D. level, the topic and scope of the proposed dissertation are appropriate, and if the student can communicate clearly. The final examination determines whether or not the dissertation and the student's defense of the research are of acceptable quality for the Ph.D.

Admission The admission requirements of the Graduate College apply. Completion of at least one year each of study in college-level calculus, chemistry, and physics. For more information, write to the [email protected]. Under special circumstances, students can be admitted at the beginning of the spring term.

Graduate Teaching Experience Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.

Financial Aid Candidates for graduate degrees are usually supported through fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or work-study programs. Fellowships and assistantships include tuition and service fee waivers. Awards for financial assistance are based principally on a candidate's academic record, statement of plans, and letters of reference. Continuation of financial aid depends on student performance and, in the case of teaching assistants, on the receipt of good evaluations. Some assistants are appointed by the State Geological Survey located on campus.

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's  Graduate Degree Programs  and the  Graduate College Handbook .

Entering with approved M.S. degree

Other requirements, entering with approved b.s. degree.

• All graduate students will have a broad understanding of basic foundational theories and phenomena that describe the makeup and functioning of the Earth, across the fields of geology and geophysics. Students should have mastered all areas at the level of GEOL 107 and 208, and should have mastered areas close to their area of specialty at the level of the core classes (e.g., 400-level) of our undergraduate curriculum. 
• All graduate students will have a high level of expertise(beyond the level of our undergraduate program)in their specialized research area within geoscience and any related sciences, and the ability to apply this expertise, along with theoretical and technical skills, to address new scientific questions in that area.
• All graduate students will have knowledge of the recent development of their specialized area of research and current major research directions and questions.
• Ph.D. students will have mastery of their specialized area of research and the ability to identify new research directions that will advance the area of research.
• All graduate students will have the ability to work independently to develop a research project and creatively answer the questions central to the project.
• Ph.D. students will have the ability to identify and formulate a research problem, demonstrate the value of its solution in advancing knowledge, and develop a creative approach toward solving that problem.
• All graduate students will have ethically responsible and effective communication skills, written and verbal, at a professional scientific level.

Graduate Degree Programs in Geology

• Geology, MS
• Environmental Geology, MS (online)

The Department of Geology offers programs leading to the Master of Science in Geology and the Doctor of Philosophy in Geology. Students have a wide variety of choices in their courses and research programs. Departmental research programs include many aspects of geology, geochemistry, and geophysics.

Head of Department: Craig Lundstrom Director of Graduate Studies: Lijun Liu Department Contact:   Lana Holben Geology Department website College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website 3028 Natural History Building, 1301 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801  (217)  333-3540

Admissions Graduate College Admissions & Requirements

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-2024 Catalog (PDF)

A copy of the full 2023-2024 catalog.

Doctoral Degree Program | Geology | SIU

Environment and sustainability programs:.

618-453-3351 |

Main Navigation

• Bachelor's Degree Programs
• Master's Degree Programs
• Application & Funding
• Geology Faculty

Breadcrumb Navigation

• > Environment and Sustainability Programs
• > Geology
• > Doctoral Degree Program

Main Content

Doctor of philosophy in geosciences.

Professional geoscientists worked across a range of sectors, from applications in industry to training the next generation in academic settings. Whether investigating the past, measuring the present, or modeling the future, the PhD in Geosciences focuses on training high-level professionals for geoscience careers.

The southern Illinois region offers a wide variety of geologic conditions that are suitable for graduate study. However, our faculty and students are currently working on a range of geoscience in diverse environments. Examples include studies of the East African Rift System and environments in the western United States that serve as analogs for the study of Mars.

Graduates from the doctoral program in Geosciences at SIU serve in a range of professional roles. Please contact us today to learn about how our program might help you reach your professional goals.

• Costs & Financial Aid
• Meet Our Faculty
• Request Information

Virtual Tour

Degree Requirements

The program of study is flexible, to allow students to take courses offered by departments within the College of Science, and across campus. Each student is expected to take graduate-level courses (excluding readings, independent studies, and internship) of at least 3 credits each from at least four different faculty members at SIUC. The program requires a minimum of 48 semester hours, 24 of which may be 600-level dissertation credits.

View the graduate catalog for full list of requirements.

Skip to Content

Other ways to search:

• Events Calendar

How to Apply   Request More Information

Graduate Degrees in Geology

The Department of Geological Sciences offers Master of Science and doctoral degree programs. Our research-oriented department is affiliated with a number of research institutes and research centers, empowering students to advance their unique research interests.

The University of Colorado Boulder is ideally suited to the study of geological sciences. At the junction of the high plains and the Rocky Mountains, the Boulder area represents a natural outdoor laboratory where you can study geological features of all ages in diverse settings and observe earth processes firsthand. Fieldwork in the Rocky Mountain region is an essential part of instruction and research.

Degree Types

• College of Arts and Sciences
• Department of Geological Sciences

CU Boulder is ranked the No. 3 university in the world for geoscience ( U.S. News & World Report , 2023) 

Students work with faculty who support a wide range of interdisciplinary research programs in biochemistry, economic resources, geodynamics, geophysics, glaciology, global climate change, hydrogeology, paleontology and surficial processes.

Research institute and center affiliates include the Cooperative Institute for Environmental Research (CIRES), the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), the Center for Astrobiology, the Energy and Minerals Applied Research Center (EMARC), and the CU Boulder Museum of Natural History.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Master of science.

• 30 credit hours
• Thesis and nonthesis options
• Each student acquires a primary advisor and an advisory committee that provides guidance throughout the degree program.

GRE/GMAT Requirements

• Not required.

Application Deadlines

• International applicants: Dec. 1 at 9:59 p.m. MT
• U.S. applicants: Dec. 15 at 9:59 p.m. MT

For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in geology .

Doctor of Philosophy

• 30 credit hours of coursework
• 30 credit hours of doctoral dissertation

For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in geology .

Research Areas

• Cosmochemistry & Planetary Geology
• Earth Science Education
• Economic & Energy Resources
• Geobiology & Astrobiology
• Geochemistry
• Geochronology, Thermochronology, Geologic Time
• Geodynamics, Geophysics, Remote Sensing
• Geomorphology & Cryosphere
• Global Change
• Natural Hazards
• Paleoclimate & Paleoceanography
• Paleontology & Paleobiology
• Petrology & Mineralogy
• Sedimentology & Stratigraphy
• Structure & Tectonics

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding      Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Graduate Student Organizations

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Health & Wellness

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Leadership Development

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Peer Mentoring Program

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Go to Admissions

Apply for Admission

Visit Campus

Support CU Boulder

• Safety & Health Services
• COVID-19 Information
• Campus Communications
• Emergency Alert System
• New Student & Family Programs

Getting Around

• Campus Events
• Parking & Transportation
• Visit Information

Information for

• Faculty & Staff
• Journalists

Initiatives

• Business & Industry Collaborations
• Diversity & Community Engagement
• Free Speech
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Public & Outreach Programs
• Sustainability
• Understanding Your Cost of Attendance

PhD programs

Explore our doctoral degree programs, which phd path is right for you.

With 21 PhD program options to choose from , you can definitely find the niche you need to advance your knowledge and career goals.

Advertisement

Boston University graduate students go on strike, citing lack of progress in negotiations

Hundreds gathered on Boston University's campus for a blustery midday rally to kick off the Boston University Graduate Workers Union's strike. The union, which has roughly 3,000 members, voted to authorize the strike earlier this month.

At Monday’s rally on Marsh Plaza, organizers were supported by representatives from other labor unions and elected officials, including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

During the nationwide uptick in graduate student labor activism, union members often voice a common grievance: that they perform essential teaching, research and administrative duties while being paid relatively meager stipends.

But members of the Boston University Graduate Workers Union said their strike highlights particular frustrations. They say contract negotiations have moved at a glacial pace, all while the costs of rent, food and child care near campus rise.

After years of organizing, BUGWU formed in December 2022 after a lopsided victory in its union election. But it's still bargaining its first contract — something union organizers blame on the university’s efforts to draw out the process. (Editor's note: Boston University owns WBUR’s broadcast license.)

The strike coincides with BUGWU’s filing of an unfair labor practice petition with the National Labor Relations Board, arguing the university is withholding vital information about the unit that they are obligated to provide.

Union officials claimed that BU has the means to be more generous, pointing to the university’s most recent financial statement from last June, which disclosed a $152 million operating surplus.

In a statement sent Monday afternoon, BU spokesperson Rachel Lapal Cavallario wrote that BU leaders “value our graduate students and their many contributions to teaching and research and will continue to address their needs through the collective bargaining process.”

“At the same time, we are concerned about the strike’s impact on teaching, research, and the lives of thousands of other students, and we are working to minimize that disruption,” Cavallario added.

Blair Stowe, a union member and doctoral student in theology at BU, claimed that university negotiators have taken, on average, 100 days to respond to union proposals — three times longer than she says the union has typically taken to respond to the university’s proposals. After eight months of little progress, Stowe said, union members agreed: “We needed to stand up and say, ‘We need a fair contract and we need it now.’ ”

Stowe, who lives in Dorchester, earns a stipend of just over $26,000 a year. A sign taped to her back during the rally noted she would need to earn more than twice that to afford the cost of BU’s child care for her two children under age 5.

“I’m lucky. … I call my husband my ‘generous benefactor’ — we have a one-and-a-half-income household," Stowe said. "But it’s still hard."

Other members who are parents spoke to deeper worries. Pol Pardini Gispert, a doctoral candidate in philosophy, said, “I'm tired of living with a constant uncertainty of whether I'm going to be able to provide for my family.”

Gispert has an 8-month-old daughter. Speaking to the crowd Monday, he said, “Will I be able to afford rent next month? Will I be able to afford diapers or the food that my daughter needs this week? If my daughter gets sick, will I be able to afford the bills?”

At BU and elsewhere, graduate students are expected to work 20 hours each week, though several union members said Monday they’re often asked to work more than that.

Currently, stipends for BU’s graduate student workers range from roughly $26,000 to $40,000. University officials have said they offered a 13% increase over the next three years, but that union negotiators want more.

In addition to increased stipends, the union’s demands include expanded child care benefits, disability accommodations, and vision and dental insurance.

Among the union members to join Monday’s rally in solidarity was BU junior Jasmine Richardson, who helped organize BU’s residential-life workers into a union last year.

Richardson shared criticisms about the university’s negotiating process. Five months into bargaining their own inaugural contract, Richardson said unit members consistently leave feeling “disappointed, frustrated and disrespected.”

“BU has consistently broken their promises: not providing the [contract proposals] they say they will, not providing complete articles, offering counter-proposals that are, honestly, just disrespectful and patronizing,” Richardson said.

Monday’s crowd was cheered by the appearance of Pressley, who attended BU. She quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who received his doctorate from BU in 1951, on demands shared by labor and civil rights activists.

Those included, King wrote, “decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, security in our old age, health and welfare measures — conditions in which our families can grow.”

“I wanted to center the words of Dr. King because very often we quote King, and we espouse [his] values at institutions like this, but we don't practice them,” Pressley said before telling the crowd she will stand with them until a fair contract has been signed.

It’s unclear when that will be. While several graduate student strikes have ended in days, a 2019 stoppage at Harvard ran for almost a full month, while a much larger strike in the University of California system two years ago dragged to 40 days .

BU officials have announced that they intend to withhold pay from any student workers who participate in the strike; the union has started a hardship fund for its members.

In a letter sent Monday, Kenneth Lutchen, BU’s interim provost, notified undergraduates of the strike and said administrators are working to “ensure your education proceeds as smoothly as possible.”

Meanwhile, the union has asked the same students to join them on the picket line in solidarity.

• Boston University grad students re-launch union drive, citing low pay amid high cost of living
• Harvard Graduate Students To End Strike Without A Contract
• University of California workers end strike after approving contracts

Max Larkin Reporter, Education Max Larkin is an education reporter.

More from WBUR

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

The College of Arts & Sciences

• Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures
• Student Portal
• News & Events
• Departmental News
• IU Slavic graduate Kyle Tucker

IU Slavic graduate Kyle Tucker selected for the 2024 Monterey Summer Symposium

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Slavic and International Studies graduate Kyle Tucker (B.A. 2023) has been selected as a 2024 Monterey Summer Symposium fellow.

The  Monterey Summer Symposium on Russia is an interdisciplinary summer program for graduate students and early-career diplomats interested in deepening their understanding of Eurasia, hosted by the Monterey Initiative in Russian Studies (MIRS) at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. The upcoming symposium will be held in Armenia, Georgia, and Turkey, from July 1 to July 20, 2024.

You can find more information about the cohort here:  https://www.middlebury.edu/institute/academics/centers-initiatives/monterey-initiative-russian-studies/mssr-2024/fellows

• Faculty + Staff Intranet

Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures social media channels

• College of Arts & Sciences

• Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures B.A.
• Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures Minor
• Master’s Degrees
• Ph.D. Degree