College of Science
Department of Geosciences
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geology requires original research in a specific area or areas of the geosciences. The successful candidate must demonstrate a breadth of understanding in the geosciences, as well as a depth of understanding in the chosen areas of emphases. Potential students must show an ability to do creative research. This research should be carried out during a significant period of time (i.e., during at least one year or three semesters in residence). Thus, each successful PhD candidate will produce a significant piece of original research, presented in a written dissertation and defended in an oral examination. This work should be of such scope and quality that more than one peer-reviewed publication can be derived from it.
Degree Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to and completion of a graduate program. Students enrolled in the PhD program will be expected to complete the majority of the Geology undergraduate core course requirements if they have not done so prior to enrollment (e.g., Introductory or Physical Geology with laboratory, Minerals and Rocks (Earth Materials), Historical Geology, Sedimentation and Stratigraphy, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, and Field Methods or relevant experience).
Specializations available for the PhD in Geology—Geomorphology and Earth Surface Processes, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Petrology and Geochemistry, Sedimentology and Paleoecology, Structure and Tectonics, and Climate Adaptation Science
There are two program tracks for this degree: academic and professional. The academic track is designed to prepare graduates for a career in academia or other teaching-related settings. It includes an opportunity for classroom teaching experience under the supervision of a faculty teaching mentor. The professional track is designed to prepare graduates for work in professional careers (e.g., energy or minerals sectors; environmental and hydrologic consulting; National Laboratories). Completion of a professional internship is encouraged.
Students completing a PhD in Geology must fulfill the following requirements:
Complete at least 72 credits of graduate coursework (including at least 21 credits of GEO 7970 , Dissertation Research) beyond a BS degree or at least 42 credits (including at least 15 credits of GEO 7970 - Dissertation Research ) beyond an MS degree. The Program of Study for a doctoral degree, if the student has a master’s degree, must include at least 15 semester credits at the level of 6000 or above. For a doctoral degree, if the student does not have a master’s degree, the Program of Study must include at least 30 credits at the level of 6000 or above. An overall GPA of 3.3 or higher and individual course grades of B or higher (in all degree-program coursework) are required.
Academic Track: Successfully teach one geoscience course under the supervision of a faculty mentor while taking GEO 6900 (teaching internship) credits. Coursework in pedagogy may be pursued.
Professional Track: Completion of a professional internship program is encouraged and GEO 6900 credits may be taken with this. Coursework developing computational skills may be pursued.
Pass written comprehensive examinations showing depth and breadth of knowledge in geosciences and in the student’s area(s) of emphasis. The student may be required to take additional classes to satisfy any deficiencies.
Successfully complete a written dissertation research proposal, present that proposal orally to the committee, and defend it during an oral examination. The oral examination will include questions of a deep and probing nature and may range beyond the dissertation proposal into geoscience areas unrelated to the student’s specialization.
Successfully complete and defend a dissertation. The dissertation will be a written document and should consist of several products submitted or accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed venue. The defense will be oral, including a presentation of the work and successful defense of the work to the faculty. Dissertations must be submitted to the Merrill-Cazier Library.
At least 33 semester credits for a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree must be taken from Utah State University and be part of an approved Program of Study. At least three semesters, two of which must be consecutive, of full-time registration in residence at Utah State University, is required.
Geosciences graduate students using department or University facilities and/or under Geosciences faculty supervision must register for a minimum of 3 credits every semester, up to and including the semester in which the dissertation is cleared by the School of Graduate Studies.
A doctorate must be completed within eight years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review. Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.
Students must submit and obtain approval of academic forms required for doctoral students by the School of Graduate Studies.
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