Geological Sciences, PhD

The PhD program in Geological Sciences at Arizona State University fosters creative scholarship in terrestrial and planetary geosciences, encouraging students to overcome disciplinary boundaries and seek novel understandings of Earth and the solar system. Graduates are equipped for careers in various geological science fields, including geochemistry, field geology, geomorphology, and planetary geology, as well as academic positions in higher education and research institutions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD program in Geological Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) is designed to foster creative scholarship in the terrestrial and planetary geosciences. It encourages students to overcome disciplinary boundaries and seek novel understandings of Earth and the solar system.

Outline:

Credit Hours: 84
Core Curriculum:
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1 credit hour)
Electives or Research (70 credit hours)
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1 credit hour)
SES 799 Dissertation (12 credit hours)
Other Requirements:
Up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree in a related field may be applied towards the PhD with approval from the supervisory committee and the Graduate College.
Substitutions for listed courses may be made with departmental approval.

Assessment:

Written Comprehensive Exam
Oral Comprehensive Exam
Prospectus
Dissertation

Teaching:

The program boasts a distinguished faculty, actively involved in pioneering research and committed to providing high-quality instruction.
Students benefit from individualized mentorship and guidance throughout their research and coursework.
The program adopts diverse teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, hands-on laboratory experiences, and field-based research opportunities.

Careers:

Graduates are equipped for careers in various geological science fields, including:
Geochemistry
Field Geology
Geomorphology
Structure and Tectonics
Mineralogy and Petrology
Geophysics
Planetary Geology
Hydrology
Volcanology
Earth Observation and Remote Sensing
Geoscience Education
The program also prepares students for academic positions in higher education and research institutions.

Other:

The program is approved for the STEM-OPT extension, offering international students on F-1 visas the opportunity to extend their practical training for up to 36 months.
Graduates are highly sought after in diverse 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

Admissions:

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum GPA requirement of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the first bachelor's degree or in an applicable master's degree program.
Required application materials include:
Graduate admissions application and fee
Official transcripts
Statement of purpose
Three letters of recommendation

Application Deadlines:

Fall Semester: Priority deadline - December 1st
Spring Semester: Priority deadline - October 1st

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

EU home students:

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply 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 a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

International overseas students outside the EU:

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply 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 a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
**Additionally, international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
This can be demonstrated through one of the following tests:
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79
IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0
PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 53, with no communicative skills score below 50

Language Proficiency Requirements:

International students whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of their current residency.
The following tests are accepted as proof of English proficiency:
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79
IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0
PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 53, with no communicative skills score below 50
Applicants must submit the following materials:
Graduate admissions application and application fee
Official transcripts
Statement of purpose
Three letters of recommendation
Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
The application deadline for the Fall semester is December 1st, with a priority deadline of October 1st.

Summary:

Both EU home students and international overseas students outside the EU must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00, and fulfill the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences requirements.
International students whose native language is not English must also demonstrate English proficiency through a recognized test.

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