The core of the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in earth and environmental sciences is independent research. Course requirements are designed to support the student's professional goals. Commonly, research programs are pursued within the specialty of the staff. However, innovative research is encouraged in any area of environmental sciences.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Admission
Students holding bachelor's or master's degrees may be admitted to the doctoral program in earth and environmental sciences on the basis of their performance during the previous two years of academic work. Satisfactory scores on the GRE General Test are required.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences
The program of study is determined by mutual agreement between the student and the guidance committee. The student must complete, or have completed prior to admission, 9 credits of course work in earth and environmental sciences and at least 3 credits in 800-level course work. Students must also complete 24 credits of doctoral dissertation research by enrollment in GLG 999.
The required comprehensive examination involves both an oral and a written portion and covers the area of the student's research specialty, those areas that interface with that specialty, and the significance of the proposed research program. Students who are admitted to the doctoral program with master's degrees must pass the comprehensive examination during the second year of enrollment in the program. Students who are admitted to the doctoral program with bachelor's degrees must pass the comprehensive examination during the third year of enrollment in the program.