Geological Sciences, PhD
Explore the processes shaping the interiors and surfaces of Earth and other worlds, powered by real, funded research. Partner with professional faculty on NASA- and NSF-backed projects in advanced labs and in the field.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Geological Sciences PhD degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in geological sciences is designed to develop creative scholarship in the terrestrial and planetary geosciences. You are encouraged to cross subject boundaries and pursue new understandings of Earth and the solar system.
Why earn your geological sciences PhD at ASU?
Geology at ASU lives inside the School of Earth and Space Exploration, so you study our planet alongside planetary scientists, astrophysicists and instrument builders, while pursuing Earth and other worlds.
A location in the geologically spectacular American Southwest makes ASU an exceptional place to do geoscience. You develop both classic field and lab expertise, and modern computational, modeling and remote-sensing skills --- a combination that opens doors in research, industry and government.
Additional details
As part of the SESE graduate community, based largely on the Tempe campus, you gain access to analytical labs, field programs and the Marston Exploration Theater. You also take part in the SESE colloquium, field trips and research symposia.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (1 credit hour) Electives or Research (70 credit hours) Other Requirements (1 credit hour) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
SES 799 Dissertation (12)
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 on the "other requirements" list may be made per department approval.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Evaluate literature and current research in the field of geological sciences as it relates to their own research.
- Conduct independent, original scientific research and draw scientific conclusions that advances knowledge in the geological sciences.
- Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, research findings, and their implications to diverse audiences, including scientific peers, industry professionals, and the public.
Evaluate literature and current research in the field of geological sciences as it relates to their own research.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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 a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this geological sciences PhD degree prepares you for
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 postsecondary education and research.
Career examples include:
- data scientist
- environmental consultant
- geologist
- geosciences professor
- instrument builder
- planetary scientist
- program manager
- research scientist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-prospectivegrads@asu.edu
480-965-5081
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
