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Geoscience PhD

Geoscience PhD

Doctoral students in the Geoscience PhD program in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s College of Science and Technology pursue advanced coursework and original research exploring the geological processes and cycles that affect human well-being. Courses and research explore how the increasing human population and rapidly expanding technology alter those processes and their effects. Research funding for doctoral students is available in subfields of environmental geology, geochemistry, sedimentary geology and paleontology, and structural geology.

The PhD program will build on research topics and focus on new and emerging areas of geoscience. This field is increasingly interdisciplinary in nature, and the Geoscience PhD program welcomes students from a variety of science majors who are qualified to take graduate coursework in geosciences.

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    51³Ô¹ÏÍø student and professor in a river bed taking water samples.

    Classes & Curriculum

    The Geoscience PhD includes graduate courses in the geosciences, weekly seminars, qualifying exams and research leading to a doctoral dissertation. Other culminating events include passing a written and oral qualifying examination, submitting an original thesis and completing a final oral presentation of that thesis.

    Courses you may take during your studies include

    • Analytical Methods in Mineralogy,
    • Ecohydrology,
    • Glaciology and
    • Sedimentary Petrology.

    Learn more about the Geoscience PhD curriculum.

    Related Graduate Degrees

    Related Graduate Certificates

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $1,395.00 per credit
    Out-of-state: $1,824.00 per credit

    You can view the full .

    Our Advisors

    Faculty advisors will help you to shape your coursework and research activities to align with your goals and academic interests.

    Dennis Terry is the graduate faculty advisor for Geology graduate programs.
    Phone: 215-204-8226
    Email:

    Student Clubs & Organizations

    If you can find the time to participate while meeting the demands of your degree program, student clubs offer valuable opportunities to meet fellow graduate students, researchers and professionals from science- and technology-related industries.

    Clubs and organizations for students pursuing a Geology degree include

    • the , which encourages students to explore geological and environmental topics in social experiences with peers.
    • , a society that was established to recognize scholarship and professionalism in the Earth Sciences. Members can connect through social and research events.

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    Accreditation

    As a division within 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, the College of Science and Technology is accredited by the .

    Additional Program Information