Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Sciences

The Ph.D. in Earth Sciences is ideal for students interested in careers in academia, research, and other sectors where the terminal degree is required. The Ph.D. requires significant independent research, and all doctoral students write and defend a dissertation.

Graduate study in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers students opportunities for field, laboratory, and computational geological and geophysical research spanning the Earth's deep interior, lithosphere and surface on a host of timescales. Several of our faculty lead collaborative domestic and international research programs that afford our graduate students opportunities to work in diverse parts of the world with teams of internationally recognized scholars. State-of-the-art analytical and computational facilities provide opportunities for cutting-edge research in the fields of Earth Sciences. Diverse, interdisciplinary research opportunities leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees include:

Tectonics
Geomorphology
Hydrogeology & Hydrology
Sedimentology
Thermochronology
Environmental Geology
Biogeochemistry
Isotope Geochemistry
Computational Geophysics
Paleobiology
Paleolimnology
Global Environmental Change

Admission
Applicants must hold a minimum of a B.S. or B.A. degree. Incoming students are expected to have two semesters of the following courses: calculus, chemistry, and physics or biology, as well and at least three Earth science courses, such as: Paleobiology, Sedimentology, Mineralogy, Structural Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Climatology, Geomorphology and/or Hydrogeology. Any missing coursework must be completed during the first two years of graduate study.
We evaluate applications based on fit with your advisor, grades and GPA, coursework, personal statement, research experience, and letters of recommendation. International/non-native English speakers must present scores from one of the Syracuse University approved proficiency examinations. While we require a minimum composite TOEFL score of 85 and no sub-score below 20, competitive applicants typically have scores > 100.