Doctor of Philosophy in Geology

The Department of Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Science offers advanced degrees in Geological Sciences at both M.S. and Ph.D. levels. The M.S. is a professional degree. It is expected that students graduating with a M.S. degree in Geological Sciences will have acquired the capability and skills to competently evaluate and pursue graduate level research and will also possess a sufficiently broad background in the science for a professional career. The program of study for the M.S. includes formal course work in several areas within Geological Sciences, and a thesis project. Although an M.S. thesis is less comprehensive than a Ph.D. dissertation, it is complete in the sense that it is well-grounded in the scientific style of thinking and method, contains a clear defensible hypothesis, and involves a rigorous method of analysis. Successful completion of the M.S. program involves a significant commitment of time and energy, and a level of understanding, that goes well beyond the expectations of the baccalaureate degree.

A student usually enters the doctoral program in Geology with a degree in a basic science and should have substantial undergraduate/masters work in at least one of the following or related field: geology, chemistry, or physics. Applicants for graduate study will select an area of specialization in geology based on their undergraduate/masters work.

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while enrolled as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor's degree.
All applications reviewed by the Geology Graduate Admissions Committee are evaluated in the following five categories listed below:
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose In this section, prospective applicants can describe their:
Motivation for the chosen area of research, potential faculty advisor, and future goals,
Evidence of resilience and adaptability
Examples of problem-solving and leadership skills,
Descriptions of additional relevant non-academic experiences and/or self-awareness
Research Potential Prospective candidates can add/address the following:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume that includes prior research experiences in academia/industry or equivalent
In case of lack of prior research experience/opportunities, evidence of passion for research found in your personal statement and/or letters of recommendations,
Evidence of relevant non-academic experiences and/or self-awareness
Academic Preparation Prospective candidates can add/address the following:
Provide a full copy of your transcript
GPA within undergraduate geology major or closely-related discipline/field
Information found in your letters of recommendation
GRE waivers
Letters of Recommendations
Please arrange three letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, and/or employers familiar with your academic preparation/research experiences/potential.
Personal Interview
A short list of applicants will be contacted, after the application deadline for a brief zoom interview as a part of the admission process
GRE
We strongly encourage all applicants to submit a GRE waiver form to the FSU-Graduate School as a part of the application process for graduate admissions in the geology program
Internet based TOEFL (IBTOEFL): 80
Paper based TOEFL (TOEFL): 550
International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): 6.5