Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences

The PhD in Geological Sciences was approved in 1974 as the first doctoral degree program of the University. The PhD program embraces a variety of advanced disciplines in Earth and Environmental Sciences, with research themes focused in Earth System Geochemistry, Geospatial Research, Professional and Entrepreneurial Geosciences, Science Learning and Education, Solid Earth and Geophysics, and Tectonics and Sedimentation, although PhD degrees may be obtained in any field of the geological sciences. The program has a vibrant group of 20 tenured and tenure-track faculty, with a research portfolio addressing global challenges in the environment and natural resources, while taking advantage of the unique and excellent geological settings in our region for research and education. The PhD program is hosted in the attractive Geological Sciences Building with 90,000-sq.ft spaces for offices, laboratories, and classrooms. The department facilities that support our PhD research include a variety of geochemical instruments for advanced isotope and element analysis (MC-ICP-MS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, IRMS, Laser isotope analyzer, electron microprobe, laser diffraction particle size analyzer and many others), geophysical research infrastructure (seismometers, gravimeters, magnetometers, differential GPS receivers, surface and downhole conductivity and resistivity tools, ground-penetrating radar), geospatial facility, and extensive computational and software resources.

In addition to the materials required of all doctoral program applicants by the UTEP Graduate School, applicants for the Ph.D. in Geological Sciences must provide

Three letters of reference
A personal statement/essay explaining the applicant's motivation for pursuing the doctorate and their qualifications and preparation for doctoral study
GRE is not a requirement
Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to demonstrate English proficiency.

If you did not attend high school in the United States and your most recent institution of learning was not located in an English-speaking country, UTEP requires you to provide evidence of English-language proficiency. Minimum score 550 on the paper-based (pBT) TOEFL. Some programs require 600 or better. Minimum score of 79 on the internet-based test (iBT), and minimum of 6.5 on IELTS.