Geographical Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

For those entering with a Master's degree in Geography, the PhD should be completed withing 4 years; For those entering with a Bachelor's or without a Geography background, the PhD should be completed within 5 years. Part-time study takes longer, but at least 1 year full-time attendance is required. Students entering with a B.A. or without a Geography background will take one course each in the following areas: Human, Physical, and Methods. See the PhD Handbook for further details.

Students without a Geography background should complete an additional 9 credits in the following areas:

• Environmental and Biological Aspects of Earth Systems Science,
• Human Dimensions of Global Change, and
• Geospatial Information Sciences.

Advance to Candidacy:  In addition to course requirements, students must successfully pass an annual faculty review, a portfolio assessment, and successfully defend a dissertation prospectus.

Post-Candidacy: In addition to annual faculty reviews, students complete at least 12 credits of GEOG899 Doctoral Dissertation Research as well as successfully defend and submit an original dissertation.