Geology, PhD
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geology
Ph.D. students are evaluated by two oral examinations: a preliminary examination, and a final examination. The objectives of the Preliminary Examination are to determine if the student is prepared to carry out original research at the Ph.D. level, the topic and scope of the proposed dissertation are appropriate, and if the student can communicate clearly. The final examination determines whether or not the dissertation and the student's defense of the research are of acceptable quality for the Ph.D.
Admission
The admission requirements of the Graduate College apply. Completion of at least one year each of study in college-level calculus, chemistry, and physics. For more information, write to the geology@illinois.edu. Under special circumstances, students can be admitted at the beginning of the spring term.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Financial Aid
Candidates for graduate degrees are usually supported through fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or work-study programs. Fellowships and assistantships include tuition and service fee waivers. Awards for financial assistance are based principally on a candidate's academic record, statement of plans, and letters of reference. Continuation of financial aid depends on student performance and, in the case of teaching assistants, on the receipt of good evaluations. Some assistants are appointed by the State Geological Survey located on campus.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geology
Ph.D. students are evaluated by two oral examinations: a preliminary examination, and a final examination. The objectives of the Preliminary Examination are to determine if the student is prepared to carry out original research at the Ph.D. level, the topic and scope of the proposed dissertation are appropriate, and if the student can communicate clearly. The final examination determines whether or not the dissertation and the student's defense of the research are of acceptable quality for the Ph.D.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Degree Programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
Entering with approved M.S. degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Coursework (must include 4 hours of electives outside Geology) | 16 | |
| GEOL 599 | Thesis Research (44 min applied toward degree) | 48 |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum Hours Overall Required Within the Unit: | 9 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| Each student must present a colloquium on the dissertation research | |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
| All students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A = 4.0). If the GPA falls below this minimum after 12 or more graduate hours of graded coursework, it must be raised to 3.0 or above after the completion of 12 additional graduate hours of graded coursework and must be maintained at or above the minimum thereafter. |
Entering with approved B.S. degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Coursework (must include 4 hours of electives outside Geology) | 24 | |
| GEOL 599 | Thesis Research (48 min applied toward degree) | 72 |
| Total Hours | 96 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum Hours Overall Required Within the Unit: | 9 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| Each student must present a colloquium on the dissertation research | |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
| All students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A = 4.0). If the GPA falls below this minimum after 12 or more graduate hours of graded coursework, it must be raised to 3.0 or above after the completion of 12 additional graduate hours of graded coursework and must be maintained at or above the minimum thereafter. |
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geology
- All graduate students will have a broad understanding of basic foundational theories and phenomena that describe the makeup and functioning of the Earth, across the fields of geology and geophysics. Students should have mastered all areas at the level of GEOL 107 and 208, and should have mastered areas close to their area of specialty at the level of the core classes (e.g., 400-level) of our undergraduate curriculum.
- All graduate students will have a high level of expertise(beyond the level of our undergraduate program)in their specialized research area within geoscience and any related sciences, and the ability to apply this expertise, along with theoretical and technical skills, to address new scientific questions in that area.
- All graduate students will have knowledge of the recent development of their specialized area of research and current major research directions and questions.
- Ph.D. students will have mastery of their specialized area of research and the ability to identify new research directions that will advance the area of research.
- All graduate students will have the ability to work independently to develop a research project and creatively answer the questions central to the project.
- Ph.D. students will have the ability to identify and formulate a research problem, demonstrate the value of its solution in advancing knowledge, and develop a creative approach toward solving that problem.
- All graduate students will have ethically responsible and effective communication skills, written and verbal, at a professional scientific level.
Graduate Degree Programs in Geology
The Department of Geology offers programs leading to the Master of Science in Geology and the Doctor of Philosophy in Geology. Students have a wide variety of choices in their courses and research programs. Departmental research programs include many aspects of geology, geochemistry, and geophysics.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geology
Head of Department: Craig Lundstrom
Director of Graduate Studies: Lijun Liu
Department Contact: Lana Holben
Geology Department website
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website
3028 Natural History Building, 1301 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3540
Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements