Javascript is currently not supported, or is disabled by this browser. Please enable Javascript for full functionality.

Skip to Main Content
Columbia Campus    
2017-2018 Graduate Studies Bulletin (Archived Copy) 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2017-2018 Graduate Studies Bulletin (Archived Copy) [Archived Catalog]

Geological Sciences, Ph.D.


Return to Bulletin Search Return to: Bulletin Search


Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate their ability to use appropriate laboratory and field equipment and have an understanding of scientific methodology, quantitative problem-solving skills and experimental/numerical techniques.
  • Students will demonstrate an adequate level of understanding of the principles and practices of the primary areas of the Earth and Ocean sciences and demonstrate their facility for doctoral level study in their chosen specialized areas.  This will be demonstrated through the preparation of two required articles for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct original scientific research at the doctoral level. In this regard the student will operate as an independent scientist.
  • Students will prepare and publish a peer-reviewed manuscript and a doctoral Dissertation that demonstrate effective written communication skills, particularly those related to the Earth and Ocean Sciences. A second publication must be submitted prior to matriculation.
  • Students will possess effective oral communication skills, particularly those related to the Earth and Ocean Sciences. This will be demonstrated in a public thesis defense, and question and answer session.
  • Within two years of graduation with their Ph.D. degree, students will be engaged in professional careers.

Degree Requirements (30 Post Masters Hours)

The Ph.D. degree requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the bachelor’s degree, or a minimum of 30 hours beyond the master’s degree, including at least 12 credit hours of GEOL 899 - Dissertation Preparation . Additional course work is determined by the student and his/her advisory committee in accordance with departmental requirements and the student’s background and specific needs. Qualifying and comprehensive exams must be successfully completed in a timely manner. The oral portion of the comprehensive exam consists, in part, of the defense of a paper written by the student which has been submitted for publication in an approved peer-reviewed journal. All Ph.D. candidates are required to publish one paper in and submit a second paper to refereed scientific journals prior to graduation. A written dissertation is required which must be successfully defended. Additional details are available from the director of graduate studies in geological sciences.

Return to Bulletin Search Return to: Bulletin Search