Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geology

Graduate education, leading either to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geology or Geophysics, is a major focus of the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Wyoming. At UW you'll find: A top-notch faculty. Our faculty is dedicated to distinction in research and graduate education. Faculty research is characterized by numerous interdisciplinary collaborations and a remarkably collegial atmosphere. A large department with stimulating peers. Students interact with ~26 faculty, a graduate student population of ~40, and undergraduate majors numbering about 140. There's always someone to learn from, and to share an idea with. Exciting research opportunities. Our faculty conduct world-class research in fields as diverse as surface chemistry and marine seismology, in locations from Greenland to the Puna Plateau in Argentina. Cutting-edge and diverse research groups. Our faculty are involved in nine different research groups: geochemistry, geohydrology, geophysics and seismology, paleo-science, petrology, isotope geology, sedimentology, petroleum geology, structural geology and tectonics, and surface processes. The graduate experience. Excellence in graduate student mentoring is a key goal of our department. Your program is custom-designed between you, your major professor and your advisory committee. A supportive environment. We are committed to providing a supportive - yet challenging - research environment for our students. Graduate student life is characterized by a remarkable sense of collaboration and an esprit-de-corps. State-of-the-art facilities. Our department has top-notch computer, laboratory, material characterization, aqueous geochemistry and isotope chemistry laboratories. We have scanning and transmission electron microscopes, electron microprobe, MC-ICPMS and XRD & XRF. Competitive stipend support. Virtually all of our graduate students are supported on research or teaching assistantships, including several endowed, honorary fellowships. The PhD degree requires successful completion of 42 credits of course work and 30 hours of dissertation credit for a total of 72 hours (minimum). Previous course work from a previous graduate program may be considered for the Ph.D. Program with advisor approval. A Ph.D. committee consists of five faculty members (minimum) including one external department member. Required courses: Fundamental of Research (GEOL 5020) first semester in residence, 2 semesters (1 credit/sem) of Distinguished Lecture Series, and the 1 credit Rocky Mountain field trip. First semester: Student and advisor meet to identify any background deficiencies. Deficiency coursework must be completed with a grade of B or better early in the student’s graduate residence. Second Semester: Oral qualifying examination, committee set up and program filed using PhD Program of Study document. See links below for format. Fourth or Fifth Semester: Preliminary Examination. This exam is scheduled following completion of 30 hours of 4000-level or higher coursework, not including independent study or research credits. Following successful completion of the Preliminary Examination, a student has 4 years to complete the degree. Final Semester: Oral presentation of the written dissertation.