About PhD Program
Miami’s Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science offers three programs for advanced study (Ph.D., M.S., and M.A.). Both the Ph.D. and the M.S. degrees require a substantial component of original research culminating in a dissertation or thesis, respectively. The M.A. is a non-thesis degree.
The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 60 hours beyond the master’s degree of which at least 15 are earned through formal course work. English is required. Ph.D. students take written examinations in four sub-disciplines of Geology. Upon successful completion of the written examinations, the student undertakes a dissertation prospectus based on the students’ proposed dissertation, arranged by the student in consultation with the graduate study committee as soon as possible after the written and oral exams are passed. A final oral presentation and defense of dissertation research is held after the student has completed the dissertation.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Miami’s Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science offers programs leading to the M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. Qualified students holding a bachelor’s degree in geology or related sciences are invited to apply for admission to the graduate program. Deficiencies in background may be made up with the undergraduate credits earned after admission.
PhD Funding Coverage,
All current students are supported by nine-month teaching or research assistantships plus duty-free summer stipends in the amount of $1800 provided you sign up for 9 hours of coursework or research. These awards carry full tuition waivers for the academic year and summer terms, plus a 50% general fees waiver. Current M.S. stipends for the 2023/2024 academic year are $18,971 and Ph.D. stipends are $24,642. Applications for graduate study and financial support should be received no later than February 1 for the following academic year.
Application Requirement,
- Personal Statement: This is a 2-3 page essay that should explain why you want to pursue a graduate degree. You should list your specific area of study or research and list the name(s) of faculty members with whom you would like to have as an advisor. You should also indicate how you plan to use the knowledge, skills, and degree earned in this program in your future career. Some programs have specific question(s) for you to answer in your personal statement – if so, be sure to answer the question(s).
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume: A document that describes your professional, academic, personal or related experiences. Your document should include the names of schools you attended with the degrees you earned, the names of your previous and present employers with the positions you held and the dates you were employed, awards you have won, publications, presentations, hobbies/interests and any other relevant skills.
- Letters of Recommendation: These are letters from individuals familiar with your academic or professional work. This includes former professors, colleagues, or supervisors. Family members and personal acquaintances should not be used as recommenders. These letters should convey the relationship between you and the recommender, why they believe you are a good candidate for the graduate program, and what notable skills or academic strengths you possess.
- Portfolio: A portfolio should include examples of undergraduate and/or graduate/professional work. Your portfolio should include design projects, studio arts, photography, film, musical compositions, scripts, theatrical reviews, creative writing, or architectural projects. The portfolio should include work that demonstrates creative accomplishments.
- Audition: A sample of a musical or theatrical performance. While the school may request a live audition, you may also submit auditions digitally through email and post mail. Acceptable mediums include (but are not limited to): mp3 files, .avi files, CDs, DVDs, and YouTube videos. Please get in touch with your academic department to discuss which format is most appropriate for your submission.
Application Deadline
Feb 01, 2025
Application Fee,
A non-refundable application fee is required for each graduate application. When applying to a graduate degree program, the fee is $50.
