About PhD Program,
The Department of Geology & Environmental Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Graduate study resulting in both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees is available through the Department, as well as a professional M.S. degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) & Remote Sensing (RS). Students in all graduate programs learn through coursework, research and teaching as they pursue their degree.
Students can pursue research in a wide variety of areas, including:
- Tectonic, Volcanic, and Surface Processes
- Planetary Science and Astrobiology
- Paleoclimate and Environmental Change
- Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry
- Energy Geosciences
- Hydrologic Processes
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission.
The minimum requirement for the Ph.D. degree is seventy-two (72) credits. These include lecture, laboratory, seminar, topics courses, and thesis research credits. A minimum of thirty-six (36) credits must be from formal courses and at least eighteen (18) of the credits must be taken within the Department of Geology and Environmental Science. A maximum of eight (8) credits numbered below 2000 may be applied toward graduation requirements with prior approval. No course numbered below 1000 may be applied toward graduation requirements.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained for all formal courses taken. Students with full graduate status will be placed on probation if the cumulative grade point average falls below the minimum grade point level. If a Master of Science degree is awarded from the Department prior to admission, then at least forty-two (42) additional credits are required.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The Department of Geology & Environmental Science offers its PhD and MS graduate students an excellent financial support package. Departmental financial assistance is generally not available for students in the Pro-MS in GIS/Remote Sensing program. The package enables graduate students in good standing to concentrate on their education, not on financial burdens. Our comprehensive package supports students throughout their graduate careers. Financial support for first year graduate students is normally provided in the form of a tuition scholarship plus a teaching assistantship (TA), though some students do receive a graduate research assistantship (GSR) or a fellowship. All of these options consist of both a competitive stipend and full tuition coverage. In subsequent years, the graduate student is typically supported by some combination of TA, GSR, and fellowship.
Application Requirement,
- Complete the online application form:https://gradcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/
- The online application form will be open in mid-September.
- Please be sure to indicate that you are applying for the Fall 2025 term.
- The application fee for both domestic and international graduate applications is $75 per application.
- Required Writing Sample: 5-10 pages of your own writing, not from a group effort.
- Official transcripts for all college-level institutions attended (undergraduate and graduate study). All transcripts must be uploaded onto the application website. Include translations if applicable. Copies of transcripts are acceptable initially, but official transcripts are required upon admission. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission.
- Three letters of recommendation. Referees must submit their recommendations electronically. Instructions are included with the online application.
- Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted by January 15th.
International Applicants
- All of the above plus:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, or Duolingo English Test. Submit to the University of Pittsburgh School Code 2927. The minimum TOEFL score of 90 (with at least a score of 22 in all of the four sections of speaking, listening, reading and writing), the required minimum IELTS of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each of its four sections, or the Duolingo English Test score minimum is 120 or higher.
- Application fee – $75
- Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted by January 15th.
- Upon admission you must take an English Proficiency test, you will be sent the instructions from the Graduate Administrator a month before the term starts to enroll in the test. You will not be able to register for courses until you complete this testing. It is highly advised that you take any English courses that are recommended after taking the English Proficiency test, but not required.
Specific questions about the application procedure should be directed to the departmental Graduate Administrator at gpsgrad@pitt.edu
Upon acceptance, official electronic transcript(s) and documents with evidence of degree(s) may be emailed to: gpsgrad@pitt.edu
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
- The application fee for both domestic and international graduate applications is $75 per application.
