About

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geoscience is designed to prepare students for demanding research-oriented careers in academia, government service, private consulting, and industry. Working closely with their advisor, students focus on original research in one of three emphasis areas: geology, hydrology, or soil science. Research expectations are high; students are expected to develop original lines of research that will lead to three or more original manuscripts that are suitable for submission to a refereed scientific journal. Students are expected to have strong content knowledge in their area of emphasis and three additional sub-disciplines of the geological sciences. Fundamental knowledge levels are tested first in a diagnostic exam that is used to guide coursework taken by the student, and then later in a comprehensive exam.

Available Options

  • Post-Bachelor’s – Geoscience Track
  • Post-Master’s – Geoscience Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate the ability to define a research problem by identifying questions and formulating tests of hypotheses.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of scientific ethics.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of scientific literature for work relevant to research projects.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct field and laboratory research related to dissertation projects.
  • Demonstrate a broad knowledge on the subjects closely related to the field of specialization.
  • Demonstrate the ability to do original and creative research.
  • Demonstrate the ability to design and carry out a substantial independent research project through to completion.
  • Demonstrate the ability to present scientific results to the audience of the scientific community and the general public.
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare publications and submit them to peer-reviewed journals.
  • Demonstrate an excellent knowledge of at least on field of specialization.

Career Possibilities

Requirements

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Documents/Downloads

Doctor of Philosophy - Geoscience

Post-Bachelor’s – Geoscience Track

Post-Master’s – Geoscience Track

Contacts

Department of Geoscience

Geoscience is an all-encompassing term used to refer to the earth sciences. The Department of Geosciences offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels where students can learn about topics such as earth processes; the origin and evolution of our planet; the chemical and physical properties of minerals, rocks, and fluids; the structure of our mobile crust; the history of life; and the human adaptation to earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods.

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College of Sciences

The School of Life Sciences offers programs that meet the needs of students intending to enter the workforce or pursue advanced training in the sciences, medicine, and other professional and technical fields. We provide a well-rounded foundation in natural, physical, and mathematical sciences that can set students up for successful careers and professional programs.

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