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Geosciences

Offered by: Princeton University
Location: Princeton, USA
Program type: PhD
Keywords: geosciences
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Program location

Program description

Ph.D. Requirements:
Courses:
Course work requirements are flexible and depend on the track chosen. All incoming students are required to follow an introductory course on the fundamental questions in the geosciences, covering both solid earth and environmental problems. An important part of graduate education arises from independent research, which begins in the first year. Course work in other departments that strengthens students’ background in biology, chemistry, engineering sciences, mathematics and physics is encouraged.

Courses must be taken for a grade when the graded option is offered, and the average of the graded courses is expected to be B or higher.

Pre-Generals Requirements(s):
Research paper and thesis proposal:
A high-quality research paper summarizing the first two years of research is required prior to taking the generals exam. The research paper does not need to be ready for publication, but the paper should have a scholarly level close to that of a paper submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. The research accomplishments should indicate a reasonable level of productivity, and the interpretation should indicate knowledge of the literature and excellent critical thinking. The thesis proposal should clearly express the justification and the research plans. In response to questions, students should show a broad knowledge of the relevant literature, an understanding of the underlying principles, and knowledge of analytical or modeling. A research progress report is also required near the end of the student’s first year.

General Exam:
The general examination for advancement to Ph.D. candidacy is normally taken before the end of the second year of graduate work. The examination is designed to establish the student’s depth and breadth of knowledge in the chosen fields of specialization, advancement in scholarly methods of research, and the ability to organize and present research material. The examination is based in part on a written report submitted by the student describing the research activities undertaken during the first two years.

During the general examination a student is expected to demonstrate competence and professional expertise in the geological sciences and related fields as relevant to the student's major interests. Accordingly, the examination is designed to explore: (1) the student's ability to organize and conduct an original research program and to present research results and material, (2) the student's depth of knowledge in the chosen fields of specialization, and (3) breadth in the geological and related sciences.

A typical examination consists of two parts: the research paper and thesis proposal, and the two topics of expertise selected by the student. The exam does not normally last longer than 3 hours. The first half of the exam covers the research paper and the thesis proposal, beginning with a student presentation of 20 minutes length. Each committee member will question the student on his or her research area. Then, after a short break, the second part of the exam covers the two topics selected by the student. Each committee member will ask questions testing the student's general knowledge of the basic science underlying the areas of specialization and fundamental concepts in earth sciences and related disciplines.

Qualifying for the M.A.:
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully passes all course work, and the first-year and second-year research reports. It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met.

Under some circumstances, a student may decide prior to the general exam that he or she does not wish to continue in the Ph.D. program but does wish to qualify for a master's degree (M.A.) from the department. In this case, the student should discuss this option with the adviser and advisory committee well in advance. The general exam for an M.A. degree is similar to that for Ph.D. candidacy but will not include defense of a research plan.

The Ph.D. will be awarded once the dissertation has been approved and the final public oral has been completed.

Application deadline:

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