Geography - Doctor of Philosophy

Students walking along a gravel road in a wooded area

The Ph.D. program in geography is designed to develop the student's ability to conduct original research with special reference to the understanding of scientific inquiry, knowledge of the geographic discipline, understanding of a specialized area of geography such as people/environment, physical geography, regional development, or economic–regional science, proficiency with analytical and technical skills particularly with respect to spatial data analysis and manipulation, and skills in communicating the results of research.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to the doctoral program is based upon an evaluation of the student's academic records related to both the bachelor's and master's degrees, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores, letters of recommendation, written statements, and other pertinent information such as professional experience and related achievements. Typical entrants to the doctoral program present a grade–point average of 3.60 or higher in a recognized master's degree program, which usually includes a thesis, and satisfactory scores on the GRE.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Geography

The student must:


1.	Complete at least 56 credits while enrolled in the doctoral program including the following courses:
	a.	The following courses (6 credits):
		GEO	886	Research Design in Geography	3
		GEO	986	Theory and Methods in Geography	3
	b.	At least two of the following four seminars (6 credits):
		GEO	871	Seminar in Physical Geography	3
		GEO	872	Seminar in Human Geography	3
		GEO	873	Seminar in Human-Environment Geography	3
		GEO	874	Seminar in Geographic Information Science	3
	c.	One advanced-level tool course.			3
		Tool courses may be in such areas as computer science, foreign language, statistics or mathematics, cartography, remote sensing, geographic information science, and social science or physical science research methods. The courses may be administered by the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences or by another department or school.
	d.	Courses that focus on a specialized area of geography and related course work (17 or 18 credits)
2.	In consultation with the student's guidance committee, submit a manuscript to a refereed journal.