The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geoscience is designed to prepare students for demanding, research-oriented careers in academia, government-service, private consultation, and industry.
Working closely with their advisor, students focus on original research in one of three fields of geoscience:

• Geology
• Hydrology
• 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 specialization and three additional sub-disciplines of the geologic sciences. Fundamental knowledge levels are tested first in a diagnostic interview that is used to guide coursework taken by the student, then later in a comprehensive exam.

We are pleased to announce that the UNLV Geoscience Department has been selected to participate in the NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowships (EGFP) program which awards an annual stipend for 4 years along with tuition and fee waiver to PhD students enrolled in our program that have received an Honorable Mention from the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program. 

Please see this flyer for more details.  

PhD Handbook and Flyer:

• Demonstrate the ability to define a research problem by identifying questions and formulating testing 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 a substantial independent research project through to completion
• Demonstrate the ability to present scientific results to an 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 one field of speciation

Students who complete the Ph.D. in Geoscience are suited for academic faculty positions, research, or management-level jobs in environmental consultation, energy exploration, mining, and state or federal government agencies. The specialization that occurs in the Ph.D process often determines the range of careers available to a graduate.

Work on cutting-edge science in a university, government agency, or teaching at a university often requires a Ph.D.

Additional Resources: