The Ph.D. dissertation should be a significant contribution to the science of geology, worthy of publication in referred international journals. Geology Ph.D. candidates are required to choose an area of specialization in Geology listed below. Each specialization outlines required courses and provides additional help to design a program. The student鈥檚 program should be one of, or a combination of not more than two areas. The choice of course options and electives on the program will be based on the student鈥檚 research interest and needs. Undergraduate pre-requisites must be satisfied for all courses within the selected program, and will not count for graduate credit. It is expected that the Ph.D. degree requirements with previous M.S. degree be completed in three years (full-time enrollment, with assistantship); Ph.D. degree requirements without previous M.S. degree be completed in four years.
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
The Geology graduate program offers Ph.D. degrees with specializations in:
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Structural Geology-Tectonics
Mineralogy-Petrology-Geochemistry
Hydrogeology
Geophysics/Geodynamics
Student Opportunities:
Labs and Facilities
Student research efforts are significantly enhanced by collaboration and cooperation with WSU鈥檚 many campuses, research centers, extension offices, adjunct faculty members, scientists, and extensive networks at other universities and with state agencies.
September 2025
Washington State University
370 Lighty Student Services Building,
PULLMAN,
Washington,
99164, United States
A grade point average equivalent to a U.S. grade of 鈥淏鈥 (3.0) or better is required
BA/BS degree in a related field (some prerequisite course work may be completed after admissions)
GRE tests requirement are waived until further notice
The minimum acceptable IELTS score is 7.
A TOEFL score of at least 600 (Paper-Based), 250 (Computer-Based), or 96 (Internet-Based) is required
Deadlines:
Fall Semester: January 10
Spring Semester: July 1
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.