Overview

Graduate students from the Geosciences program at the University of California, San Diego routinely participate in expeditions at sea and on land and many doctoral theses evolve from these experiences.

Students are encouraged to begin a research project from the beginning and typically do not hold teaching assistant positions during their first year. Students may change advisers during their first year, and they must find an adviser by the end of the first year.

The geosciences curriculum consists of a series of core courses and a series of research focus courses. Students are expected to take at least nine classes in their first year. They are expected to take at least four units of research per quarter during their first year for a total of at least forty-eight units.

Research areas in geological sciences include:

The origin and evolution of the ocean-atmosphere system, global climate, and biosphere

Geology, geochemistry, and geophysics of oceanic crustal rocks and near-shore environments

Tectonic and structural evolution of the oceans, plate margins, and back-arc basins

The role of fluids in the crust

Chemistry of rare gases and stable and radiogenic isotopes in active volcanoes and magmatism

Cosmochemistry

The use of natural nuclear processes for understanding physical and chemical processes in the Earth

Paleomagnetic applications in geology and geophysics

Interaction of humans with their natural environment

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Whole Earth Geochemistry

Isotope Geochemistry

Stratigraphy and Sedimentology

Petrography and Petrology

Volcanology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-03 00:00:00

Language

English

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Geology View 66 other PhDs in Geology in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Candidates for admission should have a bachelor's (BS) or master's degree in one of the physical, biological, or earth sciences; in some cases a degree in mathematics or engineering science is accepted.

A scholastic average of B or better (3.0) in upper-division courses, or prior graduate study, is required.
A major in one of the earth sciences and undergraduate physical chemistry and calculus are required. Preparation beyond the minimum requirements in mathematics, physics, and chemistry is strongly recommended.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36477 USD / year

≈ 36477 USD / year
Out-of-State

36477 USD / year

≈ 36477 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21375 USD / year

≈ 21375 USD / year

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Geosciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Research areas in geological sciences include:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Diego

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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