Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the geography doctoral program in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability will demonstrate:
- both broad knowledge of the field of geography and deep knowledge in their area of research concentration;
- an ability to communicate their research concisely and effectively to both general and specialist audiences in written and verbal formats;
- an ability to formulate research questions; select, design, and apply appropriate research methods (e.g., testable hypotheses, data collection, management, analytical techniques); and utilize critical thinking skills to build knowledge, theory, and/or practice in their area of research concentration;
- competence in teaching geography, environmental, or sustainability-related courses; and
- understanding of and an ability to operate under professional standards of ethical conduct.
The Doctor of Philosophy in geography requires 72 s.h. of graduate credit and is designed to be completed in four or five years. Students must maintain a Graduate College program grade-point average of at least 3.00.
All PhD students take the following courses. They take SEES:7000 School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium each semester they are in residence.
Course List
| Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| SEES:5010 | School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Foundations | 3 |
| SEES:5050 | Research and Writing | 3 |
| SEES:7000 | School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium (taken each semester) | 1 |
Students complete a set of research milestones, including a research paper, an area of concentration bibliography, and a written qualifying examination in the discipline. With the approval of the dissertation advisor, each student submits a dissertation proposal to the dissertation committee for critical comments, oral questioning, and approval. Once the dissertation is completed, an oral defense of the dissertation is held.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website. Application information can be found on the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability website.
A previous degree in geography is not required, but applicants must have an academic background relevant to the field. Strength in social science, environmental science, geographic information science, or another relevant field and interest in exploring the spatial perspectives that characterize modern geography are important in admission decisions.
The Doctor of Philosophy program prepares students to carry on creative and productive research in geography and related fields. University of Iowa graduates hold positions in college and university faculties, private research organizations, and business and government.
The Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Geography, PhD
Plan of Study Grid (Manual)
| Academic Career |
|---|
| Any Semester |
|---|
| a |
|
| | Hours | 0 |
| First Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| SEES:5010 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Foundations |
3 |
| b |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium d |
1 |
| | Hours | 10 |
| Spring |
|---|
| SEES:5050 |
Research and Writing |
3 |
| b |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium d |
1 |
| | Hours | 10 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium d |
1 |
| | Hours | 10 |
| Spring |
|---|
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium d |
1 |
| | Hours | 10 |
| Third Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| e |
|
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| f |
3 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium d |
1 |
| | Hours | 10 |
| Spring |
|---|
| g |
|
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| f |
3 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium d |
1 |
| | Hours | 10 |
| Fourth Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| c |
1 |
| SEES:7999 |
Graduate Thesis |
3 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium d |
1 |
| | Hours | 5 |
| Spring |
|---|
| SEES:7999 |
Graduate Thesis |
6 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium d |
1 |
| h |
|
| | Hours | 7 |
| | Total Hours | 72 |
