Learning Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• develop broad knowledge in the field of geoscience and identify important research problems through the development of subject matter expertise;
• develop a research framework including testable hypotheses, and conduct original independent research that contributes new knowledge to the field of study;
• effectively communicate research findings in both written and oral formats;
• conduct all aspects of research and teaching with the highest ethical standards; and
• be prepared for career options in academia, industry, government, or other relevant fields.

The Doctor of Philosophy in geoscience requires at least 72 s.h. of graduate work and is designed to be completed in four years. Up to 33 s.h. of transfer credit may apply with approval of the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability (SEES) and the Graduate College.

A minimum of 39 s.h. must be earned after program admission at the University of Iowa in courses numbered 3000 or above. This must include at least 21 s.h. (a minimum of seven courses) of regular coursework—not research hours or seminars—beyond the required courses that follow. It must also include a minimum of two seminar courses, excluding SEES:7000.

Students take SEES:7000 School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium (1 s.h.) each semester they are in residence.

Required Courses

The following courses are typically completed in the first year except for SEES:5050, which is typically completed in the second year.

Students must also complete their plan of study, dissertation proposal, the PhD comprehensive exam, and the successful completion and final examination of a PhD dissertation.

Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.

Academics

University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.

Admissions

Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.

Financial Support

Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.

Applicants for admission to the Geoscience PhD program should have a bachelor's degree in geoscience, earth science, or a related discipline relevant to the field. An MS degree in geoscience, earth science, or a related discipline relevant to the field is not required for admission to the PhD program but is typical of most students and is strongly encouraged. Depending on their prior training, graduate students may be required to take courses that are prerequisites for coursework in their chosen area of graduate study. For application information, contact the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability or visit its website.

All geoscience graduate students must meet the admission and degree requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website. They also should acquaint themselves with the university calendar and application deadlines within the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability.

The doctoral degree is required for college and university faculty positions and for some research positions in industry.

Career opportunities are readily available for geoscience graduates. Professional geoscientists work in environmental companies, resource companies, educational institutions, conservation agencies, state and federal agencies, and government resource and research organizations.

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.

Geoscience, PhD

This sample plan is currently being reviewed and will be added at a later date.