Geology focuses on fundamental questions of global ecology in the earth sciences and the broad geosciences, ranging from how the Earth formed, how it has evolved through time, and how complex biogeochemical and physical processes operate and are changing in today’s world.

Geoscientists study Earth system processes and hydro-geochemical cycles on timescales covering deep geologic time to the present day. At WSU, researchers are investigating regions of the Earth from its deep interior to its highest mountains and Earth materials ranging from the planetary building blocks to volcanic magma to sand on the seashores.

Our geologists and geoscientists leverage NASA and NSF-funded research to explore both terrestrial and planetary geosciences using in-house, cutting-edge research facilities including the Peter Hooper GeoAnalytical Lab and the Radiogenic Isotope & Geochronology Laboratory

WSU geology graduates are broadly trained, professional geoscientists with the ability to conduct original scientific research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The geology PhD degree program usually involves extensive fieldwork and prepares students for both academic and professional careers in a broad variety of geoscience fields including:

• Geomorphology
• Field geology
• Groundwater and hydrogeology
• Sedimentology
• Geochemistry and geophysics
• Mineralogy and petrology
• Plate tectonics
• Volcanology
• Geospatial exploration of Earth and other planetary bodies

PhD Degree Requirements

It is expected that students with a previous MS degree will complete the PhD requirements in three years of full-time enrollment with research assistantship responsibilities. Students without a previous MS degree should expect to complete the program in four years.

Your academic program should focus on one or two areas of specialization based on your research interests and future career goals.

Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 72 credit hours consisting of:

• A minimum of 15 hours of graded course work at 500-level with a final grade of “C” or higher if you have earned a master of science
• 24 hours minimum of graded 500-level coursework if student has only a B.S.
  • Of these 24, 15 minimum must be taken at the 500 level
  • A maximum of 9 credits of 300 or 400 may be taken toward the 24 required credit hours
• A minimum of 20 credit hours of SOE 800 (PhD Research)—one credit during each semester enrolled, except summer.
• Preliminary exam 
• Written Dissertation 
• Final oral exam: Dissertation defense 

Your First Step

Explore our faculty research websites to learn about their work and how it aligns with your interests. Begin your graduate studies journey by contacting faculty directly—they are waiting to hear from you!