Geography and Earth & Environmental Sciences, Ph.D

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Requirements

A candidate for the Ph.D. must comply with the general regulations and program requirements of the School of Graduate Studies. Students must obtain at least B- standing in one full graduate course beyond any taken at the Master’s level. If only two half courses are taken both must be at the 700 level. Prescribed courses or evidence of prior training may be required of students in particular fields of specialization.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination tests the student’s command of the field of specialization and ability to design and defend an original doctoral research project. The written and oral parts of the examination are normally to be completed by the end of the fifth academic term for students entering with a Master’s degree.

Additional Information

Normally, Ph.D. studies are available only to full-time students. In special circumstances, students may be admitted on a part-time basis.

Ph.D. candidates whose previous degrees are not in Geography or Earth & Environmental Sciences may be required to pass additional undergraduate courses as specified by the student’s supervisory committee.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is concerned with the interactions between the physical and biological environment and human activity. Courses and research programs in Earth & Environmental Sciences provide excellent training for students interested in Environmental Science. Additional courses may be taken in other departments such as Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering and Physics and Astronomy.

Environmental Studies

The existing courses and research programs in both physical and human geography provide very good training at Master’s and Ph.D. levels for students whose interests are in this important area. Students will also be encouraged as part of their program to take relevant courses in other departments (e.g. Anthropology, Biology, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering) where environmental interests are strongly represented.