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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geography and Environmental Engineering

Offered By: Department of Environmental Health and Engineering (Whiting school of engineering)

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 years

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About the PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering Program

A PhD student in the Geography and Environmental Engineering program will explore the current state of knowledge in his or her field. Information and ideas developed by others are critically examined and placed in proper context.

Subject areas are identified that are important to achieving the goals of the discipline, but which have not been explored or developed. The student will propose new research to improve understanding in this key area. A research proposal should then outline, in an orderly and logical manner, how key questions are addressed. While pursuing these research hypotheses, the student must take time to consider alternative explanations for experimental observations, and devise new experiments that critically test assumptions and theories.

The student will learn to state problems clearly and solve them in a reliable and efficient manner. Whatever lines of reasoning one uses, one must be as sure as possible that the conclusions are correct, particularly since there is always some uncertainty in science and engineering. The student must think through their research plans to avoid unproductive activities. Because research involves managing time and resources, the PhD student is receiving excellent preparation for future professional work.

Students have the option to focus their study: Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health (ESRH) .

Doctoral students in the Geography and Environmental Engineering doctoral program have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with faculty from a wide variety of disciplines, including:

• Air pollution and greenhouse gases
• Energy systems
• Public health
• Water quality
• Economic dimensions of environmental health
• Anthropological dimensions of environmental health

PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering Program Highlights

Fully funded.

The minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000, with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Opportunities to work across departments in the Schools of Public Health, Engineering, and more

WRITE AND PUBLISH

Help with academic writing and grant proposals embedded into coursework, with opportunities to learn from published faculty and peers

TEACHING TRAINING

Teaching assistantships, training, and support for learning to teach, and opportunities for paid TA positions as well

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree in Geography and Environmental Engineering?

• Research or Teaching Faculty
• Research Scientist
• Environmental Engineer (water/wastewater engineer, hydrogeologist, ecologist)
• Data Scientist
• Postdoctoral Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Whiting School  Course Directory .

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the Graduate Admissions  page.

Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply .  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative  applicants for the  PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering  are automatically vetted for eligibility for the VTSI fee waiver during the application process.

Faculty Advisers

The following faculty may be willing to advise PhD students. If you identify a faculty member that you want to work with who is not on this list, we encourage you to ask them about their availability.

Peter DeCarlo

Peter studies the chemical composition of gas particles in the air to improve our understanding of climate, air quality, and health impacts of pollutants.

Paul Ferraro

Paul ­ is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor with joint appointments in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering and the Carey Business School. He is known for his research on behavioral economics and the design and estimation of impacts of environmental programs.

Ciaran Harman

Ciaran, an associate professor of landscape hydrology and Russell Croft Faculty Scholar, studies how the structure of landscapes controls the movement of water from rainfall to streams, and how that structure evolves over time.

Thomas Hartung

Thomas Hartung, MD, PhD, steers the revolution in toxicology to move away from 50+ year-old animal tests to organoid cultures and the use of artificial intelligence.

Scot Miller

Scot Miller combines satellite data and statistics to understand greenhouse gas emissions across the globe.

Roni A. Neff

Roni Neff, PhD '06, ScM, researches ways to cut food waste and address climate change through more resilient, equitable, and healthy food systems.

Carsten Prasse

Carsten's research focuses on the occurrence and fate of organic contaminants in the urban water cycle and their impact on environmental and human health.

Tuition and Funding

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the  CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. [email protected]

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DPhil in Geography and the Environment

• Entry requirements
• Funding and costs

College preference

• How to apply

About the course

The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Geography and the Environment is the department's premier research degree, awarded to candidates who have successfully completed a major piece of original research. The course provides support and an intellectual environment to pursue your own independent research.

The DPhil in Geography and the Environment is offered as either a full-time three- to four-year degree, or a part-time six- to eight-year degree. As a part-time student you will be required to undertake at least 30 days of work physically at Oxford (or in direct collaboration with your supervisors, e.g. during fieldwork) each year.  Part-time DPhil students receive an induction and are expected to attend the core DPhil seminars held in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms over their first two years of study to make sure that they receive this foundational material in the early stages of their programmes. There will be flexibility in the dates of attendance which will be determined by mutual agreement with your supervisor.

The DPhil is an advanced research degree which is awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination (assessment of other work is not taken into consideration). You are required to work independently, to take the initiative in exploring a line of research and to acquire new skills in order to carry out your research.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the School of Geography and the Environment and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the School of Geography and the Environment.

You will be allocated a supervisor who will meet with you at specifically agreed times and will agree with you a research plan and programme of work and to establish clear academic expectations and milestones.

If you are intending to read for the DPhil you are normally admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS) initially. Within a maximum of four terms as a full-time PRS student or eight terms as a part-time PRS student, you will be expected to apply for, and achieve, transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status. 

This requires successful completion of a qualifying test. This involves the submission of a piece of written work which is examined by two assessors (neither of whom will be supervisors). This process is to ensure that your work is of potential DPhil quality and that the methodology of the research is appropriate and practicable.

Upon successful completion of the transfer of status, you will also be required to undertake the confirmation of DPhil status by the end of your third year (or the end of the sixth year for the part-time pathway). This will also involve the submission of a piece of written work which is assessed by two assessors (neither of whom are supervisors). The confirmation assessment is different to the transfer assessment as the assessors will be focusing on how the research is progressing, the quality of the draft chapters/papers, and on the plan for completion. The assessors will be looking to ensure that you are making the appropriate amount of progress in the development of your thesis, so that your submission will be achieved within the three/four year time limit (or within the sixth/eight year time limit for the part-time pathway).

The DPhil is awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination (assessment of other work is not taken into consideration). The thesis should represent a significant and substantial piece of research which is conveyed in a lucid and scholarly manner which shows that you have a good general knowledge of the field of your thesis.

Graduate destinations

Many graduates are commanding influential positions in multinational corporations, in national, state and international government, in non-governmental organisations, and by continuing with further research.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a master's degree with distinction (or a distinction grade on the dissertation, as a minimum) in geography or a related environmental field, and
• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Part-time applicants will also be expected to show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and, if applicable, an employer's commitment to make time available to study, to complete coursework, and attend course and University events and modules. Where appropriate, evidence should also be provided of permission to use employers’ data in the proposed research project.
• You are not required to submit any publications.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process for the full-time course. Remote interviews for short-listed candidates for the part-time course will be conducted.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

The School of Geography and the Environment undertakes world-class interdisciplinary research, addresses societal and environmental problems, and advances knowledge within an intellectually vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment that combines natural and social sciences and has geography at its core. The department has five research clusters in biodiversity, ecosystems and conservation; climate systems and policy; landscape dynamics; technological natures; and transformations.

You will be a member of one of the clusters and are encouraged to attend and participate in the organisation of the research seminars organised by each cluster.

The University of Oxford has an extensive library system and the Radcliffe Science Library is the main lending service within the University for the material required for the course. The Social Sciences Library also holds collections which are valuable for students pursuing geography programmes.

The department has a computer room available for all graduate students. There are dedicated IT times each day where you can seek help from IT staff. Research students share a social space with academic and research staff and are encouraged to interact with academic staff from across the discipline. The department also offers dedicated working space for DPhil students.

Geography and the Environment

With over 200 graduate students from a range of nationalities, professional and disciplinary backgrounds, the School of Geography and the Environment at Oxford is one of the largest, most diverse and vibrant in the world. 

The school offers a number of graduate courses, ensuring that a suitable opportunity exists at Oxford regardless of whether you are planning a career in research, teaching or an environment-related profession, preparing for a career change or to take a career break.

There are several one-year MSc courses combining taught course modules with a dissertation. These courses offer a framework of core lectures, field courses, electives, and workshops and symposia for learning. Individual classes reflect the research interests of individual faculty and often mix seminar style teaching with discussions or practical exercises.

The two-year MPhil courses combine a substantial research component with master’s-level study, and the DPhil is an advanced research degree which involves three to four years of full-time original, independent research or a part-time pathway which involves six to eight years of research.

Research is supported in key areas of environmental, human and physical geography, from studies on migration, geopolitics, biogeography, climate change, flood risk, desertification, biological and cultural diversity, and many other areas.

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The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the school's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Full-time study.

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Part-time study

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, visa and medical fees (such as vaccinations), and field trips. The costs may vary considerably depending on the location and duration of the fieldwork. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Please note that you are required to attend in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this. Also, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, visa and medical fees (such as vaccinations), and field trips. The costs may vary considerably depending on the location and duration of the fieldwork. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

If you are studying part-time your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you must still ensure that you will have sufficient funding to meet these costs for the duration of your course.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Green Templeton College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Mansfield College
• Oriel College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Antony's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

The following colleges accept students for part-time study on this course:

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Application fee waivers for eligible associated courses

If you apply to this course and up to two eligible associated courses from our predefined list during the same cycle, you can request an application fee waiver so that you only need to pay one application fee.

The list of eligible associated courses may be updated as new courses are opened. Please check the list regularly, especially if you are applying to a course that has recently opened to accept applications.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You are encouraged to look at the department lists of  potential supervisors and topics  before writing your research proposal and to approach specific supervisors directly to discuss your research proposal before applying.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

If known, under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) whom you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Referees: Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Your references will support your academic achievements, interests, and personal motivation. In order to assist assessors in their consideration of applications references should be from experienced scholars and teachers of graduate students. In view of this, it is recommended that at least two of the three references are from academics.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Research proposal: Typically 2,500 words

Proposals are usually 2,500 words long, although there is no upper or lower limit. 

Your research proposal should comprise a detailed outline of your proposed research, written in English. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for evidence that you have a worthwhile research project, you have a good grasp of the relevant literature and the major issues, and that your methodology is sound. The research proposal must address the question of what you plan to accomplish, why you want to and how you are going to do it. The proposal will also be assessed to determine that you have the capacity for sustained and intense work and the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course (three to four years).

The proposal should include sufficient information for the department to evaluate the proposed study and have the right staff expertise to supervise you.

It will be normal for your ideas subsequently to change in some ways as you investigate the evidence and develop your project. You should nevertheless make the best effort you can to demonstrate the extent of your research question, sources and method at this moment.

Written work: One essay of a maximum of 2,000 words

The written work must be in English and can be either an essay you have written, a chapter(s) of a thesis, a published scholarly paper or even academic work written specifically to support your application.

This work should demonstrate your ability to write a good academic document though it does not need to be related to the proposed area of study.

An extract of the requisite length from longer work is permissible. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.

This will be assessed for evidence of good basic knowledge, understanding of problems, powers of analysis, ability to construct a coherent train of thought, and to shape an argument, and powers of expression. The quality of English expression and of presentation may also be part of the assessment. Assessment of this work will take note of the circumstances under which the work was done. Students with disclosed disabilities will receive appropriate consideration according to their particular needs.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice .

Application Guide   Apply - Full time Apply - Part time

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 10 November 2023 Applications more likely to receive earlier decisions

Friday 19 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2024-25

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the School of Geography and Environment

• Course page on the school's website
• Funding information from the school
• Academic and research staff
• Research in the school
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• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 285070

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Visa eligibility for part-time study

We are unable to sponsor student visas for part-time study on this course. Part-time students may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time only (and leave after each visit) and will need to remain based outside the UK.

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General Question Would you say it's worth getting a degree or certification in GIS? ( self.gis )

submitted 1 year ago by msgmeyourcatsnudes

I started my journey towards a natural resources degree many years ago. I've had to work full time/had several life events, so it's taken me 4 years just to get the 2 year degree. I'm at the point where I'd likely have to take out loans, and it simply does not seem worth it for such a low paying field.

I have taken a few GIS and one ArcMaps course, and I've found them enjoyable (though at times tedious). Since some of my background is somewhat transferable, I've considered going back to community college for a certification. Maybe get a 4 year degree if it's worth it.

I'm going to be 30 this year and in really, really burnt out on floundering between school and customer service jobs. Is GIS a good out? How much schooling is realistically needed?

• 13 comments

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Post a comment!

[–] uncle_sjohie 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (1 child)

That just tells me you know where the buttons in the program are. And at most beginner Esri courses you get the certificate for listening to half a day of marketing and being able to put your name on the attendance list.

The application of GIS requires more in depth knowledge, that's where your primary focus should be.

[–] msgmeyourcatsnudes [ S ] 2 points 3 points 4 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

Fair enough, but how do I do that?

[–] [deleted] 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (7 children)

Nope get a science degree or something you want to use gis in. Gis won’t make you rich or nothing and can be rather competitive too especially for the entry level sector .

Tbh you could even use your associates to try to get a full time job since you know Arcmap you know how to use esri gis tools also I would also learn arc pro it’s really easy basically just different interface new tools etc. idk this could find you a entry entry level job but this will pay very bad.

[–] msgmeyourcatsnudes [ S ] 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (6 children)

Tbh it took a lot of googling and trail and error to finish any of my projects. I don't think I'm necessarily prepared to work in the field. Most jobs seem to ask for a GIS degree anyway.

[–] WC-BucsFan GIS Specialist 1 point 2 points 3 points 1 year ago   (5 children)

Most jobs tend to list Geography, Computer Science, or Engineering as acceptable. Where do you want to work? What do you want to do? Those answers will make it much easier for this community to narrow down a major.

A city of 1 million will have a much different workflow and education background for a GIS Specialist than a small engineering firm.

[–] msgmeyourcatsnudes [ S ] 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (4 children)

I wanted to work outdoors, thus the natural resources degree, but that is looking way too out of reach. I don't care about what I do as long as I can pay rent and maybe buy a house one day.

I've considered engineering but I honestly do not think I could handle the course load while also working. I couldn't make it past Chem 1 because the course was too hard with my job.

[–] WC-BucsFan GIS Specialist 2 points 3 points 4 points 1 year ago   (3 children)

I just saw this part. I graduated at 29. Transferred from a community college to a university. Took out ~$17,000 total in loans (haven't paid a dime yet due to Covid and politics). Five years ago, I was a bartender making 25k/year. Today, I am making 95k. A bachelors degree can be life changing.

[–] msgmeyourcatsnudes [ S ] 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (1 child)

What did you major in?

[–] WC-BucsFan GIS Specialist 1 point 2 points 3 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

I majored in Geography. I also earned certificates in GIS and Environmental Planning.

[–] [deleted] 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

Where are you geographically? Where I am a lot of bartenders make 60k+ and entry-level GIS jobs are like 40-50K. I’m not doubting you but can’t imagine making that little bartending, or that much in GIS without a dev or management role.

I got a certificate, and it didn’t really qualify me for anything GIS-related. It did, however, get my foot in the door for surveying and drafting. My current job has me doing all 3, surveying, drafting, and GIS, but the GIS portion is all tech work, no analysis.

I think employers like their hires having a GIS cert if it’s in a field adjacent to GIS, provided that GIS isn’t the primary focus. I can’t speak for how prepared a bachelor’s degree might make you, but as others have said, competition for entry level work is very high right now.

[–] cocksuckerswedgin 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

I did a BA in Geography (UK) many years ago. Did a lot of travelling after, taught English in China for a couple of years, did customer service stuff /kitchen work back home between trips to make money/pay off debt. Fast forward a good number of years and I'm back home with an old degree and no relevent work experience in the kind of professional environment I envisaged working in. I then did a GIS masters degree (fulltime but worlimg 20 hrs a week to get by) to be more employable in a professional setting. It worked l. I didn't go into a GIS job per se, but it was the GIS qualification that made me stand out as it was a desirable component of a general 'data analyst' job. I did 'light-touch' GIS on and off at work for a few years but for the past 6 years have been in the same public sector job but been able to really focus on GIS stuff and am enjoying it more than ever. Having a distinction in my GIS masters degree was definitely a factor in getting that job. My GIS masters wad in reality more like a beginners intro to GIS, it gave me some excellent basics but realistically it was more the piece of paper than my applicable skills. The job market has clearly changed in the 10 years since I graduated with GIS MSc degree, but I wouldn't be doing what I do now without it. I don't have a brilliant salary, but it's fine and I have a very flexible work environment and get to do stuff I enjoy (I've been using FME to build a lot of automated processes recently) , which also adds significant value to the business. So for me, was it worth it? Yes absolutely.

[–] twinnedcalcite GIS Specialist [ 🍰 ] 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

Depends on what your degree provided you with as a foundation.

For natural resources, Geodesy is going to make your life significantly easier as I'm seeing more and more lidar/point cloud data for the industry. The variety of coordinate systems in geotechnical reports causes headache. If you can process the information in an efficient manner then there will always be a combination of office/field jobs.

I would look into UAV courses if you want to add onto your education.

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Geographic Education (Ph.D.)

Ph.d. geographic education.

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Program Overview

Working closely with a dedicated faculty that is recognized nationally and internationally for its research, mentoring and teaching accomplishments, students embark on a journey of professional development that includes research and teaching opportunities. The department also hosts or plays key roles in several international, national and university-wide research centers.

Course Work

The Ph.D. in Geographic Education is designed to provide depth and breadth of knowledge in the field's theoretical foundations and research methods. The degree is offered 100% online, and requires students to complete 31 credit hours of graduate course work, and 15 credit hours of dissertation research and writing. Course work is required during all three semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Graduate courses include learning about geographic education theories and research methods; geography curriculum, standards, and assessment; and educational aspects of geospatial technologies. Faculty advisors work individually with each student to develop a tailored course plan that meets the student's educational and career goals.

Online Availability

This program is offered completely online. If you are not a Texas resident and will not relocate, please visit the  Office of Distance and Extended Learning . International applicants will not be eligible to receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for an F-1 or J-1 visa from Texas State and may review the  eligibility requirements  of enrolling in online programs and contact the  International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)  with questions.

What Our Students Say

"The Ph.D. program in Geographic Education offers students direct access to many of the most accomplished scholars in the field, and works as a hub of geographic education communities connecting school teachers, educators, and researchers. This unique access has allowed me to quickly build my own professional network with local, state, national, and international geography educators."

— Sojung Huh, Class of 2023

Program Details

Geography Ph.D. alumni successfully pursue careers in academia, public and private research centers, and the professional sector with private companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Program Mission

The mission of the Department of Geography is to offer students educational experiences of the highest quality and to conduct meaningful and vital research. The department is committed to outstanding teaching and scholarly activities within the framework of academic freedom and the diversity of ideas and is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and to public service. The department stresses the theoretical and applied realms of geography in all of its curriculum, leads the discipline with innovative applied work, and actively seeks to recruit top students nationally and internationally.

Related Programs:  Ph.D. in Geography  |  Ph.D. in Geographic Information Science

Career Options

Geographic education doctoral students actively participate in professional conferences, meetings and workshops, and publish in top-tier journals in the field, including the Journal of Geography , Research in Geographic Education , Social Studies and the Journal of Geography in Higher Education . Geographic education Ph.D. alumni hold positions in university and community colleges, government agencies and in the private sector.

Program Faculty

Thirty-four full-time faculty members conduct research in physical, human, and environmental geography, geographic education, and geographic information sciences, and publish in top-tier journals, including the  Annals of the American Association of Geographers, The Professional Geographer, the Journal of Geography , and the  Journal of Geography in Higher Education . Faculty research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, among other funding agencies.

Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.

Graduate Advisor Dr. Ronald Hagelman, III [email protected] 512.245.8847 Evans Liberal Arts (ELA) , Room 335

Advisor Support Allison Glass [email protected] 512.245.2618 Evans Liberal Arts (ELA) , Room 127

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Application Process

Review requirements, submit application, upload documents, check status, application deadlines.

This program's deadline is firm. This type of deadline means the application and other application requirements must be submitted by the program's specified deadline day.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.  Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our  international web pages .

Application

• Completed  online application

Review  important information  about the online application.

Application Fee

• $55 nonrefundable application fee OR
• $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

Review  important information  about application fees.

Transcripts & GPA

• baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
• master's degree in geography or a related field from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a U.S. Master’s degree. Master’s degrees following a three-year Bachelor’s degrees may not be equivalent; please contact Graduate Admissions if you are unsure.)
• a copy of an official transcript from  each institution  where course credit was granted
• minimum 3.5 GPA in all completed graduate course work
• completion of a master's thesis or demonstrated evidence of scholarly research and writing

Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

Test Scores

• GRE not required

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our  exempt countries list .

• official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
• official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
• minimum individual module scores of 6.0
• official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
• official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Review important information about official test scores.

• statement of purpose explaining your reasons for pursuing doctoral study and your academic professional interests and goals
• three letters of recommendation demonstrating adequate subject preparation in content and quality as reflected in your transcripts

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What Our Alumni Say

“I always knew I would enter a doctoral program but had been struggling to find the perfect fit.  I chose Texas State as I have been looking for a Ph.D. program that would not only fit into my lifestyle and be offered online but also was credible and well respected; this program came highly recommended especially from other teachers within the field.”

— Licia Paulus, current student

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PhD in Geography

Phd in geography, university of north carolina at charlotte.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2025

GRE requirement optional for 2025 Admissions

The priority deadline for funding consideration is February 15th, 2025

The PhD in Geography is our department’s core doctoral program reflecting the multi-disciplinary research and teaching expertise of our exceptional and award-winning faculty. Graduate students engage in coursework from within and across three areas of focus: Urban and Regional Analysis, Earth and Environmental Systems, and Geographic Information Science. A broad range of elective courses build upon shared training in the theoretical and methodological foundations of Geography, advanced research approaches (quantitative and/or qualitative) and spatial technologies and analysis. Independent research follows yielding a dissertation that advances knowledge in Geography and its related disciplines.

Doctoral students in Geography at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte are members of a student-centered, well-resourced and collegial department comprised of social, physical and applied scientists. As many as half of our PhD students are supported through competitive Graduate Assistantships or Fellowships and our students are frequent recipients of the university’s most prestigious scholarships and national awards. Currently, the program’s Graduate Assistantships include a 9-month stipend of $22,500 plus tuition and health care support through a Graduate School GASP Award.

Our commitment to professional development translates into student involvement in faculty-led research and outreach teams; summer field work grants; financial support to present at national and international conferences; and preparation for teaching and research excellence both pre and post-graduation. Doctoral students in the program have established a tradition of engagement and leadership in the department, across campus, and within national and international professional associations such as the American Association of Geographers and its regional and specialty groups.

The program is structured to be completed within 4 years and our graduates find professional success across the occupational spectrum – as tenure-track professors, international researchers, community planners, analysts with local to national scale governments, post-doctoral fellows, applied scientists, spatial entrepreneurs, private sector consultants and more.

We are now accepting applications for Fall 2024 Admission. Applications received before February 15, 2024 will be given priority consideration for available assistantship and fellowship funding.

Please note that our program will continue to waive the GRE requirement for applicants seeking admission for Spring and Fall 2024. If applicants wish to submit GRE scores they may still do so and those will be considered in the review process.

Admission and requirements? Please refer to UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog

Ready to apply? Please refer to UNC Charlotte Graduate School Admissions

Questions? Please contact program director Dr. Colleen Hammelman [email protected]

Resources for PhD in Geography Program

• PhD GEOG Course Listing
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• PhD GEOG and GURA Dissertations
• Typical Timeline for UNC Charlotte Doctoral Programs
• Fellowships, Awards and Competitions

Alumni Dr. Paul McDaniel and students Tonderai Mushipe and Jaeho Ko connect at Race, Ethnicity and Place (REP) conference in Austin, TX, Fall 2018.

Publications by our PhD Geography Students and Recent Alumni (and their faculty co-authors)

• J. Claire Schuch & Tonderai Mushipe . 2021. “Light Rail and Neighborhood Change: Comparative Perspectives of Residents, Local Media, and Other Stakeholders” Housing Policy Debate , https://doi.org/10.1080/10511482.2021.1949371
• Elizabeth Delmelle, Isabelle Nilsson & Providence Adu . 2021. “Poverty Suburbanization, Job Accessibility, and Employment Outcomes” Social Inclusion , DOI: 10.17645/si.v9i2.3735
• Brisa U. de Hernandez, J. Claire Schuch , Janni Sorensen & Heather A. Smith. 2021. “Sustaining CBPR Projects: Lessons Learned Developing Latina Community Groups.” Collaborations: A Journal of Community-based Research and Practice , DOI: http://doi.org/10.33596/coll.69
• Paul H. Jung & Jun Song. 2021. “Multivariate Neighborhood Trajectory Analysis: An Exploration of the Functional Data Analysis Approach” Geographical Analysis , https://doi.org/10.1111/gean.12298
• Yu Lan , Michael R. Desjardins , Alexander Hohl & Eric Delmell e. 2021. “Geovisualization of COVID-19: State of the Art and Opportunities” Cartographica: The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization , DOI: 10.3138/cart-2020-0027
• Maryam Khabazi & Isabelle Nilsson. 2021. “Connecting people with jobs: Light rail’s impact on Commuting patterns” Travel Behaviour and Society , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbs.2021.03.003
• Claudio Owusu , G ary S.Silverman , David S.Vinson, Rajib Paul , Kathleen M. Baker & Eric M. Delmelle. 2021. “Predicting coliform presence in private wells as a function of well characteristics, parcel size and leachfield soil rating” Science of the Total Environment , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143701
• Daidai Shen , Jean-Claude Thill & Jiuwen Sun. 2021. “The determinants of city population in China” Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science . https://doi.org/10.1007/s41685-020-00170-8
• Minrui Zheng , Wenwu Tang, Akinwumi Ogundiran & Jianxin Yang. 2020. “Spatial Simulation Modeling of Settlement Distribution Driven by Random Forest: Consideration of Landscape Visibility” Sustainability , https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114748

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PhD in Geography

Course of study.

Minimum degree requirement is 54 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, at least 27 of which must be earned in residence at UWM with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Under the guidance of the advisory committee, the chair of which serves as the student’s major professor, the student plans a program of study leading to the development of a special interest. All programs of study contain the following four elements: core concepts and methods, thematic focus, elective courses (as needed to meet the total credit requirement), and dissertation.

Core Concepts And Methods (four courses)

All students must take the following foundation courses:

• Geog 726 – Geographic Information Systems
• Geog 870 – Contemporary Geographic Approaches
• Any Geography graduate seminar

One of the following three courses:

• Geog 704 – Remote Sensing: Environmental and Land Use Analysis
• Geog 747 – Spatial Analysis
• Geog 827 – Qualitative Research

Thematic Focus (at least three courses)

Students, in consultation with their advisor, must select a minimum of three courses that together confer specialized expert knowledge in one thematic area. The courses selected do not have to come from a single list, and they may include other courses not listed. Local Places: Problems and Issues (relevant courses include):

• Geog 441 – Geography of Cities and Metropolitan Areas
• Geog 455 – Applied Climatology
• Geog 464 – Environmental Problems
• Geog 564 – Urban Environmental Change and Social Justice
• Geog 834 – GIS and Society
• Geog 945 – The Internal Structure of the City
• Geo Sci 465 – Advanced Environmental Geology
• Urb Std 981 – Perspectives Toward Change in Urban Social Institutions
• Urb Plan 720 – Urban Development Theory and Planning

Global and Regional Perspectives (relevant courses include):

• Geog 440 – City Systems and Metropolitan Development
• Geog 443 – Cities of the World: Comparative Urban Geography
• Geog 540 – Globalization and the City
• Geog 730 – Geography of Transportation
• Geog 742 – Urban and Regional Dimensions of Globalization
• Geog 744 – Cities, Regions, and Globalization
• Geo Sci 470 – Engineering Geology
• Urb Std 701 – Comparative Urban Development
• Urb Plan 780 – Seminar in Environmental Planning Issues

Monitoring and Modeling Urban Dynamics (relevant courses include):

• Geog 411 – Physical Climatology
• Geog 420 – Methods and Principles in Land Form Geography
• Geog 520 – Physical Geography of the City
• Geog 650 – Geography Field Work
• Geog 704 – Remote Sensing:Environmental and Land Use Analyses (if not taken in core)
• Geog 747 – Spatial Analysis (if not taken in core)
• Geog 804 – Advanced Remote Sensing
• Geog 826 – Intermediate Geographic Information Science
• Geog 827 – Qualitative Research (if not taken in core)
• Geog 904 – Remote Sensing and Urban Analysis
• Geog 926 – Advanced Geographic Information Science: Geographic Modeling
• Geo Sci 730 – Modeling Techniques for Hydrogeology
• Urb Std 725 – Methods of Urban Community Development
• Urb Plan 721 – Applied Planning Methods

Research Techniques (elective course)

Students who have not taken a research techniques course in their prior graduate program should consult with their faculty advisor regarding their enrollment in Geog 910 – Techniques of Research and Presentation, an introduction to theoretical and practical aspects of geographic research, funding, presentation, and publication. Ideally, students should enroll in this course after their first full year of courses, but no later than their fourth semester, after they have completed the majority of CORE requirements. The course is designed to assist students with the initiation of their Ph.D. dissertation research.

Foreign Language Requirement

If appropriate to the proposed area of study, the student’s committee will require that s/he acquire the necessary competence in a foreign language. The major professor will supervise the completion of this requirement with input from the committee as necessary.

Elective Courses

Courses taken from geography or cognate fields to achieve the total of 54 credits required for the PhD degree. Students must have the approval of their advisors for the elective courses.

Graduate Grievance Procedures

Federal law and UWM policy require programs and departments to have procedures for graduate students to appeal academic decisions such as grades or scholastic standing. These procedures ensure the protection of students’ rights. These pages serve as a reference on procedures for graduate student academic appeals.

• UWM Graduate School Academic Appeal Procedures

2024 Best Geography & Cartography Master's Degree Schools

Choosing a great geography & cartography school for your master's degree, quality overall is important, average earnings, other factors we consider, one size does not fit all, best schools for master’s students to study geography & cartography in the united states, 19 top schools for a master's in geography.

Those geography & cartography students who get their master's degree from University of Southern California earn $4,409 more than the standard geography grad.

Those geography & cartography students who get their master's degree from Johns Hopkins University make $11,237 more than the average geography graduate.

Master's recipients from the geography & cartography program at University of Denver make $5,945 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

Soon after graduating, geography master's recipients typically make around $49,420 in the first five years of their career.

After graduation, geography master's recipients typically make around $58,813 in their early careers.

Those geography & cartography students who get their master's degree from George Mason University receive $18,379 more than the standard geography student.

Rest of the Top Best Geography & Cartography Master's Degree Schools

Additional noteworthy schools.

Geography & Cartography by Region

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in geography & cartography, best doctorate degrees in geography & cartography, best value in geography & cartography, best for non-traditional students in geography & cartography, best online in geography & cartography, most popular online in geography & cartography, best bachelor's degrees in geography & cartography, best overall in geography & cartography, highest paid grads in geography & cartography, best for veterans in geography & cartography, most popular in geography & cartography, most focused in geography & cartography, rankings in majors related to geography, geography concentrations.

Most Popular Related Majors

Notes and References

Popular reports, compare your school options.

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PhD in Geography

The PhD is a highly individualized degree that emphasizes advanced training and research. Students develop and demonstrate both depth and breadth in geographical inquiry. They gain an understanding of the major epistemological and methodological questions that have shaped the development of geography as a discipline and master a set of research methods that are appropriate to their area of specialization. Students acquire a detailed understanding of a particular sub-field of geography, conduct and disseminate independent research in that sub-field and broaden their backgrounds through study in one or more allied disciplines. The program is intended to lead students into innovative research as demonstrated in research seminars, independent investigations, and the completion of a dissertation. The student's academic performance must be marked by initiative, intellectual integrity, a sense of problem, and critical acumen.

Students can enter the PhD program through two routes:

• after earning a Bachelor’s degree   or
• after earning a Master’s degree

Admission to the PhD is limited to those who have achieved distinction in previous undergraduate and graduate work (a 3.2 GPA on a 4 point scale is a generally accepted criterion) and who have demonstrated the determination and initiative required for doctoral success.

Accelerated PhD Program for students entering with a Bachelor's Degree

Geography phd requirements - university of illinois academic catalog.

Graduate Studies

Program description, open letter to prospective students, program requirements, how to apply, financial aid, dissertations, continuing graduate student handbook.

Graduate School

• Resources to Prepare for Graduate School
• Adonara Mucek, Ph.D. Geology '17
• Adriana Mendoza, Ph.D. Mathematics '14
• Andrew Olsen
• Becca Maher ('21, Ph.D.)
• Bryan Lynn, Ph.D. Integrative Biology
• Celeste Frazier Barthel, Ph.D. Education '21
• Diane Brandt
• Francesca Germano, Toxicology, M.S.
• Garrett Rogers
• Jafra Thomas
• Jen Hayes, Horticulture, PhD
• Jordan Jimmie
• Jordan Spradlin, Public Health, MPH
• Kalina Fahey, Psychology, Ph.D.
• Katie Stelling, Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Ph.D.
• Kelsey Contreras
• Layla Ghazi
• Marie Tosa, Ph.D. Wildlife Sciences
• Sara Letton
• Tiara Walz, Ph.D. Public Health
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Geography and geospatial science (ph.d., m.s., minor).

Geography is the study of human use and interaction with the Earth and the analysis of spatial and temporal processes in natural and human systems. Geospatial science applies spatial thinking and computational methods to address geographic problems. Geographers combine field, laboratory, and computational work to analyze, interpret and resolve geographic problems in three main topic areas:

• Geospatial Analysis and Modeling. Theory and applications of geospatial technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and data visualization, and their ethical implications.
• Earth System Science. How biogeographic, physical, ecological, chemical, and human spheres interact within the Earth System and how these connected components are dynamically changing in time and space.
• Global Change Risk and Resilience. How environmental processes such as climate change influence human risk and vulnerability, and how social processes such as resource consumption or geopolitical conflict affect justice, equity, and the environment.

  Geography and Geospatial Science Website

  College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences

  CEOAS Graduate Student Handbook

 Corvallis  Ecampus

Primary Contact

Ecampus contact, admissions requirements.

Fall term for Corvallis-based M.S. and Ph.D., fall/winter/spring term for online M.S. (starting with fall 2023)

Required Tests

English language requirements .

English language requirements for international applicants to this program are the same as the standard Graduate School requirements .

Additional Requirements

Application requirements, including required documents, letters, and forms, vary by program and may not be completely represented here. The processing of your application will not be completed until these requirements have been met. Please, before applying to this program, always contact the program office to confirm application requirements.

Application Process

To apply for the on-campus PhD and MS, please review the How to Apply page at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences website.

To apply for the online MS, please review the How to Apply for the online MS page at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences website.

Dates & Deadlines ?

Admissions deadline for on-site in corvallis students, admissions deadline for online students.

for fall term

for winter term

for spring term

Concentrations ?

Mais participation.

This program may serve as a secondary or third only field of study in a MAIS degree .

AMP Participation ?

This program does not participate in the Accelerated Master's Platform (AMP)

Contact Info

Graduate School Heckart Lodge 2900 SW Jefferson Way Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-1102

Phone: 541-737-4881 Fax: 541-737-3313

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Graduate Program

Main navigation, welcome to the department of earth and planetary sciences (eps).

Graduate studies in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) involve academic coursework and independent research. Students are prepared for careers as professional scientists in research or the application of the earth sciences to mineral, energy, and water resources. Programs lead to the M.S., Engineer, and Ph.D. degrees. Course programs in the areas of faculty interest are tailored to the student's needs and interests with the aid of their research adviser. Students are encouraged to include in their program courses offered in other departments in the Doerr School of Sustainability as well as in other departments in the University.

Applications for Autumn 2025-2026 will open in Mid-September 2024

If you have additional questions, contact  [email protected] . More university information and application system questions can be found on  Stanford's Graduate Admissions website and the online application .

Stanford's graduate application

Start your application online on  Stanford's graduate application page here .

Graduate degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences

• Masters of Science

Our Department's Values

Our community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni is committed to  a supportive training culture to provide  a safe, inclusive, supportive, diverse, and equitable environment that respects all cultures and backgrounds. Our students arrive with different backgrounds and perspectives that are essential to the success of our department's scholarly and scientific strides. We aim to attract a broad talent pool to the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences and encourage applicants whose life experiences offer unique contributions to the Earth's sustainability and our Stanford campus. 

When evaluating graduation applications holistically, we are guided by the following principles:

• We recognize that students applying for Earth and Planetary Sciences hail from many backgrounds, but they all share common threads: an insatiable curiosity and a passion for science.
• We have committed to a holistic admission strategy, evaluating scientific merit and intellectual curiosity while considering life experience,  perseverance, and the context in which applicant pursued their academic goal.
• We are committed to fostering positive advisor-advisee experience
• We are committed to broadening participation in field-based science through virtual field trips and laboratories
• We are committed to cultivating students' research skills and creative thinking as well as providing an environment that develops scholars, educators, and leaders who are guided by equity, access, and inclusion.

Application Information

Explore our program

Admission FAQs

For more information...

...about Earth and Planetary Sciences courses and degrees, contact Anjani Varma .

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Geography (PhD)

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geography offered by the Department of Geography in the Faculty of Science is a research-intensive program that emphasizes interdisciplinary and comprehensive learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in original thinking, literature synthesis, and scientific communication to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

The program may also be taken as one of the following options:

Environment option : offered in collaboration with the Bieler School of Environment, the program considers how various dimensions (scientific, social, legal, ethical) interact to define environment and sustainability issues.

Gender and Women's Studies option : gives the opportunity to pursue coursework and research focusing on gender and women's studies, and issues in feminist research and methods.

Neotropical Environment option : is aimed at students who wish to focus their graduate research on environmental issues relevant to the Neotropics and Latin American countries. Students will complete their research in Latin America and their core and complementary courses will be taught in Panama.

Unique Program Features

• Being both a natural and a social science, geography provides a unique opportunity to obtain a broad interdisciplinary exposure to analytical methods to investigate the environmental and situational problems of contemporary society;
• Typically, the Department offers funding, Fellowships and awards that help support students' field-work/research;
• The Department's key research areas include Political, Urban, Economic, and Health Geography; Environment and Development; Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing; Land Surface Processes, Ecosystem Biogeochemistry, and Ecohydrology; Earth System Science and Global Change; Sustainability Science and Environmental Management;
• Faculty members and students conduct research in fields such as climate change impacts, periglacial geomorphology, and forest resource history in regions ranging from the Arctic to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

University-Level Admission Requirements

• An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
• English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

PhD in Geography website

Department Contact

Graduate Program grad.geog [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20Geography) (email)

Available Intakes

Application deadlines.

Note : Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

Application Resources

• Application Steps webpage
• Submit Your Application webpage
• Connecting with a supervisor webpage
• Graduate Funding webpage

Application Workshops

Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage.

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.