PhD Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University

Programme overview

This program provides you with the flexibility to travel down the path in a specific area of the field that interests you the most. You will work with faculty to address fundamental questions about our world—from prehistoric geological processes to understanding weather patterns. Almost every practical aspect of society—population, environment, economics, politics—is and will be increasingly impacted by our relationship with the Earth.

Faculty: Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Earth and Planetary Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Harvard Griffin GSAS admission (programme-specific) - Academic Background: Typically, applicants will have an academic background in applied math, biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, engineering, physics, or related fields. Applicants should indicate the faculty whose research fields are closest to their interests in the faculty section of the application for admission. Personal Statement: Required. Standardized Tests: GRE General: Optional; GRE Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology Subject Tests: Optional.

USD 59,048 a year (2026-2027). Full tuition rate for the first two years of study (reduced in years 3-4); PhD students typically receive grants covering tuition. Source

Intake: Fall

Apply through the official page: https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply

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