PhD Geology at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Build the skills and expertise in independent research that are the foundation for your geology career. As a Ph.D. candidate, you'll conduct extensive fieldwork and build analytical skills in state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Experienced, accessible faculty are committed to seeing you achieve your research goals as you build skills for professional success.

What you will study

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering. Students normally take the equivalent of three years of full-time work beyond the Master’s degree to earn their Doctorate degree.

Career pathways

A geology degree is the gateway to careers in a wide range of fields. Employers include: Environmental and engineering geology companies, Federal government, Laboratories, Mining and mineral industries, Oil and gas industry, State geological surveys, Universities and colleges, Geologist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog. For admission to the Geology Ph.D. program, applicants should have earned either an undergraduate degree in Geology from an accredited college or university or another relevant discipline. If an applying student has a Bachelor's degree in a non-science discipline or is otherwise uncertain that their accomplishments meet these requirements, they can demonstrate their competency and preparedness for graduate school in Geology through other means, such as demonstration of equivalent and relevant knowledge gained through field experience and/or industry employment. Applicants mush have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher. Submission of a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test score is strongly recommended if you do not have an undergraduate degree in Geology. Applicants are encouraged to submit their GRE score to support their application.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,700 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Engineering (including Computer Science & Geology)'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same Source

International applicants: USD 29,401 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Engineering (including Computer Science & Geology)'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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