PhD Geography at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Explore human interaction with the built and natural environment and be at the forefront in developing solutions for the world's most pressing issues through our geography program. As a doctoral student, you will plan and execute an original research project and learn skills and techniques that are applicable to both academic and non-academic careers. Our faculty also provides a wide array of professional development, including overseas research, academic writing, grant writing and more.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Geography | Duration: 33 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Our graduate program offers advanced seminars in a variety of subfields, including urban geography, political geography, environmental geography, geographic information systems and remote sensing. The department also connects you to active research centers on topics such as geographic education, hazards vulnerability, geographic data, climate and more.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Government Researcher, Disaster Manager/Planner, Climate Scientist, GIS Analyst, Conservation Director, University/College Faculty.

Official programme page

Application information

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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