PhD Geological Sciences at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Join a vibrant and friendly academic environment, and prepare for a future leadership position in industry, government and academia in the fields of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and ocean science. Our doctoral students conduct independent, original scientific research to gain understanding of the fundamental principles and practices related to primary areas of the earth and/or ocean sciences. Successful defense of a written dissertation is required, and all students will complete comprehensive exams and submit for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Generate original research that incorporates discipline-specific scientific methodology, quantitative problem-solving skills, equipment utilization and experimental or numerical techniques in the laboratory and/or in the field.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Geologist, Educator, Researcher, Director, Administrator, Consultant.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Applicants for a graduate degree in the School of Earth Ocean and Environment must have a baccalaureate degree from an approved and accredited college or university. Requirements for admission to all programs within the School of Earth Ocean and Environment conform with the general regulations of The Graduate School. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test according to The Graduate School guidelines. Programs Master of Earth and Environmental Resources Management, M.E.E.R.M. Geological Sciences, M.S. Geological Sciences, Ph.D. Marine Science, M.S. Marine Science, Ph.D. Applications Requirements Requirements that are common to all programs: 1. Completion of an online Graduate School application; 2. A resume/CV 3. Transcripts from all institutions attended. 4. Three letters of recommendation from...

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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