USC: Department of Geography

For students following the program requirements prior to December 2010, use this information. (note: students entering the PhD program after December 2010 must use the current program requirements.)

The Ph.D. program has a core strength in geographic information processing (cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems). Students may apply their technical expertise to problems in physical, environmental, human, or regional geography. With the approval of the graduate advisor, students may select any area of interest represented by faculty strength and expertise.

1. Course Requirements (21 credits minimum)

A. GEOG 801 — Contemporary Approaches to Geography (3 credits)

B. Technical Proficiency — This demonstrates completion of a 700- or above level techniques course, appropriate to the student's specialization and dissertation topic and with advisor approval (3 credits)

C. Specialization — At least one course in the student's specialization at the 800-level. (3 credits)

D. Electives — Additional courses at the graduate level including at least one course outside of geography (12 credits)

* Note: Students should be aware when selecting courses in their program of study that at least one-half of the hours must be at the 700-level or above.

These are minimum course requirements. Each Ph.D. student works closely with his/her advisor to determine the elective course work necessary to complete a satisfactory dissertation. It is anticipated that in many cases this course work entails additional electives outside the Geography Department.

2. Dissertation Preparation (12 credits maximum)

A. GEOG 899 - Dissertation Preparation

3. Adherence to Graduate School Residency Requirements

4. Adherence to Graduate School Requirements for Admission to Candidacy

Three conditions must be met: a) full admission to the doctoral program; b) approval of doctoral program of study; c) qualifying exam. The qualifying exam consists of the successful completion of GEOG 801, GEOG 531 or its equivalent, and the advanced training in a technique course (see section 1 above), with a grade of B or better. The admission to candidacy should normally be completed within the first year of residence.

5. Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive examination consists of a written exam, the written Ph.D. proposal, and its oral defense. The examination is administered by the four member examination committee, including one member from outside the major department. The written exams are administered by the major professor with input from each committee member. The dissertation proposal must be of the highest quality and commensurate with a proposal competitive for funding from nationally-recognized funding sources. The proposal defense and written comprehensive exams must occur within 90 days of each other. Normally the comprehensive exam occurs by the fourth semester.

6. Dissertation Research

Upon the successful completion of the comprehensive exam (including the proposal defense) the student is eligible to register for GEOG 899.

7. Dissertation Defense

The dissertation research is presented in a public doctoral lecture, followed by a defense before the examination committee, consisting of four members, one of whom must be from outside the department.

8. Teaching Experience

The student will serve as either instructor of record or as a teaching assistant.

9. Participation in Departmental Colloquia Series as a Presenter

Official Program Requirements are also available in the USC Graduate Bulletin

Geography Department Guidelines for Academic Progress

A student must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the end of each semester and maintain a minimal "B" average in all courses and a "B" average in courses at the 700 level and above. Any student who receives less than a "B" in a graduate course will be on probation for the next semester. See the Graduate Program Director for a more detailed document on the minimum expectations for maintaining satisfactory progress. Financial assistance may be terminated or reduced for a student who is on probation or who is not progressing satisfactorily. During the preparation of the dissertation any student who wishes to use University facilities or to confer with the faculty must be enrolled officially in Geography 899.

Termination from the Program
A serious or repeated failure to make satisfactory academic progress results in a student being terminated from the Ph.D. program. The student should become familiar with the criteria that determine whether satisfactory progress is being made and whether a student should be placed on probation. A student will be notified of termination, in writing, prior to the beginning of classes for a semester. Listed below are the more likely causes for termination from the program.

All requirements for previous degree not completed by the end of the first semester.
Failure to advance to candidacy.
On probation for two consecutive semesters.
Failure to have an academic advisor at all times.
Failure to pass the Comprehensive Examination.
Receiving a total of three grades below B.
Failure to have an approved dissertation proposal by the end of the sixth semester for full-time students.

For additional information about graduate study at the University of South Carolina, please see: