Graduate Studies in Geological Sciences School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

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The School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Geological Sciences through the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences. Active research in the Department covers a wide variety of disciplines under the direction of an extraordinary faculty. Financial support is available to a number of students each year in the form of instructional (IA) and research (RA) assistantships, the Stephen F. Taber Fellowship, as well as external and university-wide fellowships.

Admission requirements

Admission to the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences graduate program requires a successful application to the USC Graduate School, and the recommendation of the Department. Successful applicants must have received a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university and meet admission requirements set by The Graduate School. Moreover, successful applicants are required to have a minimum total GRE (verbal + quantitative) score of 1000, with a minimum quantitative score of 550. Applicants should have acquired competence in one of the fields of basic science. However, more important than any fixed entrance requirements, the candidate’s academic record and other credentials must indicate the potential to progress satisfactorily in graduate studies. Students that are typically accepted into the Earth & Ocean Sciences graduate program have an undergraduate GPA exceeding 3.0 and letters of recommendation that rank them in the upper 25% of their cohort. Deficiencies in prerequisite subjects must be made up before a student may proceed with graduate work. International students are required to adhere to additional requirements set by the Graduate School.

Degree requirements

All requirements for successful completion of graduate degrees are outlined in detail in the Geological Sciences Graduate Handbook. Degree requirements include significant graduate course work including the fulfillment of a breadth requirement, the completion of an original research project, and the writing of a scholarly thesis or dissertation. Required weekly seminars by faculty and visiting scientists keep Earth & Ocean Sciences graduate students abreast of fundamental concepts and the latest discoveries in their field.

Ph.D. in Geological Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program prepares students for professional careers and leadership positions in industry, government and academia in the fields of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and ocean science. Ph.D. students are expected to conduct independent, original scientific research and to have an understanding of the fundamental principles and practices related to primary areas of the earth and/or ocean sciences. Training involves developing the ability to use appropriate laboratory and field equipment, and expanding one’s understanding of scientific methodology, quantitative problem-solving skills and experimental or numerical techniques.

The Department expects all graduates to possess effective oral and written communication skills.

Upon admission to the Doctoral program, a Ph.D. student must ensure satisfactory progress towards the degree, including:

(1)selection of a Dissertation Advisor from the faculty of the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences (1st semester)
(2)formation of Doctoral Committee (1st year): PDF
(3)Dissertation Proposal Presentation / Qualifying Examination (by the end of 2nd year): PDF
(4)submission of Ph.D. Program of Study (2nd year): PDF
(5)acceptance of a peer-reviewed manuscript for publication (at least 60 days before Defense): PDF
(6)Comprehensive Examination (at least 60 days before Defense): PDF
(7)submission of a second manuscript to a peer-review journal (at least ~30 days before degree award): PDF
(8)Dissertation Defense (at least ~30 days before degree award): PDF

Although a Ph.D. degree can be earned in three years, the median time for graduation in the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences is four years, assuming satisfactory progress. There are several time limitations that, if not met, may lead to coursework expiration or termination from the program.

M.S. in Geological Sciences

The Master of Science degree program prepares students for professional careers in industry and government, or for the pursuit of further graduate degrees in the fields of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and marine science. A written thesis or peer-reviewed manuscript is required for students seeking a M.S. degree. M.S. students are expected to conduct scientific research under the supervision of an advisor, and to have a basic understanding of the fundamental principles and practices related to the primary area of their study.

The Department expects all graduates to possess effective oral and written communication skills.

Upon admission, M.S. students must make satisfactory progress toward the award of the degree, including:

(1)selection of a Thesis Advisor from the faculty of the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences (1st semester)
(2)formation of a Thesis Committee (1st year): PDF
(3)submission of a M.S. Program of Study (1st year): PDF
(4)Thesis Proposal Presentation & Comprehensive Exam (1st year): PDF
(5)Thesis Defense (2nd year): PDF