Why study Geology?

Geology is an interdisciplinary science that emphasizes the study of major Earth systems and how they are connected.  The Department of Geology has strong research groups in paleontology (paleontology and evolutionary paleoecology; our program is ranked 6th in the nation), Quaternary geology and geomorphology (glacial geology, fluvial and slope processes, desert geomorphology, and tectonic geomorphology), sedimentology and stratigraphy (sequence stratigraphy, geology of shales, and geochemical records of Earth history), tectonics (mountain building and volcanism), environmental geology (groundwater studies and landslide and seismic hazard mitigation), and biogeochemistry and global change (carbon cycling, isotope geochemistry, and impacts of climate change). 

Admission Requirements

An application must include:

  • Online application for admission.
  • 3 letters of recommendation.  Recommenders are notified once the online application is submitted.  Recommenders upload letters directly to the online application.
  • Unofficial transcripts from major universities attended.  Unofficial transcripts are to be downloaded to the online application.  Official transcripts are necessary only if accepted into the program.
  • Official TOEFL scores (for international students whose native language is not English; UC's ETS code is 1833)
  • The applicant may submit official GRE scores, but scores are optional.

Application Deadlines

To apply to the Geology PhD program, please visit the Graduate School Admissions website. The application deadline to receive University and Departmental funding is January 15.  Unofficial transcripts, GRE (optional) and TOEFL scores, and letters of recommendation need to be submitted by the application deadline or very soon after. Failure to submit application materials in a timely manner can result in your application not being considered during the first round of applicant review.

If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Krista Smilek, the Academic Director at krista.smilek@uc.edu or 513-556-7169.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Krista Smilek
Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati
500 Geology Physics Building
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013
513-556-7169
krista.smilek@uc.edu

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Program Code: 15DOC-GEOL-PHD