Geoscience PhD

Doctoral students in the Geoscience PhD program in Temple’s College of Science and Technology pursue advanced coursework and original research exploring the geological processes and cycles that affect human well-being. Courses and research explore how the increasing human population and rapidly expanding technology alter those processes and their effects. Research funding for doctoral students is available in subfields of environmental geology, geochemistry, sedimentary geology and paleontology, and structural geology.

The PhD program will build on research topics and focus on new and emerging areas of geoscience. This field is increasingly interdisciplinary in nature, and the Geoscience PhD program welcomes students from a variety of science majors who are qualified to take graduate coursework in geosciences.

Learn more about Geoscience faculty research.

Temple student and professor in a river bed taking water samples.

Classes & Curriculum

The Geoscience PhD includes graduate courses in the geosciences, weekly seminars, qualifying exams and research leading to a doctoral dissertation. Other culminating events include passing a written and oral qualifying examination, submitting an original thesis and completing a final oral presentation of that thesis.

Courses you may take during your studies include

Analytical Methods in Mineralogy,
Ecohydrology,
Glaciology and
Sedimentary Petrology.

Learn more about the Geoscience PhD curriculum.

Related Graduate Degrees

Geology MS

Related Graduate Certificates

Scientific Writing

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,395.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,824.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

If you can find the time to participate while meeting the demands of your degree program, student clubs offer valuable opportunities to meet fellow graduate students, researchers and professionals from science- and technology-related industries.

Clubs and organizations for students pursuing a Geology degree include

the Geological Society of Temple University, which encourages students to explore geological and environmental topics in social experiences with peers.
Sigma Gamma Epsilon, a society that was established to recognize scholarship and professionalism in the Earth Sciences. Members can connect through social and research events.

Explore the full list of College of Science and Technology student clubs and organizations.

Accreditation

ST-GESC-PHD

Additional Program Information

Visit College Site

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