The advisor guides the choice of courses and discusses possible research topics for the dissertation. As soon as possible, the student chooses a dissertation committee to oversee the timely completion of the degree. Committee members must be approved by the Graduate Program Committee and The Graduate School. The dissertation proposal should be completed by the end of the third academic-year semester in residence. During the second year, and no later than the end of the fourth academic-year semester in residence, the student undergoes a comprehensive examination.
Most students spend about two years completing and defending the dissertation.
The Graduate School has established a time limit of eight years from the time of enrollment for completion of the PhD degree requirements. Prerequisites The prerequisite for admission to the PhD program is normally an MS in geology. Students with a bachelor's degree in geology or a degree in another discipline may also be admitted to the PhD program. The DGS will appoint an ad hoc committee to determine deficiency requirements for students lacking the BS or MS degree in geology. This committee will meet prior to the start of the student's first term.