Skip to main content
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota
    • Admitted Students
    • Current Students
    • Families of Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Email
    • Blackboard
    • Campus Connection
    • Employee Self-Service
    • Hawk Central
    • Degree Map
    • Zoom
  • Directory
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
University of North Dakota
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
Numbered stones for geology study
  • Home
  • Program Finder
  • Geology (Ph.D.)
print Print Page

Ph.D. in Geology

Build the skills and expertise in independent research that are the foundation for your geology career.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you'll conduct extensive fieldwork and build analytical skills in state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Experienced, accessible faculty are committed to seeing you achieve your research goals as you build skills for professional success.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
3-5 years
Credit hours:
90
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Fees
  • How to Apply
  •  

Request Information

Why earn a Ph.D. in geology?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
March 15* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Sept. 1 | Dec. 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

As a Geology Ph.D. candidate, you'll:

  • Conduct research advancing theoretical and applied science
  • Prepare to teach at the college level or for a career in advanced research

Areas of geology faculty emphasis include:

  • Hydrogeology and environmental geology
  • Economic geology of petroleum, coal and mineral resources
  • Sedimentology, stratigraphy and paleontology
  • Geomorphology and glacial geology
  • Petrology and geochemistry
  • Geophysics and tectonics

And interdisciplinary projects involving topics such as integrated basin analysis, surface mining and reclamation, and underground coal gasification.

Geology Ph.D. Program Requirements

You'll complete:

  • Two consecutive semesters in residence during the first two years of your studies.
  • Complete a qualifying exam (that includes a research proposal)
  • Submit a series of peer-reviewed journal and conference papers
  • Successfully defend a dissertation

UND's Ph.D. in Geology

  • Access the largest geoscience library in the upper Midwest, which contains 100,000 maps and 50,000 volumes.

  • We are diverse. Students in UND's Geology program come from around the country, and world.

  • The Geology program is based in the four-story, 70,000-square-foot Leonard Hall. It's a state-of-the-art facility for research in geophysics, hydrogeology, petroleum engineering, mining and more.

  • The Wilson M. Laird Core and Sample Library, across from Leonard Hall, contains cores from nearly every oil well drilled in North Dakota and is an invaluable research resource.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

  • Study at a Carnegie R1 Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

What can I do with a Ph.D. in geology?

93k

Median annual salary for geoscientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for geoscientists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook

A geology degree is the gateway to careers in a wide range of fields. Employers include:

  • Environmental and engineering geology companies
  • Federal government
  • Laboratories
  • Mining and mineral industries
  • Oil and gas industry
  • State geological surveys
  • Universities and colleges

Typical careers include:

  • Geologist
  • Operations geologist
  • Biostratigrapher
  • Senior geologist
  • Maturation geologist
  • Structural geologist
  • Sedimentologist
  • Stratigrapher

Ph.D. in Geology Courses

GEOL 530. Topics in Physical Hydrogeology. 2 Credits.

Selected topics in groundwater, vadose-zone hydrology, fracture flow, analytical/numerical modeling, GIS and hydrology, and wetland soils/hydrology. Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 8.00 credits. F,S.

GEOL 511. Advanced Structural Geology. 4 Credits.

Reading and research in special topics in structural geology and geotectonics.

GEOL 523. Topics in Advanced Geomorphology. 1-4 Credits.

Selected topics in geomorphic processes and landforms. Prerequisite: GEOL 311. Repeatable to 4.00 credits.

GEOL 560. Geothermics I. 3 Credits.

A survey of the methods of geothermal exploration, assessment and production. The course covers the various methods for discovery and characterization of geothermal resources. Methods for assessment of energy in place and determination of recoverable energy are covered in depth. Current technologies for energy extraction and power production are presented with current examples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Corequisite: Permission of instructor. On demand.

GEOL 551. Heat Flow. 3 Credits.

An exploration of Earth's thermal structure, thermal history and heat sources. The course begins with the theory of heat transfer within and through the surface of terrestrial planets. Methods of observation and modeling provide hands-on experience in field and laboratory activities. Applications of heat flow in tectonics, petrology, thermal maturity of kerogen, hydrogeology, geothermics and climate change are presented with current examples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Corequisite: Permission of instructor. On demand.

GEOL 540. Water Sampling and Analysis. 3 Credits.

Techniques of water and sediment sampling and analysis using equipment in the UND Water Quality Laboratory. Results are interpreted in the context of the natural systems from which the samples are taken. Enrollment is limited to eight students per section. A laboratory fee is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 121.

Leaders in Geology

With hands-on learning guided by experienced professionals, you'll conduct ground breaking research at UND.

UND geologist unearths world’s oldest ice

Request Information

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities. 

  • Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering
  • Find Similar Programs

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.

Ready to Enroll?

  • Request Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Apply Now
  • UND.info@UND.edu
  • 701.777.3000
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • X
  • Contact UND
  • Campus Map
  • Events Calendar
  • Community & Belonging
  • Explore Programs
  • Employment
  • Make a Gift
  • Campus Safety (SafeUND)
University of North Dakota

© 2025 University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND - Member of ND University System

  • Accessibility & Website Feedback
  • Terms of Use & Privacy
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Student Disclosure Information
  • Title IX
©
UND.info@UND.edu
701.777.3000 | 1.800.CALL.UND
UND.edu/programs