PhD in Geology in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

The Department of Geology provides graduate programs for both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Full-time M.S. students typically complete their degree in two to three years, involving coursework, an original research thesis, and an oral defense. For the Ph.D., full-time students generally spend three to four years post-Master's, or four to five years if entering directly after a Bachelor's degree. The doctoral program encompasses coursework, qualifying exams, dissertation research, and a final oral defense. Students work closely with faculty mentors, conducting innovative research often tied to existing departmental projects. Geology explores Earth's formation, development, life origins, and ongoing changes to its surface, atmosphere, and interior. Our research focuses on four key areas: Geochemistry (examining thermal processes from Earth's surface to its core and beyond), Solid Earth Science (studying planetary materials and tectonic processes), Surficial Processes (analyzing Earth's surface interactions with water, sediment, and life), and Geophysics (investigating planetary structures and dynamics). These interdisciplinary fields allow students to tailor their studies, with emerging opportunities in planetary science and forensic geology.