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Program overview

This program offers a select group of students the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with doctoral faculty in Earth and Environmental Sciences on research problems of mutual interest. Faculty members in the Ph.D. in Natural Sciences: Geosciences program engage in cutting-edge research across various disciplines, including applied geophysics, atmospheric sciences, climate variability and change, environmental geology, geoarchaeology, geochemistry, geomorphology, GIS, mineral deposits, Quaternary environments, stratigraphy and planetary geology, including volcanoes and hazards. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be ready to pursue roles with federal and local government agencies, private companies and universities.

Admissions and course requirements

Program Details

Program requirements

The program is comprised of at least 42 credit hours, including:

  • At least 15 hours in the Geosciences primary discipline
  • At least 9 hours outside the primary discipline
  • Electives as needed to constitute 30 total coursework hours
  • At least 12 hours of dissertation research

Complete course listing on Academic Catalog

Program benchmarks

  • Complete part one of your plan of study by the end of your first year.
  • Complete coursework in the first 2-3 years.
  • Complete part two of your plan of study, which includes committee selection and a preliminary research proposal, by the end of your third year or prior to comprehensive exams, whichever comes first.
  • Gain approval of Ph.D. research proposal.

Costs, aid and funding opportunities

Cost is a major consideration when deciding whether to continue your education. Please contact the program coordinator about assistantships and other relevant funding opportunities, such as the Newcomb Student Research Support Program.

We also encourage you to learn more about costs, financial aid and external funding opportunities that can make earning your degree more affordable.

Estimated costs International student costs Financial aid  Funding opportunities

Application Details

Application procedures and requirements

  1. Prepare required documentation, including:
    • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
    • A proposal detailing your goals and expectations
    • Three letters of recommendation from previous professors
  2. Complete the online application. Please be sure to pay applicable domestic or international program fees.
  3. Make sure you meet discipline-specific admission requirements, which are listed in the Academic Catalog.

Application deadlines

  • March 1 for Fall Semester entry
  • Sept. 1 for Spring Semester entry

Still Have Questions?

Email our program coordinator for more information.
Portrait of professor Fengpeng Sun

Fengpeng Sun, Ph.D.

Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
 Email: sunf@umkc.edu