PhD in Geology

The Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences in Dedman College at SMU has an internationally distinguished faculty active in both field and laboratory-based studies. They are joined by a dynamic group of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who benefit both from the Department's excellent laboratory and computational facilities as well as from the individual attention possible in a private university with a low student-to-faculty ratio.

Our location in Dallas offers all of the cultural benefits of a major metropolis at a much lower cost of living and with less congestion than in most cities of comparable size. The city’s mild climate allows for outdoor activities year-round.

Earth Sciences was one of the University’s first Ph.D. granting departments. SMU grants graduate degrees in geology, geophysics, and applied geophysics.

Ph.D. program in Geology or Geophysics

The Ph.D. degree required a minimum of two academic years of residency as a graduate student on campus or at a research facility approved by the Department faculty; satisfactory defense of two original research propositions; and the preparation and public defense of a dissertation that is a significant original contribution to the advancement of science. Proficiency in a foreign language may be required by the advisory committee.

SMU's Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies is proud to offer doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields across four different colleges and schools: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Lyle School of Engineering, the Meadows School of the Arts, and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. These programs help students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions to both academia and industry.

• 32 Doctoral degrees
• 120+ Masters degrees
• 47 Fully-funded Ph.D. fellows

Thinking about studying at SMU? Welcome!

Southern Methodist University is a private, research-driven institution focused on providing innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful studies. Located in the international city of Dallas, TX, our graduate students get to live and learn in one of the 10 best business locations in the U.S. according to Fortune magazine.

The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, in partnership with five of SMU's Colleges and Schools, offers 32 doctoral degrees and over 120 master's degrees in addition to several professional degrees. These programs help our students pursue their passions and make significant contributions in their academic fields and beyond.

Diversity at SMU

Southern Methodist University is committed to nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually challenging environment for all of our graduate students.

We believe that a supportive community embracing individual viewpoints and backgrounds leads to a more rigorous academic environment and a more fulfilling experience for all.