The Ph.D. in Geological Sciences encompasses study in any of the branches of geology and geophysics. To earn the Ph.D., a student must prepare a satisfactory doctoral dissertation; complete Geology 201A and 201B; enroll in Geology 260 each quarter while in residence; complete 2 units of Geology 268, Oral Presentation of Research; and complete 30 units of geology units (at least 20 units in graduate courses). Geology 260 and all 500-series courses (except 596) are excluded from these graduate course units. In addition, students must successfully complete the following:

Comprehensive Exam—The student must demonstrate, by course work and by preparation of one research paper and by oral examination, superior competence in the field of specialization, broad knowledge in the geological sciences, and satisfactory knowledge of sciences other than geology that are relevant to the fields of interest.

Advancement to candidacy—After completion of above, but before being formally admitted to candidacy, the student must pass a comprehensive oral examination administered by the dissertation committee.

Thesis defense—A dissertation must be prepared in a professional style and approved by the committee. The candidate is required to present its principal conclusions in open forum.

Contact Sam Rifkin, Graduate Program Assistant who can help with your graduate-school application. rifkin@geol.ucsb.edu, 805.893.3329