Overview

About the program

The Geological Sciences degree at the University of South Carolina prepares students for professional careers and leadership positions in industry, government and academia in the fields of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and ocean science.

Training involves developing the ability to use appropriate laboratory and field equipment, and expanding one’s understanding of scientific methodology, quantitative problem-solving skills and experimental or numerical techniques.

The School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment (SEOE) expects all graduates to possess effective oral and written communication skills.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Solid-Earth Processes
Geochemistry
Regional Tectonics
Environmental Hydrogeology
Principles of Geomorphology
Paleoclimatology
Geological Oceanography

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 120 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-05-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-08 00:00:00
Starting 2026-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-08 00:00:00

Language

English

PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Duolingo English Test

120

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Credits

30 SCH

60 graduate credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree or 30 beyond the master’s

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Geology View 67 other PhDs in Geology in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

120

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Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university (or international equivalent)

Required Documents

Statement of Purpose (a 200 to 300 word essay, explaining your research interests in Geological Science, your professional goals and your current plans for fulfilling your goals)
Resume or CV
3 Letters of Recommendation (from faculty or other professionals in the field)
Official GRE scores
Official TOEFL or IELTS score (if applicable)
Transcripts

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of South Carolina and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

29760 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 14880 USD per semester during 120 months.
National

29760 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 14880 USD per semester during 120 months.
In-State

13734 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 6867 USD per semester during 120 months.

Living costs for Columbia

999 - 1508 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Geological Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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