UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · UNITED STATES
PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 5 yearsGuaranteed funding for students entering with a BS degree
- 4 yearsGuaranteed funding for students entering with an MS degree
- 18 creditsMinimum coursework required before candidacy
- Qualifying ExamRequired exam to advance to candidacy
- Dissertation DefenseFinal requirement for PhD completion
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EARTH) at the University of Michigan offers a PhD program designed to train students for research and academic careers. The program provides guaranteed financial support for its duration. Students entering with a Master of Science (MS) degree typically receive support for 4 years, while those entering with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree receive support for 5 years. All students begin as pre-candidates and advance to candidacy after completing a minimum of 18 graduate-level credits and passing a Qualifying Exam. The final step to earning the PhD is a successful dissertation defense. The program adheres to the academic policies set by the Rackham Graduate School.
Curriculum
PhD students must complete 18 credits of coursework before advancing to candidacy. These credits are structured to provide a strong foundation in Earth and Environmental Sciences while allowing for specialization.
- Year 1
- Seminar in Geologic ProblemsEARTH 531
- Methods in Research for Natural SciencesEARTH 495
Careers
Graduates of the PhD program are prepared for careers in research and academia. The program focuses on developing independent research skills and a deep understanding of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
- Researcher
- Academic Professor
- Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
- For the 2025-26 academic year, non-resident graduate tuition is $30,685 per Full Term (Fall & Winter) and $17,030 per Half Term (Spring & Summer) for 9+ or 5+ credit hours respectively. Candidacy tuition is also available at a lower rate. Mandatory fees are additional, and international students should also consider costs for visa applications and health insurance.
- Does the PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences program offer financial support for international students?
- Yes, the program provides guaranteed financial support for its duration. This typically covers tuition, health and dental benefits, and a living stipend, provided students maintain good academic standing.
- How long is the PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
- Students entering with a Bachelor of Science degree receive guaranteed support for 5 years, while those entering with a Master of Science degree receive support for 4 years. The program duration is structured around completing coursework, exams, and dissertation defense.
- What are the career prospects after completing this PhD program?
- Graduates are prepared for careers as researchers, academic professors, and scientists. The program emphasizes developing independent research skills and a deep understanding of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
- What are the main steps to apply for the PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
- International applicants should review program requirements on the department's 'Application Information' page, prepare necessary documents like transcripts and letters of recommendation, and submit their online application through the Rackham Graduate School portal by the specified deadline.
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Fees
Tuition (international)For the 2025-26 academic year, non-resident graduate tuition is $30,685 for 9+ credit hours (full-time) per Full Term (Fall & Winter) and $17,030 for 5+ credit hours (full-time) per Half Term (Spring & Summer). Candidacy tuition is $8,110 per Full Term and $4,055 per Half Term. Mandatory fees are additional.
Tuition (home)For the 2025-26 academic year, resident graduate tuition is $15,204 for 9+ credit hours (full-time) per Full Term (Fall & Winter) and $8,430 for 5+ credit hours (full-time) per Half Term (Spring & Summer). Candidacy tuition is $8,110 per Full Term and $4,055 per Half Term. Mandatory fees are additional.
Living—
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Please refer to the Office of the Registrar for the most up-to-date information. These figures are for graduate programs and may differ for specific departments. International students should also consider costs related to visa applications and health insurance.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the specific academic and any prerequisite requirements for the PhD program in Earth and Environmental Sciences.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and standardized test scores (if applicable).
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application through the Rackham Graduate School portal by the specified deadline.
4. Await Admission DecisionThe department and Rackham Graduate School will review applications. Decisions are typically released after the application closing date.
Scholarships
Doctoral Funding PackageCovers tuition, health and dental benefits, and a living stipend
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
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For the 2025-26 academic year, non-resident graduate tuition is $30,685 per Full Term (Fall & Winter) and $17,030 per Half Term (Spring & Summer) for 9+ or 5+ credit hours respectively. Candidacy tuition is also available at a lower rate. Mandatory fees are additional, and international students should also consider costs for visa applications and health insurance.
Does the PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences program offer financial support for international students?
+
Yes, the program provides guaranteed financial support for its duration. This typically covers tuition, health and dental benefits, and a living stipend, provided students maintain good academic standing.
How long is the PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
+
Students entering with a Bachelor of Science degree receive guaranteed support for 5 years, while those entering with a Master of Science degree receive support for 4 years. The program duration is structured around completing coursework, exams, and dissertation defense.
What are the career prospects after completing this PhD program?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers as researchers, academic professors, and scientists. The program emphasizes developing independent research skills and a deep understanding of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
What are the main steps to apply for the PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
+
International applicants should review program requirements on the department's 'Application Information' page, prepare necessary documents like transcripts and letters of recommendation, and submit their online application through the Rackham Graduate School portal by the specified deadline.