CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
PhD in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Field research on five continentsGlobal Research
- Access to world-class facilitiesAdvanced Facilities
- Participation in NASA missionsSpace Research
- Focus on technical research and communication skillsSkill Development
The PhD program in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Case Western Reserve University is designed to train future professional scientists for careers in academia, research laboratories (commercial, non-profit, federal), mining, energy, environmental consulting, and regulatory agencies. The program emphasizes hands-on research through field work on five continents, experiments at world-class facilities like the Advanced Photon Source and NASA Glenn Research Center, and participation in NASA spacecraft missions. Students benefit from access to specialized departmental facilities, including alpha and gamma spectroscopy, sedimentology, aqueous geochemistry, planetary materials, high-pressure mineral physics, and geophysics computing facilities, as well as broader university resources like the Swagelok Center for Surface Analysis of Materials and the High Performance Computing Facility. Students without a Master's degree typically dedicate at least 36 hours of coursework over two years, while those with a Master's complete at least 18 hours in one year. The curriculum aims to broaden students' advanced knowledge in their chosen field. All graduate students are required to register for EEPS 509, a one-credit course focused on presenting research, and are expected to regularly attend departmental seminars. The program also focuses on developing technical research and communication skills essential for addressing regional and state needs in natural resource management and regulation.
Curriculum
The PhD program curriculum is designed to provide a broad advanced knowledge base in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences. Students entering without a Master's degree will complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of approved coursework, typically over two years. Students entering with a Master's degree will complete a minimum of 18 credit hours over one year. All graduate students must register for EEPS 509, a one-credit course focused on oral presentation skills, and attend departmental seminars regularly. Coursework is determined in consultation with an advisor, and any remedial courses for background deficiencies must typically be completed in the first year.
- Throughout Program
- Research PresentationEEPS 509
- Dissertation ResearchEEPS 701
Careers
Graduates of the PhD program in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences are well-prepared for competitive research postdoctoral positions nationally and internationally. Within five years of graduation, alumni are competitive for permanent positions in a variety of sectors.
- University Professor/Researcher
- Museum Scientist
- Research Laboratory Scientist (commercial, non-profit, federal)
- Industry Scientist (mining, energy, environmental consulting)
- Regulatory Agency Specialist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences program?
- You need a bachelor’s degree in earth, environmental, or planetary sciences or a related technical field, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Official scores for the GRE General Examination are also required.
- How long does the PhD program typically take to complete?
- Students without a Master's degree typically complete at least 36 credit hours of coursework over two years. Those with a Master's degree complete at least 18 credit hours over one year.
- What kind of career opportunities are available for graduates?
- Graduates are prepared for postdoctoral research positions and, within five years, competitive permanent roles as university professors, museum scientists, research laboratory scientists, industry scientists, or regulatory agency specialists.
- What are the tuition and living costs for international students?
- Specific tuition and living cost amounts for international PhD students were not provided, and students are encouraged to check the university's financial aid pages for the most current information.
- How do I apply to the program and what documents are needed?
- You need to complete the online application, submit official academic transcripts, provide GRE scores, and arrange for 2-3 letters of recommendation. Consult the Graduate School and departmental websites for specific international applicant requirements and deadlines.
Entry requirements
Bachelor’s DegreeA bachelor’s degree in earth, environmental, or planetary sciences or a related technical field.
Undergraduate GPAAn undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is expected.
GRE General ExaminationOfficial scores for the general GRE examination are required.
Applicants must arrange for letters of recommendation to be submitted. The coursework background of all incoming graduate students is evaluated, and admission may be contingent upon completion of background courses if deficiencies are identified. These deficiencies are normally made up in the first year of graduate study, and some remedial coursework may not count toward graduate credit. A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences courses is required for graduation. Courses below the 300 level do not count for degree credit. A maximum of 9 credit hours at the 300 level may count towards the PhD. A maximum of 6 hours of graduate level credit may be transferred from another university with approval, provided they were not used for a degree elsewhere.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Specific tuition and living cost amounts for international PhD students were not provided in the source material. Students are encouraged to check the university's financial aid pages for the most current information. Case Western Reserve University offers various scholarships and aid options.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the graduate admissions application online via the university's admissions portal. Ensure all required fields are accurately completed.
2. Submit Academic TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from all undergraduate and previous graduate institutions attended. These documents should clearly show your academic history, including courses taken and grades received.
3. Provide GRE ScoresSubmit official scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test. These scores are a mandatory part of the application.
4. Arrange Letters of RecommendationArrange for academic or professional references to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. Typically, 2-3 letters are required and should be submitted directly by the recommenders.
5. Review Background CourseworkYour coursework background will be evaluated upon admission. If deficiencies are identified in certain areas, your admission may be contingent on completing specific background courses, usually in your first year.
Scholarships
Army ROTC ScholarshipFull tuition or partial
Air Force ROTC ScholarshipFull tuition or partial
The Tuition Exchange ProgramTuition assistance
Outside ScholarshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences program?
+
You need a bachelor’s degree in earth, environmental, or planetary sciences or a related technical field, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Official scores for the GRE General Examination are also required.
How long does the PhD program typically take to complete?
+
Students without a Master's degree typically complete at least 36 credit hours of coursework over two years. Those with a Master's degree complete at least 18 credit hours over one year.
What kind of career opportunities are available for graduates?
+
Graduates are prepared for postdoctoral research positions and, within five years, competitive permanent roles as university professors, museum scientists, research laboratory scientists, industry scientists, or regulatory agency specialists.
What are the tuition and living costs for international students?
+
Specific tuition and living cost amounts for international PhD students were not provided, and students are encouraged to check the university's financial aid pages for the most current information.
How do I apply to the program and what documents are needed?
+
You need to complete the online application, submit official academic transcripts, provide GRE scores, and arrange for 2-3 letters of recommendation. Consult the Graduate School and departmental websites for specific international applicant requirements and deadlines.