Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 120 months
- Students enrolled in a doctoral program have ten years from the first term of enrollment in which to complete the degree.
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting May 2027 — Apply before Jan 2027
- Starting August 2027 — Apply before Jan 2027
- Starting January 2028 — Apply before Oct 2027
Language
English
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL® iBT: 80
- PTE Academic: 53
- IELTS: 6.5
Credits
30 SCH
- The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 60 graduate credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree or a minimum of 30 graduate hours beyond the Master's degree.
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- Columbia, United States
Disciplines
Geology
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
Academic requirements
GRE® — Required. The GRE® General Test is a widely administered admissions test that measures the skills needed in today's graduate and business school programs worldwide. It contains three sections - Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Three scores are reported: a Verbal Reasoning score on a 130 - 170 score scale in one-point increments, a Quantitative Reasoning score on a 130 - 170 score scale in one-point increments, and an Analytical Writing score on a 0 - 6 score scale in half-point increments.
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL® iBT: 80
- PTE Academic: 53
- IELTS: 6.5
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
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (non-residents): 42,729 AUD / year (≈ 29,760 USD / year)
- Out-of-State: 42,729 AUD / year (≈ 29,760 USD / year)
- Domestic (In-State): 19,719 AUD / year (≈ 13,734 USD / year)
Living costs
Columbia, United States: 1,434-2,165 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarship opportunities are available for Geological Sciences. Available scholarships are offered by independent providers and other organizations; a selection process will still be applied by the provider.