According to U.S. News and World Report, The University of Arizona offers the best PhD program in geology in the country. The University's four year, research based program is designed for students who want to work in either industry, academia or for the government. According to the school's Department of Geosciences, most students will get financial help in the form of assistantships or fellowships. PhD students at the University of Arizona are required to complete not only 63 units of study and a comprehensive exam, but also write and defend a dissertation
University of Arizona
Department of Geosciences
1040 E. Fourth Street
Tucson, AZ 85721
520-621-6004
geo.arizona.edu
The University of Michigan--Ann Arbor is also one of the country's best schools for a PhD in geology. According to the school's site, they seek students who are highly motivated, can work independently and come from a strong scientific background. While coursework is required, the University stresses the research component of the degree. Past projects have included research on magma, tectonic plate movement and the history of sedimentary basins. Students at the University of Michigan--Ann Arbor are also required to sit for a comprehensive final exam as well as write and defend a dissertation.
University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
Department of Geological Sciences
1100 N. University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1005
734-764-1435
lsa.umich.edu
Penn State's Department of Geosciences, established in 1913, is another top place to get your PhD in geology, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is home to close to 50 faculty members and enrolls about 100 graduate students at one time. The school has a specialty in the study of ore, as well as numerous other sub specialties in other areas of geology. According to the school's site, the PhD program usually takes four years to complete.
Pennsylvania State University--University Park
Department of Geosciences
507 Deike Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7394
geosc.psu.edu