PhD in Earth Sciences

The PhD in Earth Sciences at the University of Waterloo is a thesis-based doctoral program offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science. Students pursue research across water sciences, sustainable mining, earth processes and geohazards, including work with a leading groundwater hydrology research group studying biogeochemical and hydrogeologic systems, human impact on earth systems, and climate change mechanisms; further research areas include coastal processes and landforms, geophysical surveys, geochronology and remote sensing. The program runs full-time over a nominal 48 months, is delivered on-campus, and admits students each September, January and May. Applicants normally require a Master of Science degree with a 75% average and a background in geology or geological engineering, though other relevant academic backgrounds are considered; in exceptional cases, students demonstrating strong research potential, scientific maturity and writing skills may proceed directly from a Bachelor of Science degree. Applicants whose prior education was not in English must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test.