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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences, PhD


Banner Code:  SC-PHD-ESGS

College: College of Science  
Department: Geography and Geoinformation Science  

The Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences, PhD  (ESGS) is based on the integration of the scientific disciplines in geosystems, geography, geosciences, and geoinformatics. Students receive broad-based training in systematic geosciences and geography, as well as technical courses in computation and geoinformation sciences. The ESGS doctoral program represents a gateway to an academic career for some students; for others, it facilitates career advancement in the public sector or private industry. Graduates are equipped to participate in interdisciplinary research, which is the norm in today’s research arena.

Admission Requirements

This program is intended for graduates who hold a MS or MA degree in atmospheric science, climatology, meteorology, Earth science, geology, environmental science, remote sensing, hydrology, oceanography, geography, or a related field. Highly qualified students with a BS or BA in applicable fields are also encouraged to apply. Knowledge of mathematics through calculus is preferred. Interested applicants should contact the program degree coordinator or the GGS director of academic programs for more specific advice.

To apply, prospective students should complete the George Mason University Graduate Application. Official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, a current résumé, and an expanded goals statement will be required.

Applicants will also need three letters of recommendation and an official report of scores obtained on the GRE-GEN. The GRE requirement for admission to the doctoral program may be waived if the student holds a master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants. GRE-GEN scores are required of students wishing to be considered for the Office of the Provost’s Presidential Scholarship. A minimum combined math and verbal GRE score of 1200/1600 (old test) and 270/340 (new test) are needed to qualify for the Presidential Scholarship.

Reduction of Credit

For students entering the doctoral program with a master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution, the number of required credits may be reduced up to 30 credits, subject to approval of the program faculty and the associate dean for student affairs. See the Graduate Policies  section for more information.

Secondary Program Options

Students enrolled in this doctoral program have the option of adding a secondary graduate certificate or master’s program. Depending upon the secondary program chosen, many courses may be applicable to both programs. Before adding a secondary program, students are advised to carefully review the ‘Requirements for Graduate Certificates’ or the ‘Requirements for Master’s Degrees,’ and the ‘Requirements for Doctoral Degrees’ in the AP.6 Graduate Policies  section of this catalog. Faculty advisors should be contacted for further guidance and for secondary program suggestions.

Degree Requirements


Students must satisfy all requirements for doctoral degrees expressed in the Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

Doctoral Coursework (48-60 credits)


Core Courses (24 credits)


Students are required to take 24 credits of courses selected from the six core areas below. Of the cores, students must complete at least one course in five of the cores and two courses in at least three of those five cores.

Research Synthesis and Colloquium (5 credits)


Colloquium

Complete the colloquium course twice:

Electives (19-31 credits)


  • Credits necessary to reach 72 total credits. At least half of the elective credits taken at Mason must be from GGS courses.

Dissertation Research (12-24 credits)


Students take 12-24 credits, with at least 6 credits in GGS 999 . After reaching candidacy, students must stay continuously enrolled GGS 999  until defending their dissertation.

Dissertation Committee


All students will be assigned a temporary academic advisor when they first enroll in the program. No later than the end of the second year, each student should identify a dissertation advisor and form a doctoral committee. The committee will be chaired by a GGS tenure or tenure-track professor and be composed of at least 50% GGS faculty. All members of the committee must be Mason Graduate Faculty and approved by the department’s director of academic programs.

Candidacy Examination


After completing all required courses, each student must take a candidacy exam administered by the dissertation committee. The exam will have written and oral components. Its purpose is to determine whether the student has acquired adequate general knowledge in the selected subject area, as well as much more detailed knowledge of the specific research topic planned for the dissertation. 

Dissertation Proposal and Advancement to Candidacy


After students have completed all required courses and passed the candidacy exam, they should prepare an acceptable dissertation proposal. After the dissertation proposal is approved and the appropriate paperwork is completed, the student will be advanced to candidacy.

Doctoral Dissertation


The degree will be awarded on completion of the required coursework and approval of a PhD dissertation that makes an original and significant contribution to the field.

Degree Total: 72 credits