University of Tulsa

What you'll study

The programme is research-focused and combines advanced coursework, field and laboratory training, and an independent dissertation. Students build a curriculum around core topics in Earth sciences and pursue a specialised research programme under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

• Core and elective topics: Advanced sedimentology and stratigraphy, structural geology and tectonics, petrology and mineralogy, basin analysis, isotope and environmental geochemistry, hydrogeology, geophysics and seismic interpretation, sedimentary basin modelling, and numerical methods in Earth sciences.
• Research training: Design and execution of original research, data analysis, scientific writing, and dissertation preparation. Students typically develop a research proposal, present progress at departmental seminars, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Field and laboratory work: Intensive field courses and local to regional field mapping opportunities reflecting Oklahoma and midcontinent geology, plus use of analytical facilities for geochemical, petrological and geophysical data. Projects often involve core description, well-log and seismic interpretation, geochemistry, or geomechanical testing depending on research needs.
• Assessment and milestones: Advanced coursework and examinations or qualifying assessments as determined by the supervisory committee, culminating in a dissertation defence. Many students also gain teaching experience as graduate instructors or teaching assistants.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant Master’s degree in geology, Earth science, geophysics or a closely related discipline with a strong academic record. Exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may be considered. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a research statement or statement of purpose outlining proposed research interests, and three letters of academic or professional reference.

International applicants whose first language is not English should provide evidence of English language proficiency in accordance with university regulations. Applicants may also be expected to demonstrate quantitative skills and prior field or laboratory experience relevant to their proposed research.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme move into a range of careers in academia, government and industry. Common pathways include:

• Academic and research positions at universities and research institutions, including postdoctoral research and faculty roles.
• Technical and leadership roles in the energy sector, including petroleum geology, reservoir characterisation, geomechanics and exploration geoscience.
• Environmental and hydrogeological consulting, groundwater resource assessment, remediation and environmental impact assessment.
• Positions in government geological surveys and regulatory agencies involved in natural resource management, hazard assessment and land-use planning.
• Careers in mining, geothermal energy, carbon storage and other subsurface resource industries, as well as roles in data science and geospatial analysis that leverage quantitative Earth-science skills.

Why study at University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa offers a department with active research groups in sedimentary geology, tectonics, geochemistry and geophysics and a tradition of applied and field-oriented Earth science. Its location provides easy access to varied outcrops and subsurface data in the midcontinent region, which benefits projects in petroleum geology, basin analysis and environmental geology.

Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, opportunities to collaborate with regional industry and government partners, and access to laboratory and computing resources that support quantitative and experimental research. The department emphasises multidisciplinary approaches, preparing graduates for both academic research and practical problem-solving careers in the Earth sciences.