SESE's Earth Sciences Program

Description of the program in geosciences

The graduate program within SESE is very flexible and allows the student and advisor to work together to determine the best course of study. Because of this, it is difficult to clearly spell out how a student's Ph.D. will play out without speaking with an advisor/committee. For this reason (and others listed below) it is highly suggested that students meet and choose an advisor before being accepted into the graduate program at ASU.

In general this is what you can expect:

Most students take between four and five years to complete a Ph.D. (even with a Master's degree). The first two years will be heavy on class work as you develop research ideas and relationships with potential collaborators. In addition to course work, the first two years are spent preparing for the comprehensive exam. The exam will take place in the fourth semester and will cover general science knowledge as well as a detailed understanding of two distinctly different research projects of the students choosing. After the comprehensive exam, it is up to the student and their committee to determine what objectives need to be completed before defending a dissertation.

Student research

The geoscience Ph.D. program is primarily based on original research. Ph.D. students are required to design and defend two projects that are "distinctly different" with different advisors in preparation for the comprehensive exam. This is a unique and great experience for those wanting to explore many topics or those torn between different fields. One of these research projects will be directly related to the student's dissertation work, but it is becoming more commonplace for advisors to require that their students see both projects through to fruition. Research is best started as soon as possible to allow for proper preparation for the comprehensive exam and timely completion of the Ph.D. program. It is advisable to have discussed at least one possible project with your advisor before starting the program. Be sure to check out the SESE Web site to get an idea of what faculty and students are actively pursuing.

Course offerings

The course offerings in and outside of SESE are as diverse as its students. The first courses students usually take fill any deficiencies (e.g., additional math). The exact courses and how many will be up to the student and advisor to determine. Students starting the Ph.D. program with a Master's may transfer credits, but there will always be plenty of interesting and important courses to fill student's schedules. 

There are only are two required courses. These courses are taken during the first year and are designed to get students acquainted to the research going on in SESE and provide them with research opportunities. Students are welcome to take courses in other schools/departments as well (e.g., School of Sustainability, Physics etc.). However, course credit will only be granted for graduate level classes (500 and above). For more information visit this link: http://sese.asu.edu/geosciPHD

Completing the dissertation

One of the larger hurdles to complete on the road to a dissertation is the comprehensive exam, which is completed in the fourth semester of study. The comprehensive exam requires the student to begin two research projects with two different advisors. The examination committee (the committee of faculty members that decides whether you pass) is chosen by the graduate committee (the faculty body that oversees the graduate program). The exam committee is made up of 5 SESE faculty members from various backgrounds (including astrophysics). The comprehensive exam consists of two parts: 1) a written proposal for each project, and 2) a three-hour oral exam. At the time of the oral exam, the student is not expected to have completed either of the two research projects, but they are expected to have clearly thought out the steps needed to complete the projects. Students may receive an unconditional pass, a conditional pass (meaning they need to fulfill some specific requirements, such as classes, in order to receive their degree) or a no pass. While most students pass the exam the first time, some students are required to take the exam again.

After completing course work and passing the comprehensive exam in the fourth semester, the student should be well on their way to acquiring useful data and preparing for publication. Up to this point there has been much guidance and many rules about progress. However, after the second year it is up to the student and their supervisory committee (the body of faculty members that are to oversee the student after the comprehensive exam) to layout the guidelines for completing the dissertation. Once the student nears completion of their dissertation, a technical review will be scheduled with their supervisory committee. This review is another oral examination to ensure the student is ready for defense. Upon passing the review the student may schedule a defense date. It is then up to the students supervisory committee to decide whether the student has successfully defended their dissertation.

Working environment

Much like everything previously mentioned there is no clear answer here. Research labs and student space are split amongst six buildings (most centrally located around Bateman Physical Science F-Wing 'PSF'). Students will have to communicate with their advisor regarding lab and workspace. Unfortunately, for right now we are pretty spread out until we get our new building.

SESE is quite large and still growing! We have more than 45 faculty members and more than 100 graduate students. The opportunities are endless! There are many unique collaborations going on in our school. These collaborations present students with a vast pool of resources. To see more about what facilities are available in SESE and at ASU visit SESE's Web site and contact a faculty member; they love hearing from interested students.

Grad student life in SESE and at ASU

Though we are spread out we do our best to stay connected. Every Wednesday we have our school wide colloquium series. This series is run of, by and for the graduate students. Students are in charge of determining what researchers will be invited and hosting the guest speakers. On Wednesdays, students are encouraged to engage the speaker in an informal setting over lunch (provided by the department). There is often a large group that joins the speaker for dinner at a local establishment as well. We also have a weekly graduate student social hour on Fridays!

Nearly all students live off campus in apartments or houses in Tempe. It is easy to find an affordable place within bike riding distance. There are also some free forms of public transportation (the Orbit) and heavily discounted rates are available for an unlimited public transportation pass (includes the bus lines and the light rail). The greater Phoenix area has a lot to offer in terms of museums, dinning, nightlife, and outdoor pursuits (golf, hiking, climbing, biking, etc). The summers can be warm but many parts of Arizona are pleasant all year around and a lot are a short drive away from Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale/Mesa.

Financial support

This part is completely dependent on the arrangement you make with your advisor. Most students are supported on large grants in SESE (research assistantships). Other students have teaching assistantships and fellowships (internal and external). Some students are supported by a combination of funds and this changes from semester to semester. Be sure you have a clear understanding with your advisor.