PhD in Earth, Atmosphere, and Geological Resources

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

27

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

Black or African American:

14%

Hispanic or Latino:

6%

Others:

3%

White:

64%

Asian:

11%

Two or more races:

2%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Top recruiters

National Archives and Records Administration

National Endowment for the Humanities

National Geographic Society

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Bayer

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$12,992 / year

Overall Cost

$28,000 / year

FAQs

• What funding opportunities are available?
  
  PhD students in the Grainger College of Engineering (and related programs) are guaranteed funding for the first five years, provided they maintain good academic standing and fulfill assistantship duties. Funding includes a tuition waiver, partial fee waiver, and a stipend. Additional support may be available through research and teaching assistantships, fellowships, and summer appointments.
• What are the key milestones and examinations?
  
  Qualifying Exam: Typically taken after completing core coursework. Preliminary Exam: Assesses readiness for dissertation research. Dissertation Defense: Public defense of original research.
• What is the structure and curriculum of the PhD program?
  
  Credit Requirement: The PhD typically requires a minimum of 96 graduate credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, including coursework and dissertation research. Core Areas: Students choose from two concentrations: Society and the Environment (for those with a natural science background) Science of the Earth System (for those with a social science or general background) Coursework: Includes foundational courses in sustainability, environmental informatics, and applied research, as well as electives tailored to the student’s research interests. Research: Students conduct original research culminating in a dissertation that addresses complex sustainability issues.
• What are the main admission requirements?
  
  Academic Background: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., earth science, environmental science, natural or physical sciences, engineering, or related disciplines). GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is generally expected for graduate admission. English Proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, typically with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 96 or IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no subsection below 6.0). Application Materials: Transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV/resume are required.
• What is the focus of the PhD in Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability (ESE)?
  
  The ESE program at UIUC is a multidisciplinary degree that explores the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social systems. It emphasizes understanding the implications of human actions on the environment and developing innovative solutions for sustainability challenges. Students gain expertise in areas such as geographic information systems, environmental science, programming, and communications.