Ready to become a world‑class geographic thinker and researcher? Our Ph.D. program invites you to dive deep—32 credit hours of advanced coursework paired with the freedom to explore your own intellectual landscape through independent research. Along the way, you’ll tackle both written and oral comprehensive exams, sharpening your expertise before moving on to the heart of the program: your dissertation, an original contribution to geographic knowledge. For students joining us with an M.A. or M.S. already in hand, the Ph.D. journey typically takes about four years from start to finish. Want the full breakdown?The Geography Doctoral Handbook walks you through program details, course requirements, and every step on the road from your first semester to your dissertation defense. Thinking about applying?Check out our How to Apply page for everything you need to get started.
