The PhD in Geography is an advanced degree with a program comprising coursework, comprehensive exams, and a major research investigation. Students are expected to be grounded in one or more of the geography program’s three areas of specialization: environmental geography, geographic information science, and human geography.
In the doctoral program, we seek a close alignment between an applicant’s proposed area of investigation and faculty expertise. Applicants are required to list the names of potential advisors in their application and therefore should contact faculty in their proposed area of specialization before applying. The PhD requires 28 hours of academic credit and typically takes four years of full-time study. A limited number of the required courses may be waived if the student has already completed an equivalent course and can demonstrate proficiency with the material.
Ph.D. in the Academic Catalog Geography WVU Admissions Geography PhD