Ph.D. in Geography
Gain hands-on experience in geography and customize your degree to align with your research interests and career goals.
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geography provides students with an advanced understanding of theory and techniques required to execute significant research in geography. Students take courses in location analysis, research design, sustainable development, renewable energy, and more. The typical Ph.D. completion time is three to five years.
Our graduates pursue opportunities in academia, government, and private industry research.
Degree Requirements
Specific plans of study for each student’s degree objective are determined in consultation with their advisory committees and in conformance with the Graduate School requirements.
Students are encouraged to review titles of recent MA theses and Ph.D. dissertations for departmental and faculty interests and specializations. For additional details about our program, view the graduate student handbook (UConn NetID is required for access).
Application Deadlines
Dec. 15
For consideration for University fellowships.
Jan. 31
For consideration for Department graduate assistantships.
Students seeking admission without financial assistance can request the application be reviewed outside the normal cycle.
Graduate Student Timelines
Ph.D. for students entering with BA/BS
| Fall, Year 1 | Spring, Year 1 | Summer, Year 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Advisor | Recruit Committee | Look for Funding Opportunities (NSF, GRF) |
| Coursework: GEOG 5010 Proseminar, GEOG 5500 GIS (if no previous GIS), Other Courses | Coursework: GEOG 5000 Research Design (recommended), Other Courses | |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual Report Due January | |
| Planning Meeting with Advisory Committee in Spring | ||
| Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor | ||
| AAG or Professional Meeting | ||
| Search and Apply for Grants (Internal or External) |
| Fall, Year 2 | Spring, Year 2 | Summer, Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit Committee (if not complete) | Develop Proposals: DDRI, etc. | |
| Coursework: GEOG 6000 Geographic Thought, Other Courses | Coursework: GEOG 6800 Teaching Practicum, Other Courses | Develop Publication(s) |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual Report Due January | |
| Planning Meeting with Advisory Committee in Spring | ||
| Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor | ||
| AAG or Professional Meeting | ||
| Search and Apply for Grants (Internal or External) |
| Fall, Year 3 | Spring, Year 3 | Summer, Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Set Exam Committee | General Exam (written & oral) | Develop Publication(s) |
| File Plan of Study | Proposal Defense (presentation) | |
| Coursework: Independent Study | Coursework: GRAD 6950 Dissertation Research | |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual Report Due January | |
| Planning Meeting with Advisory Committee in Spring | ||
| Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor | ||
| AAG or Professional Meeting | ||
| Search and Apply for Grants (Internal or External) |
| Fall, Year 4 | Spring, Year 4 |
|---|---|
| Defend Dissertation | |
| Coursework: GRAD 6950 Dissertation Research | Coursework: GRAD 6950 Dissertation Research |
| Advising During Orientation | Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor |
| Begin Job Hunt |
Ph.D. for students entering with MA/MS
| Fall, Year 1 | Spring, Year 1 | Summer, Year 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Advisor | Recruit Committee | Look for Funding Opportunities (NSF, GRF) |
| Coursework: GEOG 5010 Proseminar, GEOG 5500 GIS (if no previous GIS), GEOG 6000 Geographic Thought | Coursework: GEOG 5000 Research Design (recommended Year 1), Other Courses | Develop proposals: DDRI, etc. |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual Report Due January | |
| Planning Meeting with Advisory Committee in Spring | ||
| Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor | ||
| AAG or Professional Meeting | ||
| Search and Apply for Grants (Internal or External) |
| Fall, Year 2 | Spring, Year 2 | Summer, Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Set Exam Committee | General Exams (written and oral) | Develop Proposals |
| File Plan of Study | Proposal Defense (presentation) | Develop Publication(s) |
| Coursework: GEOG 6800 Teaching Practicum, GEOG Independent Study, Other Courses | Coursework: GRAD 6950 Dissertation Research, Other Courses | |
| Develop Funding Proposals | Develop Funding Proposals | Begin Job Hunt |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual Report Due January | |
| Planning Meeting with Advisory Committee in Spring | ||
| Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor | ||
| AAG or Professional Meeting | ||
| Search and Apply for Grants (Internal or External) |
| Fall, Year 3 | Spring, Year 3 |
|---|---|
| Defend Dissertation | |
| Coursework: GRAD 6950 Dissertation Research | Coursework: GRAD 6950 Dissertation Research |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual Report Due January |
| Begin Job Hunt | Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor |
| AAG or Professional Meeting |
Resources for Graduate Students
Faculty
Our faculty explore interdisciplinary research areas and are engaged educators and mentors to graduate students.
Graduate Student Research
Students are encouraged to review titles of recent MA theses and Ph.D. dissertations for departmental interests and specializations.
Financial Aid
We strive to provide graduate students with up to four years of funding as part of their Ph.D. degree work.
Contact Us
For questions about the Ph.D. in Geography, please contact:
Nathaniel Trumbull
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator
nathaniel.trumbull@uconn.edu