PhD in Geosciences

Research Leadership: Capability to lead applied research projects in critical national sectors such as oil, gas, minerals, and groundwater.

Technical Innovation: Mastery of modern technologies and modeling techniques to analyze Earth processes and natural hazards.

Scientific Contribution: Ability to produce original scholarly work that addresses both local and global environmental and geological challenges.

Expert Consultation: Readiness to provide professional consultations on natural disasters and seismic risks in collaboration with entities like the KSU Seismic Studies Centre.

1. Applicant must hold a full-time bachelor’s degree in the disciplines (geology – geophysics – earth sciences) from KSU or any university accredited by Ministry of Education with a minimum of a “Good” (2.75/5) GPA, or equivalent, provided that applicant’s GPA of the specialty courses at the bachelor’s stage is at least “Very Good.” (3.75/5) or equivalent.
2. Applicant must hold a full-time a master’s degree in the disciplines (geology – geophysics – earth sciences) from King Saud University or any university accredited by Ministry of Education with a minimum of a “Very Good” (3.75) GPA or equivalent.
3. A score of at least 61 in the TOEFL-IBT test or equivalent.
4. Passing a written examination held by the department.

First Year – First Semester (Core Specialized Courses)
GEOL701 – Advanced Petroleum Geology & Hydrogeology – 3 Credit Hours
GEOL702 – Global & Regional Tectonics – 3 Credit Hours
GEOL703 – Advanced Geophysical Methods (Seismic Interpretation) – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester (Advanced Geophysical Applications)
GEOL704 – Advanced Geophysical Methods (Gravity & Magnetic Interpretation) – 3 Credit Hours
GEOL705 – Specialized Topics in Geoscience – 3 Credit Hours
GEOL706 – Research Seminar in Earth Sciences – 3 Credit Hours

Qualifying Phase
GEOL790 – Comprehensive Written & Oral Examination – Non-Credit Requirement

Dissertation Phase
GEOL799 – Doctoral Dissertation Research & Defense – Full-Time Research

Program Structure:

• Coursework Phase – Specialized Graduate-Level Courses

• Comprehensive Examination – Written and Oral

• Dissertation Phase – Research Proposal, Independent Investigation, and Final Defense