Boise State University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced coursework, intensive field and laboratory research, and a sustained dissertation project. Typical study areas include structural geology, sedimentology, geochronology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, geophysics, volcanology, Earth surface processes and geomorphology, as well as quantitative methods such as numerical modelling, geospatial analysis and remote sensing.

Coursework is tailored to the student's background and research needs and normally covers advanced topics in your chosen specialty plus supporting training in statistics, computational methods and research design. A substantial component of the PhD is original research conducted under the supervision of a faculty advisor, with an expectation of producing peer-reviewed publications and presenting work at professional conferences. Significant fieldwork opportunities are available, leveraging Idaho and the Intermountain West as natural laboratories for volcanic, fluvial, glacial and tectonic processes.

Entry requirements

Applicants should typically hold a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree in geology, earth sciences, geophysics, hydrology, environmental science or a closely related field, with evidence of strong academic performance. Candidates are expected to demonstrate quantitative skills, experience with field or laboratory techniques, and clear research potential.

• Application materials usually include a statement of purpose outlining research interests, transcripts, curriculum vitae, and at least three academic or professional references.
• Research experience—such as an undergraduate honours project, master's thesis, publications or field/lab internships—is strongly preferred.
• International applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency where required.
• Admission typically involves identification of a potential faculty advisor whose expertise matches the applicant's research interests; prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers across academia, government and industry. Common career paths include university and college faculty positions, postdoctoral research, roles in national and state geological surveys, research positions at federal agencies (for example in natural-hazard assessment and earth observation), and technical or leadership posts in environmental and engineering consulting, water-resource management, energy and mineral exploration, and geospatial analysis.

Alumni also work with applied research centres, non‑profit organisations and private-sector technology companies focused on environmental monitoring, remote sensing, subsurface characterisation and natural-resources management. The programme emphasises transferable skills—scientific writing, grant preparation, data analysis and project leadership—which are valuable across these sectors.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers doctoral students access to active, research-oriented faculty with strengths in applied and field-based earth science, supported by modern laboratories and computing resources. The university’s location provides convenient access to diverse geological settings—from the Snake River Plain and volcanic provinces to mountain and river systems—making it ideal for fieldwork and comparative studies.

Graduate students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across campus and with regional partners, including government agencies and industry, which can create opportunities for funded projects, internships and applied research. A supportive graduate community, mentoring from faculty, and opportunities to gain teaching and research assistantships help prepare graduates for both academic and applied careers in the geosciences.