PhD students carry out a program of original research and perform a thesis defence. Students may also undertake studies in interdisciplinary areas by arrangement with other departments such as Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, and the School of the Environment.
Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an MSc degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of a bachelor's degree.
PhD Program
Minimum Admission Requirements
Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Earth Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.
An appropriate, research-oriented MSc degree or its equivalent from a recognized university.
High academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or higher (equivalent to a 3.3 on a 4-point scale) in previous degrees.
The department has no formal foreign language requirements. Students proceeding by thesis to any degree are expected to become familiar with the literature of their subjects, in whatever language it is written.
Completion Requirements
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Preparation of a research thesis constituting a significant contribution to the research area.
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Coursework. Students are required to complete 1.5 full-course equivalent (FCEs) as follows:
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ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;
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1.0 elective FCE. Up to 0.5 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.
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A reduction in the number of required courses may be granted for students who have previously undertaken graduate studies in the appropriate areas. Recommendations must be made by a student's advisory committee for consideration and approval by the department's Graduate Affairs Committee.
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In all cases, the student's supervisory committee reserves the right to assign additional courses if they feel that the student is deficient in a subject area essential to the research.
Program Length: 4 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 6 years full-time
PhD Program (Transfer)
Transfer Requirements
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A four-year BSc or BASc degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university. High academic standing during undergraduate study equivalent to an A– or higher (equivalent to a 3.7 on a 4-point scale) at the University of Toronto, normally demonstrated by the average grade in the final two years.
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Students are normally expected to complete the MSc degree before proceeding to the PhD, but exceptions may be made when the student has the appropriate research experience. Normal departmental rules for the completion of the PhD apply (see the departmental website). Students who transfer from the MSc to the PhD will not receive the MSc degree.
Completion Requirements
-
Preparation of a research thesis constituting a significant contribution to the research area.
-
Coursework. Students are required to complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
-
ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;
-
1.5 elective FCEs. Up to 1.0 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.
-
-
A reduction in the number of required courses may be granted for students who have previously undertaken graduate studies in the appropriate areas. Recommendations must be made by a student's advisory committee for consideration and approval by the department's Graduate Affairs Committee.
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time
PhD Program (Direct-Entry)
Minimum Admission Requirements
-
Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Earth Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.
-
A four-year BSc or BASc degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university.
-
High academic standing equivalent to an A– or higher (equivalent to a 3.7 on a 4-point scale) at the University of Toronto, normally demonstrated by the average grade in the final two years.
-
The department has no formal foreign language requirements. Students proceeding by thesis to any degree are expected to become familiar with the literature of their subjects, in whatever language it is written.
Completion Requirements
-
Preparation of a research thesis constituting a significant contribution to the research area.
-
Coursework. Students are required to complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
-
ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;
-
1.5 elective FCEs. Up to 1.0 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.
-
-
A reduction in the number of required courses may be granted for students who have previously undertaken graduate studies in the appropriate areas. Recommendations must be made by a student's advisory committee for consideration and approval by the department's Graduate Affairs Committee.
-
In all cases, the student's supervisory committee reserves the right to assign additional courses if they feel that the student is deficient in a subject area essential to the research.
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time