In addition to the University requirements and scheduling specified in the current issue of the LSU Graduate School Catalog, the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geology and Geophysics specifies that each student will be allowed to develop a program of study and research which fulfills his or her own objectives and interests and is acceptable to the major professor and advisory committee. This program must include the completion of at least 60 semester hours of graduate-level courses, including at least 4 hours of graduate seminar, with a grade-point of 3.0 or better, and research leading to the submission of a dissertation:

Residence Requirements

One full academic year of continuous residence (two consecutive semesters: fall and spring or spring and fall) as a full-time graduate student must be earned at LSU after the "Program of Study" is received by the Graduate School. If the "Program of Study" is received early in a semester (on or before the date specified in the "Graduate Calendar" as the date for submitting to the Graduate School applications for advanced degrees to be awarded that semester) and the student is enrolled full-time, that semester may be counted as the first of the two consecutive semesters of full-time residence required.

Continuous Registration

Doctoral candidates must maintain continuous registration for a minimum of three semester hours of credit each regular semester (excluding summers) from the completion of the general examination to the end of the semester in which an approved dissertation is submitted to the Graduate School.

Ph.D. Dissertation

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree normally direct most of their research energies toward preparation of the dissertation, which must represent a contribution to existing knowledge in the major field of study. Before beginning the research, the student must submit a proposal describing the objectives, plan, and significance of the dissertation research. This proposal must be approved by the student's advisor and advisory committee.

Examinations

Assessment Exam Part I: The Assessment Exam Part I consists of a written exam based on a series of questions submitted by the Faculty of the Department. These are used to determine deficiencies in the candidates that may need to be addressed. This exam is given prior to the first week of classes of the initial semester.

Assessment Exam Part II: The Assessment Exam Part II consists of an oral presentation of an original research proposal before the student's committee members. This exam should be completed by the end of the student's third semester.

General Exam: The Ph.D. candidate must take an oral examination before the student's dissertation committee and a member of the Graduate Faculty chosen by the Dean of the Graduate School. The exam must be taken during or immediately following the semester in which all course work is completed. A student failing the General Exam for a second time will be dismissed from the Ph.D. program.

Dissertation Defense/Final Exam: A public defense of the dissertation is required. A period of at least one academic year must elapse between the time of the General Exam and the dissertation defense. A complete copy of the dissertation must be in the hands of all committee members at least three weeks prior to the defense. At least two weeks public notice of the defense is required. A second failure of the defense will result in dismissal from the degree program. A final copy of the dissertation must be deposited in the Department Office prior to graduation.

Time Limit for Completion

Although the doctoral degree must be completed within seven years from the time a student is classified as a doctoral candidate, it is normally expected that Ph.D. candidates with and MS degree will be in residence no more than eight semesters and candidates without an MS degree will be in residence no more than ten semesters. In accordance with LSU regulations, financial support is limited to a maximum of 5 years for Ph.D. candidates.

The Department of Geology and Geophysics has created a Graduate Student Handbook that contains detailed information on the requirements of students seeking MS and PhD degrees, and generally useful information on the Department and LSU. At the time of admission to the program the requirements outlined in the Graduate Handbook are considered those to which entering graduate students must adhere to complete their degrees. However, if there are subsequent changes in requirements adopted by the Department, the student may opt to follow the latter requirements. The 2007-2008 Graduate Student Handbook for the Department of Geology and Geophysics is in word format.

Older Graduate Handbooks that are online include:
   2002-2003 Handbook
   2003-2004 Handbook
   2004-2005 Handbook
   2005-2006 Handbook

Note: all LSU students are subject to the LSU Code of Student