U.S. Ph.D. FAQ

Obtaining a Ph.D. at a major U.S. research university such as UT will provide you with a broad scientific expertise that prepares you very well to work in academia as a scholar, if you don't end up applying your skills in the industry. (For geophysics, you might work in the IT, oil, consulting, (re-)insurance, or financial industry, for example.)

While you will be expected to conduct independent research in collaboration with your adviser, post-docs, and other students and faculty, you are formally a graduate student in a U.S. Ph.D. program, and the application procedure reflects this. Even though you definitely should contact and list by name the faculty member you wish to work with, your application has to be sent to the whole department. The application is to be submitted online, details are described on the JSG admissions page. We are always looking for motivated students from the Earth Sciences, physics, computer sciences, applied math, and related fields. I like to work with students who think independently and challenge and extend my expertise and interests. Please contact me directly if you have questions beyond what is briefly discussed on this page.

Frequently asked questions about getting a Ph.D. in the U.S.

1. Do you sponsor paid summer research interns?

   No, we cannot typically support (i.e. pay) international summer students, sorry. However, please do contact me if you have your own funding, applied through programs such as DAAD RISE, see information on SCEC undergraduate internships, and, last but not least, if you are an UT undergraduate interested in thesis research.

2. What should I do if I want you to be my superviser at JSG Geodynamics?

   If you're not familiar with my work, the best approach would be to read a few of my recent papers to get an idea of my interests. Your research does not have to correspond to my areas of expertise but it might help if our interests are complementary or somewhat aligned. If I haven't met you in person, please send me a brief email to introduce yourself, with CV, and list my name on the JSG application.

3. How do I apply for your PhD program?

   The application procedure through our department and JSG is online and found at our school's application page. Temporary exceptions with regard to specific application requirements and past-deadline submissions are possible, in exceptional cases, with the strong support of a faculty member.

4. What are the entry degree requirements?

   A B.A. or B.S. (bachelor, Vordiplom may work) degree, or a M.Sc. (masters, Diplom). Typically equivalent to at least ~3 yrs of university education, preferably more. The graduate course requirement at JSG is flexible and will be adjusted to your previous studies.

5. What additional exams do I have to take before applying?

   The most important one is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This test is administered at testing centers internationally and online. The GRE helps us to document student skills across different countries and degree systems.

   GRE scores are not our only criteria for grad admission, of course, but our applicants have very competitive scores, and those matter for internal fellowships, for example. Previous research experience and good recommendations from colleagues are as important, however, and more.

   It is a very good idea to study for the GRE. One could make the case that the GRE tests how well you can take the GRE (though this isn't exactly true). Appropriate or not, having good GRE grades is important, in particular at the university level where you will compete with applicants in other departments for fellowships.

   The TOEFL (English language) test is so easy, on the other hand, that it is less important (though required). We do care about your English language proficiency, however.

6. Do I have to pay tuition?

   No, we will cover your tuition, pay you a salary, and help you with moving expenses. For certain fellowships, there is additional, personal research funding available, on top of our regular research support.

7. What's a U.S. Ph.D. like?

   It depends what you make it. Typically, you'll take a year or so of graduate classes and do research the remainder of the 4-5 yrs total. My group, like others at the JSG, collaborates with researchers and/or conducts field world wide. You'll likely get to travel to other universities, and usually several international meetings per year.

   You might work on ~3 different research projects with an overarching theme, and are expected to develop your own research questions and strategies. You'll work with your adviser, other students, and other faculty if you like.

8. How long will the PhD take me?

   If you're fast and/or already have a M.Sc., 3-4 years, usually more like five. The U.S. program is somewhat longer than in other countries, because of its broader scientific scope and the resulting course work and project requirements. Also see next question.

9. Why does a US PhD take five years?

   Because in the U.S. system, the entry requirement is a batchelor degree, typically obtained after three years. Add 3+5 and you get eight years of university training before the PhD. This is the same as, say, 5+3 for a M.Sc. or Diplom and shorter PhD program in Europe. However, an MSc will not automatically get you out of classes or entrance exam requirements.

10. What are graduate classes like?

    Some are regular lecture-style classes with home work assignments, e.g. you might take fluid dynamics at the engineering department. Most are research seminar type classes, where your term project at the end of the class can ideally be turned into an actual scientific publication.

11. How many graduate classes will I have to take?

    Depends on your prior education. Usually, students take classes during the first year, while working on research part time. The later years are research full time.

12. How much will I get paid?

    The salary works out to be > $2500/month before taxes (2015), depending on the scholarship, fellowship, and other support (which will be detailed should you receive an offer from our department). We cover your travel to conferences, work equipment (computers etc.), may be able to pay you a relocation allowance, and depending on the fellowship, you may get additional research funds.

13. How much do I have to teach/work outside my research project?

    If you're accepted, we guarantee you funding for five years while you make good progress during the program. Typically students assist professors in teaching classes (teaching assistantships, TAs) for ~>1 year, and get paid out of research grants (research assistantships, RAs) or university or department fellowships for the remainder. The details will be specified in your offer letter.

14. What project will I work on?

    We've got several funded projects in geodynamics and seismology, see my research pages for our past work. However, we encourage you to collaborate with other faculty, work on several projects, and you will have to design your own research plan, depending on your interests.