Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

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Program overview

The Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences program at the University of Ottawa is designed for students who wish to engage in advanced research in the field of Earth sciences. This program is offered through the Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, which combines the research strengths of both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Students will have access to a wide range of research facilities and resources, allowing them to explore various areas of Earth sciences, including environmental geoscience, geochemistry, and tectonics. The program is conducted in English and emphasizes a collaborative approach to research, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of Earth systems.

Program structure

The Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences program is structured to provide a thorough academic and research experience. The program includes:

Program Length: 12 full-time terms (approximately 48 consecutive months)
Registration status option: Full-time
Thesis-based research component
Access to professors and facilities at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University
Participation in the collaborative program in chemical and environmental toxicology

Students are required to complete a comprehensive examination and present a doctoral thesis based on original research. The program is designed to foster independent research skills and critical thinking, preparing graduates for various professional opportunities in the field.

Featured Experiences

The Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning and research environment:

Access to shared research facilities between the University of Ottawa and Carleton University
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration through the Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre
Participation in seminars and conferences to present research findings
Involvement in field studies and practical research projects
Potential for joint partner programs with other institutions

These experiences are designed to enrich the academic journey of students and provide them with valuable skills and knowledge applicable to their future careers.

Career Options

Graduates of the Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Environmental Consultant: Work with organizations to assess environmental impacts and develop strategies for sustainability.
Geoscientist: Conduct research and analysis related to Earth's processes, resources, and environmental challenges.
Academic Researcher: Engage in teaching and research at universities or research institutions, contributing to advancements in Earth sciences.
Hydrogeologist: Study groundwater systems and their interactions with the environment, providing expertise in water resource management.
Geotechnical Engineer: Apply geological principles to engineering projects, ensuring the stability and safety of structures.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make significant contributions to the field of Earth sciences and related industries.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Earth Sciences, PhD

Degree Offered: PhD

Available Options for Program

Student status

Full-Time:	Yes
Part-Time:	No

Language

English:	Yes
French:	No

Minimum Requirements

B+ in a master's degree in Earth Sciences or a related discipline

Average time to completion

12 full-time terms; 48 consecutive months

Area(s) of specialization

Environmental geoscience
Geochemistry
Petrology
Geomathematics
Geomatics
Mineral resources studies
Sedimentary systems
Tectonics
Geophysics

Your complete admission package must include

Application Fee:	CA$125.00 (non-refundable)
Recommendation letter(s):	2 It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation. Academic references preferred.
Transcript(s):	1 You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation. Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply. Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.
Language requirements (if applicable) Language proficiency test scores equivalencies:	French Program: TOEFL 79-80/New: TOEFL 4 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 5.0 (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 84/New TOEFL 4, 24 (Writing); 20 (Individual)/IELTS 6.5, 6.5 (Writing); 6 (Individual) (Internet-based)
Required document(s):	Resume A letter of intent outlining your career goals and proposed research area. We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors early. To register, you need to be accepted by a thesis supervisor. International students must show proof of funding in the form of a supervisor stipend and a combination of scholarships and/or in-trust accounts. A good knowledge of either English or French and good ability to write in English is required. Please note that non required admission documents will not be consulted, conserved or returned to the student. These documents will be destroyed according to our administrative procedures.

Language Requirements

Program-Specific English Requirements

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand, write and fluently speak the language of instruction (English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

General Graduate English Requirements

English proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
TOEFL iBT Internet-based/Home Edition/Paper (for tests taken before January 21, 2026)*	84 (overall); 24 (writing); no partial score below 20
TOEFL iBT Internet-based / Home Edition/ Paper (for tests taken after January 21, 2026)*	4.5 or 86 (overall); 4.5 or 21 (writing); 4.5 or 22 (reading); 4.5 or 20 (listening); 4 or 20 (speaking)
IELTS Academic/ IELTS Academic One Skill Retake	6.5 (overall); 6.5 (writing); no partial score below 6
Cambridge English Proficiency Tests (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)	170 (overall); no partial score below 160
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	60 (overall); no partial score below 59
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)	70 (overall); no partial score below 60

* Effective January 21, 2026, TOEFL is changing its grading system to a 1-6 band scale instead of a 1-120 band scale. Score reports will include results on both scales for the next two years.

The University of Ottawa accepts TOEFL MyBest^®scores for the TOEFL iBT test.

French proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)	C1/C2
TCF (Test de connaissance du français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2
TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2

Where the program-specific and general graduate requirements above differ, whichever score is higher (stricter) applies.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!