About This Program

Push the boundaries of geographic research with Kent State’s Ph.D. in Geography, where you’ll investigate today’s most pressing spatial and environmental challenges through advanced, interdisciplinary study. With rigorous training in theory, research design and tools like GIS — paired with hands-on fieldwork — you’ll develop the expertise to produce original scholarship and prepare for leadership roles in academia, government and industry. Read more...

Contact Information

• Sarah Smiley | ssmiley8@kent.edu | 330-672-3909

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority Deadline: February 1

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Requirements
Geography (GEOG) Doctoral Electives (70000 level or higher) 1		24
Cognate Discipline (70000 level or higher) 2		6
Culminating Requirement
GEOG 80199	DISSERTATION I 3	30
Minimum Total Credit Hours:		60

¹

Geography coursework must be graded. Maximum 3 credit hours of GEOG 80998 may count toward geography coursework.

²

The cognate field must be in a department other than geography and approved by the advisor. Generally, cognate study is taken with the cognate member of the student's advisory committee.

³

Candidacy examinations are taken after the dissertation proposal is approved by the committee. This should be completed by the end of the second year of doctoral study. Each doctoral candidate, upon admission to candidacy, must register for GEOG 80199 for a total of 30 credit hours. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for GEOG 80199, and thereafter GEOG 80299, each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met. Credit hours for GEOG 80299 do not count toward the degree.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements Summary

Minimum Major GPA	Minimum Overall GPA
-	3.000

• Of the 30 credit hours of doctoral-level coursework required for the degree, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours that are letter graded.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Engage in independent research projects.
2. Acquire experiences in formulating research problems, reviewing relevant literature, designing research methodology, analyzing research data and formulating results from academic research.

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Geography provides specialized training and inquiry into contemporary problems in geography. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary scholarship, allowing students to explore complex spatial phenomena through a variety of theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. Students engage in rigorous coursework, comprehensive research training,and hands-on experiences with geographic information systems (GIS) and field studies. The program graduates scholars who can contribute original insights to topics such as environmental sustainability, urban dynamics and social geography, equipping them to tackle pressing global challenges and lead innovative research initiatives.

Graduates are well-prepared for a range of advanced careers in academia, research and applied geography. Many pursue positions as university professors, where they can teach and conduct impactful research. Others may work as senior researchers or analysts in government agencies, think tanks or non-profit organizations, focusing on issues such as environmental policy, urban planning and regional development. Additionally, graduates often find opportunities in consulting firms or private sector companies, utilizing their expertise to address complex spatial challenges and contribute to sustainable solutions in various fields.