Ph.D. in Earth & Energy Sciences
Become an independent and innovative researcher with your PhD in Earth and Energy Sciences from UL Lafayette.
Our interdisciplinary doctoral program combines chemistry, physics, environmental science, and geology — four areas that are key to the environmentally safe extraction of energy resources. Take advantage of exciting and highly advanced research opportunities across disciplines to help solve major challenges for our society.
You will be prepared for a successful career in academia, research, government, or industry where you can solve real-world problems to advance decision-making in business and regulation.
In this doctoral program, you’ll combine environmental sciences, geophysics, and geochemistry and environmental chemistry to explore new energy acquisition opportunities. You’ll also explore the consequences energy acquisition can have on:
- soil and water chemistry,
- ocean and land ecosystems, and
- climate change and pollution.
We’re challenging existing methods and technologies and pushing for innovation in the energy industry. Our graduates are prepared to solve real-world problems and to advance decision-making in business and regulations.
Research Opportunities & Hands-on Training
The interdisciplinary PhD in Earth & Energy Sciences emphasizes hands-on training and basic and applied research — so you can take on some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Energy Research Areas
We’re exploring developing energy research opportunities in:
- Biofuels
- Geothermal energy
- Solar energy
- Wave energy
- Wind energy
Environmental Research Areas
Our environmental research areas include:
- Understanding the chemistry of soils and waters;
- Studying the anthropogenic impacts of energy acquisition on soils and waters, specifically on ocean and land ecosystems;
- Understanding climate change and pollution; and
- Mitigating stress on the environment associated with energy acquisition.
World-Class Faculty
Our Earth and Energy Sciences faculty are committed to working with our doctoral students through research, mentorship, and teaching.
You can utilize the diverse expertise of faculty from the School of Geosciences, the Department of Chemistry, and the Department of Physics. A number of faculty hold cross-discipline appointments within the College of Sciences.
School of Geosciences faculty
Department of Chemistry faculty
Department of Physics faculty
In the period 2012-2018, faculty from these departments published an average of 47 peer-reviewed publications annually and secured an average annual research funding of $2,566,180.
Apply Today!
Ready to earn your doctorate in earth and energy sciences?
Requirements for the PhD in Earth & Energy Sciences
To be considered for admission to the PhD in Earth and Energy Sciences program, you must meet the admission requirements set by the UL Lafayette Graduate School along with program-specific requirements.
See all admission and graduation requirements.
Courses & Curriculum
All of our PhD students receive an inter- and multi-disciplinary foundation, making them especially well prepared to engage and solve problems across disciplines.
All doctoral students in earth and energy sciences must complete 72 hours of graduate coursework.
All students take a multidisciplinary foundation of core courses in physics, geophysics, and the chemistry of earth systems. You can then choose elective courses in your area of expertise or interest.
Your dissertation research will give you extensive hands-on opportunities to apply concepts and principles to solve real-world problems.
Learn more about the curriculum for the Earth & Energy Sciences doctorate.
Career Opportunities
With a combination of interdisciplinary knowledge, research experience, internships, and additional courses in business and economics, our students have a distinct career advantage.
The field of earth and energy sciences is going through significant changes right now. Traditional energy production requires increasingly sophisticated methods, while biofuels development and other novel energy sources require further innovation. These changes call for a pool of highly trained professionals.
Learn more about career opportunities with your doctorate in earth and energy sciences.