PhD Geography is a research based doctoral course in Geography which is devoted to the study of lands, features, inhabitants and phenomena of the earth & planets. The minimum duration of a PhD Geography course is 3 years, but can be extended depending on research duration. The basic eligibility for this course is completing Post Graduation in Geography from a recognized university. Though minimum marks required vary from college to college, most of the reputed colleges demand minimum 55% marks in their masters’ degree and a minimum of 60% marks in their graduation.
The coursework for a Ph.D. in Geography typically includes advanced courses in topics such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, spatial analysis, and research methods. Students will also be expected to complete original research and write a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field.
A Ph.D. in Geography can lead to a variety of career paths, including academic positions in universities and research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Graduates may work as geographers, cartographers, urban planners, environmental consultants, GIS analysts, or data scientists.
Course | PhD Geography |
Level | Doctorate |
Duration | 3 years |
Eligibility | Post Graduation in any stream |
Admission Process | Entrance test followed by Personal Interview |
Average tuition fee | INR 2,000 to 5,00,000 |
Average salary | INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 |
Top recruiting areas | Businesses, Community, Social & Personal Service, Diplomacy, Publishing Houses, Geography Departments, Health & Social Work, Divinity, Hotels & Restaurants, Insurance Industry, Public Service, Research, Public Administration, Retail Sector Student Affairs, Teaching etc. |
Top Job Profiles | Water Conservation specialist, Geomorphologist, Geospatial analyst, Hydrologist, Oceanographer, Geographer, Professor, Teachers, etc. |
Admission to a PhD program in Geography is typically highly competitive, and students must meet several requirements to be considered. These requirements may include a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, a strong statement of purpose outlining their research interests, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and an interview.
The eligibility requirements for a PhD program in Geography also vary by institution. |
Generally, applicants must have a bachelor's or master's degree in Geography or a related field, such as Environmental Science, Geology, or Anthropology. |
Students must also have completed coursework in statistics, physical geography, human geography, and research methods. |
Selection criteria for a PhD program in Geography may vary by institution. However, some common factors that universities consider include undergraduate and graduate coursework, research experience, the quality of the research proposal, and the student's academic achievements.
To apply for a PhD program in Geography, students should follow these steps: |
Research the PhD programs available at different universities and find one that aligns with your research interests. |
Check the eligibility requirements and admission criteria of the university you are interested in. |
Prepare a strong statement of purpose and research proposal. |
Gather letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or supervisors who can speak to your academic and research abilities. |
Take the required entrance exam, if necessary. |
Submit your application online, along with all required materials, such as transcripts, a resume, and any additional application materials. |
Follow up with the university to ensure that all materials have been received and the application is complete. |
The application process for a PhD program in Geography involves several steps. These include:
The application fee for a PhD program in Geography varies by institution.the fee Structure will be coming soon.
The syllabus for a PhD program in Geography varies by institution and area of specialization. However, common topics covered in the program include:
Year I
|
Year II
|
Year III
|
The salary and job prospects for graduates with a PhD in Geography are varied and dependent on the field of specialization. Graduates can find employment in academia, government, research institutions, NGOs, and private sector organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for geographers in 2020 was $82,220. However, salaries vary by industry, location, and experience.
Jobs | Description |
Geographical Information System Officer | As a GIS officer, you'll be involved in the collection of geographical and spatial information and its storage, analysis and presentation. You'll need to: use a range of GPS tools in the field to capture the location of 'assets' such as bridges, street lights, road barriers and flood defenses. |
Environmental Consultant | Environmental consultants provide expert assessment and advisory services for their clients on matters pertaining to the management of environmental issues. Furthermore, you'll be responsible for making sure that revised environmental policies and procedures comply with environmental laws and regulations. |
Cartographer | Cartographers are concerned with all aspects of map-making (scientific, technological and artistic). They are responsible for: researching, collecting, storing, retrieving, evaluating and manipulating data, designing maps. |
Nature Conservation Officer | As a nature conservation officer you'll work to protect, manage and enhance the local environment. This can include grassland, woodland, forests, coastal areas, moorland, mountains and rivers. Depending on the region, you might also work in marine habitats. |
Human Resources Specialist | The role of a Human Resource (HR) Specialist is to recruit, support, train, and place employees of a company. Depending on the company's size, a human resource department may have multiple specialists to perform specific tasks including overseeing performance reviews and maintaining employee records. |
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Geography include:
PH.D. ADMISSION PROCEDURE
DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.