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George Mason University

Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences, PhD

The Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences (ESGS) doctoral program is based upon the integration of the scientific disciplines in geosystems, geography, geosciences, and geoinformatics.

Students receive broad-based training in systematic geosciences and geography, as well as technical courses in computation and Geoinformation sciences. The ESGS doctoral program represents a gateway to an academic career for some students; for others, it facilitates career advancement in the public sector or private industry. Graduates are equipped to participate in interdisciplinary research, which his the norm in today's research arena.

GGS PhD Grads

Program Highlights

  • Our PhD program is one of few in the field of Geography in the Washington D.C. area.
  • Students can attend on a part- or full-time basis.
  • Our graduate classes are scheduled at times for working professionals; at either 4:30pm and 7:20pm slots.
  • Requires a total of 72 credits, however, students with a conferred Master's degree can reduce up to 30 credits toward their doctoral degree.

University Catalog

Review admission and course requirements for this degree:

Career Paths

With a doctoral degree in Earth Systems and Geoinformation Science, graduates go on to thrive in both academia and private sector working at such places as:

  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Esri
  • NGA
  • World Bank
  • Universities, both nationally and internationally

Research Opportunities

Doctoral students have the unique opportunity to work with leading scientists in our field. Our faculty are involved in a variety of research projects from land-use studies and change detection to machine learning and drone-based remote sensing applications. Students are highly encouraged to engage and collaborate in research with their peers and mentors. Our faculty and students are currently engaged in projects with such agencies as:

  • DARPA
  • FEMA
  • NASA
  • NIH
  • USDA

PhD Advancement to Candidacy and Dissertation Timelines

PhD students have six years from the time of their admission to advance to candidacy. To calculate your Advancement Deadline, add six years to your catalog year and then subtract one semester. For example, if you were admitted in the Fall of 2021, your advancement deadline is Summer of 2027.

PhD students admitted prior to Fall 2014 have 5 years from the time of advancement to candidacy minus one semester to graduate; not to exceed 11 years total.

PhD students admitted Fall 2014 or later have 9 years minus one semester to graduate.

Students who have exceeded their advancement or graduation time limit, must apply for a time limit extension. Without an approved extension, students will not be allowed to register for classes. Questions? Reach out to the department.

If you are planning to defend your proposal in the Fall of 2024, please carefully review the Advancement to Candidacy Timeline Guide.

If you are planning to defend your dissertation in Fall 2024, please carefully review the Dissertation Timeline Guide.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.