地质部门是犹他州最古老的部门之一。它营造了一个小环境，使学生能够与教职员工互动并得到研究的专门关注。地质学博士学位要求对特定地质领域进行原创性研究，展示地质学领域的广泛知识以及进行论证在至少两个地质领域的知识深度。成功的候选人必须表现出对地质学的理解广度，以及对他或她所选择的重点领域的深刻理解。潜在的学生必须表现出进行创造性研究的能力。这项研究应在相当长的一段时间内进行（即，至少居住一年或三个学期）。因此，每位成功的博士生都将进行大量的原创研究，并提交书面论文并通过口试辩护。这项工作应具有一定的范围和质量
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geology requires original research in a specific area or areas of the geosciences. The successful candidate must demonstrate a breadth of understanding in the geosciences, as well as a depth of understanding in the chosen areas of emphases. Potential students must show an ability to do creative research. This research should be carried out during a significant period of time (i.e., during at least one year or three semesters in residence). Thus, each successful PhD candidate will produce a significant piece of original research, presented in a written dissertation and defended in an oral examination. This work should be of such scope and quality that more than one peer-reviewed publication can be derived from it.