APPLYING TO BECOME A PHD/MSC GEOPHYSICS STUDENT
In the Imaging Radar Group AT UT DALLAS
All PhD/MSc students in my research group must have a strong background in applied physics, math and computation, and an excellent research problem to solve in InSAR-related crustal deformation studies. Successful applicants will be part of a vibrant research team with access to excellent HPC resources, research funding, and geophysical data. PhD applicants are strongly preferred (outstanding MSc applicants may also be considered).
You must submit a complete online application to UTD for admission. Since there are a limited number of new PhD/MSc positions in my group each year, applications are ranked based on the criteria below. To have a competitive application, Allof the items listed below (when available) must be submitted online with your application (please submit pdf versions only):
1 Current Curriculum Vitae (CV): Please include a list of publications if any.
2 University Transcripts: Include transcripts showing all BSc/MSc courses taken and grades obtained.
3 Examples of Scientific Writing: If available, provide 1-3 examples of peer-reviewed papers, conference abstracts, etc.
4 BSc/MSc Thesis Copies: If available, please provide copies in PDF format.
5 GRE* and TOEFL Scores: If you have taken these exams, kindly include your scores. Note that the average GRE scores of our accepted students are as follows: GRE Verbal > 155, GRE Quantitative > 165, GRE Writing = 4. This is provided as a guideline for well-qualified PhD/MSc applicants.
* GRE PowerPREP PLUS test can be taken online anytime for $39 USD.
6 Sample of Software: Please provide a sample of software you have personally written, preferably in Python, Matlab, or C code.
7 Research Interest Statement (2 pages max): Your statement should outline your PhD (MSc) research interests, focusing on a specific research problem/area you aim to explore. It should elucidate why you are drawn to this area, the current state of the art, and how your research could contribute significantly. While we do not expect a fully detailed plan, clarity on your research problem, potential key themes, and necessary resources (courses, data, software, computers, etc.) will enhance your application.
If you have not done so already, please go to the website www.utdallas.edu/geosciences/graduates/ for information about the Department of Sustainable Earth System Sciences, the prerequisites, the procedures, and forms needed to apply. Application for an Assistantship is done by checking the corresponding box on the application form.
All inquiries regarding general UTD application procedures (including the correct forms etc.) should be addressed to the Geosciences Graduate Support Assistant, Ms. Leah.Thompson@utdallas.edu. Inquiries regarding the specific requirements listed above for my group can be addressed to me.
All original documents (GRE scores, TOEFL scores, Letters of reference etc) must be sent from the agencies/people who issue them, directly to the UTD admissions office… do not send them directly to me (but you may send me pdf copies for a pre-review, if you wish).
Note that, even if you satisfy all of the University’s minimum requirements for PhD (MSc) applicants, this does not guarantee admission into my research group, since there are a limited number of graduate student positions available each year. All applications are ranked on a comparative basis. The admission decision depends on various criteria, including the quality of your GRE scores and Academic transcripts, Research statement, Letters of reference, Work experience and examples of Published work. Make sure you select Referees who are well-qualified to write Reference letters that specifically address your ability to conduct independent high-level research, write up and publish research results, and commit to an intensive 4-5 year PhD program (1-2 years MSc).
For information regarding International applications,
Refer to the website: www.utdallas.edu/admissions/graduate/international
For information regarding student visas,
Refer to the website: www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm
Do not hesitate to contact Ms. Leah Thompson if you have general Department-level application questions, or to contact Me if you have research-group specific questions.
Let me know when your submitted application file is complete, so I can follow up on it if appropriate. Best wishes for your future academic studies.
Kind regards,
Yujie Zheng | yujie.zheng@utdallas.edu
Assistant Professor | School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas