Geochemistry

Geochemistry sits at the intersection of geology and chemistry, helping us understand how materials form, move and transform across the Earth. From rocks and minerals to fluids and gases, it reveals the processes that shape our planet and inform challenges and solutions in energy, environment and resources.

The PhD in Geochemistry offered through Colorado School of Mines places you in a university built around the Earth sciences. For more than 150 years, Mines has focused on the subsurface, natural resources and Earth systems, creating a depth of expertise that is difficult to match. You’ll be surrounded by faculty and researchers deeply engaged in geochemistry and related fields, creating a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment where ideas move quickly from concept to application.

The doctoral program is intentionally interdisciplinary, with pathways in geochemistry and environmental biogeochemistry. You’ll build expertise in areas such as the chemical evolution of the Earth, mineral and energy resource systems, and the coupled chemical and biological processes shaping the environment. Across either track, you’ll learn to connect chemistry, geology and data in ways that reflect real-world problem solving.

Mines stands out for its applied, research-driven approach. Your work emphasizes careful measurement, advanced analytical techniques and defensible interpretation, often tied to industry, environmental and policy-relevant challenges. As demand for geochemists continues to grow, a PhD from Mines prepares you with the depth, perspective and independence to lead and make an impact.

Program Overview

The PhD in Geochemistry is an interdisciplinary doctoral program drawing on faculty and resources across Mines. It’s designed for you if you want to conduct original research that advances understanding of chemical processes in Earth and environmental systems.

The program offers two tracks: Geochemistry and Environmental Biogeochemistry. The geochemistry track provides flexibility to tailor your coursework and research to your interests, while the environmental biogeochemistry track includes more defined requirements, with a focus on biology alongside chemistry and earth science.

Degree requirements are established in collaboration with your thesis committee and include a minimum of 72 credits, with at least 18 credits of coursework. You’ll complete a comprehensive exam after your coursework and culminate your studies by writing and defending an original research thesis.

What you’ll study and do 


Your coursework will include advanced classes selected to support your research focus. Depending on your interests, this may include aqueous geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, mineralogy, thermodynamics, analytical chemistry or computational methods. Because the program is interdisciplinary, your plan of study is tailored to your dissertation topic and may span multiple departments.

The core of the degree is independent research. You’ll identify a research problem, design a strategy to investigate it and generate results that make an original contribution to geochemistry. Research methods may include laboratory experimentation, field sampling, analytical instrumentation and modeling. You’ll work closely with a faculty advisor and committee and progress through proposal, candidacy and dissertation defense milestones.

What it takes to complete the PhD at Mines 


Completion of the PhD requires advanced coursework, successful completion of qualifying and candidacy requirements and a defended dissertation. The experience emphasizes immersion in research groups, access to shared facilities and collaboration across disciplines. Mines’ applied science environment ensures your work stays grounded in measurable chemical and geological evidence.