The Doctoral Program in History, Geography and History of Art, aims to complete the training needs of doctoral students, their methodological updating and initiation to research through the completion of the Doctoral Thesis. Doctoral students are offered training that enables them to carry out basic and applied research.

The purpose of the Ph.D. in Geography is to provide qualifying students with an in-depth understanding and integrated knowledge of advanced applicable theory in the field of geography.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University of Otago. It is awarded on the submission of a thesis which must meet rigorous standards. It requires highly developed academic ability, independence and perseverance. Most students take between 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their PhD.

The aim of the Ph.D. in Regional Science and Economic Geography is to address issues related to local and regional development. The methodological perspective of research and teaching is multidisciplinary, combining regional and urban economics, economic and human geography, spatial planning, and sociology.

The purpose of the PhD in Geosciences (Geography) study programme is the development of science and education of professionals competent to do original and independent research and develop new technologies and procedures, thus contributing to the advancement of society in general, as well as to critically assess research of others in the field of Geosciences, i.e. Geography.

The UCSB Department of Geography’s joint Ph.D. program with the Department of Geography at San Diego State University is distinctive. It brings together two outstanding departments that complement each other. California State Universities do not offer stand-alone doctoral programs.