The School of Ocean Science and Engineering offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science with specialization in a wide range of marine science fields, including biological oceanography, geological oceanography, hydrographic science, marine chemistry, and physical oceanography. The Ph.D. program emphasizes excellence in research. Qualified students holding either a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field of science, mathematics, or computer science are encouraged to apply for admission to the Ph.D. program.
Course Requirements (55 hours)
- MAR 600 - Biological Oceanography 3 hrs.
- MAR 621 - Geological Oceanography 3 hrs.
- MAR 640 - Marine Chemistry 3 hrs.
- MAR 660 - Physical Oceanography 3 hrs.
- HYD 600 - Classical Geodesy 3 hrs.
- HYD 604 - Kinematic Positioning 3 hrs.
- HYD 605 - Applied Bathymetry 3 hrs.
- HYD 612 - Water Levels 3 hrs.
- MAR 668 - Applied Ocean Acoustics 3 hrs.
- MAR 898 - Dissertation 12 hrs.
- Approved Electives 16 hrs. *
*MAR 691 - Directed Research in Marine Science, MAR 791 - Directed Research in Marine Science, MAR 697 - Independent Study and Research, MAR 797 - Independent Study and Research, MAR 698 - Thesis and MAR 898 - Dissertation, do not count toward the above sixteen (16) credit hour approved elective requirement of approved courses numbered 600 and above for the Ph.D. The above courses account for thirty-nine (39) of the total fifty-five (55) hours required for the Ph.D. Course listings for the additional 16 hours of approved elective courses numbered 600 and abovecan be obtained by writing to the school director.
Additional requirements for the Ph.D. with hydrographic science emphasis can be obtained through the director of the School of Ocean Science and Technology, including the courses required to receive certification from the International Hydrographic Organization of completion of a Cat-A program in Hydrography.
Prerequisites
In addition to the Admission Requirements and Procedures for all graduate programs as set forth in this Bulletin, regular admission to the Ph.D. program in marine science requires:
- Successful completion of the Graduate Record Examination (all sections) and a high grade point average for the last two years of undergraduate study as well as a 3.50 GPA on previous graduate study. Successful applicants have highly competitive scores and have a grade point average of 3.0 or above for undergraduate work and 3.5 on previous graduate study.
- Resumé
- Three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant's readiness for graduate study.
- A letter of intent should also be addressed to the school director expressing personal academic and research goals.
- Students whose native language is not English must achieve a score of 84 or above on the internet-based TOEFL exam.
For students wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships for the academic year beginning in the fall semester, application materials should be received by the school no later than March 1.
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