Marine Sciences

DMS Graduate Programs

PhD. Program

Applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics or Marine Science or in an appropriate related scientific discipline.

Students develop a program of study in biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography. Typical areas of research emphasis include marine biogeochemistry, coastal ecology, coastal ocean processes, microbial ecology, marine ecosystem studies, marine biotechnology, systematics, marine botany, invertebrate zoology, remote sensing, zooplankton ecology, and several other branches within the basic core areas. See potential research areas available.

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 72 hours of graduate-level credit, of which 14 must consist of core courses in Biological Oceanography (CMOB-6618), Chemical Oceanography (CMOQ-6615), Geological Oceanography (CMOG-6616), Physical Oceanography (CMOF-6617), and (CIMA 8785) Current Topics Seminar. Additional graduate courses from Marine Sciences and other departments are available to complete each student's program. PhD candidates will conduct independent research and submit and defend a dissertation including one published peer reviewed article and two papers submitted to recommended peer reviewed journals.

Specific Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree

In addition to the minimum Graduate School Requirements concerning student academic status and residence, the following are required:

1. A total of 72** graduate-level credits beyond the baccalaureate degree including:

*Credits*	*Courses*
12	Core courses (biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography) approved with grades of B or better.
2	CIMA 8785 – Current Topics Seminar, approved with grades of B or better.
Up to 12	CIMA-8999 Doctoral Research and Dissertation
3-9	Required credits for the specific core area
43	Additional graduate courses available at DMS and other departments (chosen by the student following consultation with the student's advisor and graduate committee) Up to 30 credits may be co-validated from a previous MS degree.

(**) At least 42 of the 72 credits must be taken at the DMS.

2. A written qualifying examination (based on the four core are and advanced knowledge on the student’s basic science discipline.

3. A written and oral comprehensive exam in their broad area of specialization.

4. A written dissertation based on the results of their original research including the publication of one article and the submission of two peer reviewed articles in recommended peer reviewed journals.

5. Formal oral defense of the dissertation document

6. Residence requirement is one year for candidates with a master's degree two years for candidates with a bachelor’s degree

Recommended Time Table for Completion of the PhD Degree

*Requirement*	*Completed by*
Core courses approved	End of 2^nd semester
Major Advisor	Selected as part of the admission process
Graduate Committee	By the end of 1^st semester
Ph.D. Qualifying Exam	End of 2^nd semester (first of two opportunities)
Thesis proposal	End of 3^rd semester
Ph.D. written and oral comprehensive	At completion of formal course work
Admission to candidacy	Upon approval of qualifying Exam
Graduation	Upon completion of above requirements to a maximum Maximum of: 8 years for applicants with an MS degree. Maximum: 10 years for applicants with a BS degree or equivalent.

How to Apply

Financial Support