Graduate Program
Master of Science—Marine Science (Requirements - PDF)
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree is by thesis only and is viewed as a goal in its own right, rather than as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. The M.S. requirements are designed to provide maximum flexibility to accommodate individual student interests while also assuring a basic level of competence in marine science.
M.S. candidates follow an integrated course of study recommended by their thesis advisor and thesis committee. The thesis committee is nominated by the end of the first year and consists of three ladder faculty from the Interdepartmental Program, with the major professor serving as committee chair.
Doctor of Philosophy—Marine Science (Requirements - PDF)
Candidates for the doctor of philosophy in marine science must demonstrate by coursework and written and oral examinations superior competence in the field of specialization, broad knowledge of the field of marine science, and satisfactory knowledge of sciences other than marine science that are relevant to the dissertation topic. Ph.D. candidates will follow an integrated course of study recommended by their dissertation advisor and dissertation committee. The dissertation committee will be nominated by the end of the second year and will consist of at least three faculty from the Interdepartmental Program, with the major professor serving as committee chair.
Optional Interdisciplinary Emphases
Students pursuing a doctoral degree in Marine Science may petition to add the
following Optional Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Emphases: Climate Sciences and Climate Change, Environment and Society.
Requirement sheets for each emphasis may be found on this page.