Oceanography (PhD)

The objective of the degree is to train research-oriented scholars focused on oceanography. Students that complete this program will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts in physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography
Analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific data in oceanography
Demonstrate an understanding of environmental and societal issues in the context of oceanography
Identify, design, and execute research studies or experiments
Perform extensive and novel oceanographic research
Develop group management, and task management skills
Develop professional oral and written communication skills
Effectively communicate oceanographic research results in written scientific manuscripts
Understand the process required to lead peer-reviewed publications
Effectively present in professional and public forums

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Requirements for the Degree:

Requirements:

All students in the master’s program are required to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits. A course outside of the Oceanography program and the student’s area of concentration is also required. All students must write a thesis. Students may bypass the master’s degree and work directly toward the PhD upon petition. Requirements for the PhD degree are similar to those for the master’s degree, but are more intensive. In addition to the required coursework, written and oral qualifying examinations are required before students are admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.

Required courses (must complete the 34 credits of required coursework):

Equivalency previously taken or alternative courses is to be determined by current instructor and approved by the Graduate Committee. A higher level course may be substituted for these courses on approval of the advisor and committee.

MAST 602 - Physical Oceanography Credit(s): 3 or equivalent
MAST 646 - Chemical Oceanography Credit(s): 3 or equivalent
MAST 637 - Geological Oceanography Credit(s): 3 or equivalent
MAST 627 - Biological Oceanography Credit(s): 3 or equivalent
MAST 853 - Oceanography Seminar Credit(s): 1-12 or equivalent must be taken at least one semester during each year of residence until all other requirements are met.¹ [1 cr each]

At least six credits of 800-level courses

At least six credits of 800-level courses other than courses used to meet seminar and core required courses must be taken.

One three credit course

One three credit course in Marine Policy or one three credit course outside of the student’s declared subdiscipline of interest (not including courses taken to meet the program core course requirement) as approved by the advisor and the Graduate Committee must be completed.

MAST 610 - Coupling Human to Natural Systems Credit(s): 3

Additional courses required by the student’s advisory committee

Students will work with their advisors to determine what additional coursework must be completed and how many research credits must be taken to complete the degree.

Doctoral Dissertation (1 to 12cr.)

MAST 969 - Doctoral Dissertation Credit(s): 1-12 (9 credits)

Note:

¹An alternative seminar may be substituted for MAST 853 in request of the student and with permission of advisor and the Graduate Committee.