masters vs phd in marine biology

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Education & Careers

Find out more..., u.s. marine biology degree programs (by state), the following is our list of all u.s. schools that offer degrees in marine biology or related fields such as biological oceanography, marine science, fisheries, etc..

Please note that most degrees in Marine Biology are earned at the Masters level or higher and usually require a Bachelor’s degree first in Biology, Zoology or another life science. Many schools now also offer Bachelor degrees in Marine Biology but to be a “true” Marine Biologist be sure to follow through and complete your Master’s or Doctorate (PhD) degree.

Most links open directly to each school’s marine biology program or curriculum page for your convenience (please contact us if you have any comments, changes or additions). Schools not found to offer Marine Biology degrees but that do offer degrees thought to be roughly similar to Marine Biology, are denoted with brackets, such as [Marine Science] or [Biological Oceanography]. Also note that BS and MS or PhD below may be linked separately to their specific program or department sites.

To determine which school is right for you, you may want to consult the current rankings: [visit this link ], but be forewarned that they are not always the best indicator of the “best” school. It is often better to make your own assessment based on the school’s curricula, the experience of its faculty, and laboratory facilities for hands-on experience.

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• Alabama State University BS [Marine Biology]
• Auburn University [Marine Biology] BS [ MS/PhD ]
• Samford University [Marine Science] BS , [Environmental Management] MS
• University of Alabama [Marine Science/Biology] BS , [Marine Science] MS
• University of North Alabama [Marine Biology] BA, BS
• University of South Alabama [Biology – Marine Biology Concentration] BS , [Marine Science] MS , PhD
• University of West Alabama [Marine Biology] BS , [Conservation Biology] MS

Alaska Pacific University [Marine Biology] BA, BS University of Alaska Fairbanks [Fisheries] BA, [Fisheries or Ocean Sciences] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD University of Alaska Southeast [Marine Biology, Fisheries & Ocean Sciences: Fisheries Science] BS

California Lutheran University [Biology Major focusing on research in marine biology] BA, BS California State University, Long Beach BS , MS/PhD California State University Monterey Bay [Marine Science] BS. MS California State University (Moss Landing Marine Laboratories) [Marine Science] MS Humboldt State University [Biology with Marine Biology Major Concentration] BS, MS San Diego State University [Ecology, Evolutionary Biology] BS, MS, PhD San Francisco State University [Marine Science] BS San Jose State University [Marine Biology] BS Sonoma State University [Biology with concentration in Marine Biology] BS , [Biology with concentrations such as Marine Ecology] MS Stanford University/Hopkins Marine Station (undergraduate/graduate studies) University of California Berkeley [Marine Science] BA , [Integrative Biology] BA , [Integrative Biology] PhD University of California Los Angeles [Marine Biology] BS? [Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with Marine Biology specialization] MS, PhD University of California Santa Barbara [Aquatic Biology, Biology, Zoology, etc.] BA/BS , [Marine Science] MS, PhD University of California Santa Cruz [Marine Biology] BS , [Ocean Sciences: Biological Oceanography pathway] MS, PhD University of California San Diego/ Scripps Institution of Oceanography [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Biodiversity and Conservation] MS, PhD University of San Diego [Environmental and Ocean Sciences with marine ecology pathway] BA , [Environmental and Ocean Sciences] MS University of Southern California Dornsife [Marine Biology] Minor , Progressive Masters in Marine and Environmental Biology, MS , [Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography, Ocean Sciences] PhDs

Connecticut

University of New Haven [Marine & Environmental Sciences] BS University of Connecticut [ Marine Sciences + Marine Biology Minor ] BA, BS, [Graduate Studies in Biological Oceanography]

Ave Maria University [Marine Biology] BS Barry University [Biology (BS) Marine Biology concentration] Eckerd College [Marine Science with Marine Biology track] BS Florida Atlantic University [Biology] BS , [Marine Science & Oceanography] MS , [Biology] MS , [Marine Science & Oceanography] PhD Florida Institute of Technology [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD Florida International University [Marine Biology] BS , [Biology] MS, PhD Florida State University [Biology with Marine Biology track] BA/BS , [Biology] MS, PhD Jacksonville University [Marine Science] BS , MA [Marine Science] , MS [Marine Science] , MS [Marine Studies] , Dual Degree: MA [Marine Science] & Master in Public Policy Nova Southeastern University [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Science] MS , [Marine Biology/Oceanography] PhD Rollins College [Marine Biology] BS? Stetson University [Aquatic and Marine Biology] BS University of Florida [Marine Sciences] BA/BA? [Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences] MS, MFAS, PhD University of Miami: Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science [Marine Biology & Ecology] BS , MS, PhD University of Florida [Marine Sciences] BA/BA? [Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences] MS, MFAS, PhD University of South Florida [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Science] MS , PhD University of Tampa [Marine Science/Biology (double major)] BS University of West Florida [Marine Biology] BS , [Biology: Marine Biology expertise] MS

Savannah State University [Marine Science] BS , MS University of Georgia [Marine Sciences] BS, [Research or Applied Marine Studies tracks] MS, [Biological, chemical, or physical oceanography] PhD , [Marine Sciences] PhD

University of Guam [Biology] BS , MS – Marine Laboratory | Houk Lab

Hawai’i Pacific University [Marine Biology] BS , [Oceanography] BS , [Marine Science] MS University of Hawai’i at Hilo [Marine Science] BA, BS , [Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science] MS University of Hawai’i at Mãnoa [Marine Biology] BS , MS, PhD

Southwestern College [Marine Biology] BS

Nicholls State University [Biology with Marine Biology concentration] BS , [Marine and Environmental Biology] MS

Maine Maritime Academy [Marine Biology] BS Unity College [Marine Biology] BS University of Maine [Marine Science + concentrations in Aquaculture or Oceanography] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD University of Maine at Machias [Marine Biology] BS University of New England [Marine Sciences with Marine Biology track] BS , [Marine Sciences] MS

University of Maryland [Biology] BS , [Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences] MS, PhD

Massachusetts

Boston University [Marine Science] BA , [Marine Biology Program] MA, PhD Northeastern University [Marine Biology] BS ,  [Marine Biology] MS Salem State College [Biology with Marine Biology concentration] BS Suffolk University [Biology with Marine Science concentration] BA, BS University of Massachusetts Dartmouth [Biology with Marine Biology option] BS , [Marine Science] MS , PhD Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution : Undergraduate Programs , Graduate Programs , Postdoctoral Programs

Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Science] BS , MS, PhD

Northwest Missouri State University [Marine Biology] BS

New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire [Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD

Fairleigh Dickinson University [Marine Biology] BS , [Biology] MS Rutgers State University [Marine Science with Marine Biology/Biological Oceanography option] BS , [Oceanography] MS, PhD

Cornell University – [Ecology and Evolutionary Biology] BS , [Ecology and Evolutionary Biology] MS, PhD Hofstra University [Biology with Marine Biology track] BS State University of New York – Stony Brook [Marine Sciences] BS , [Marine Vertebrate Biology] BS , [Marine Sciences (Marine Conservation and Policy, Marine and Atmospheric Sciences) tracks] MA, MS, PhD State University of New York – Stony Brook University [ Marine Sciences , Marine Vertebrate Biology BS ], [Marine and Atmospheric Sciences] MA, MS, PhD

North Carolina

Duke University [Biology with Marine Biology concentration] BA/BS , [Biology] MS, PhD University of North Carolina Chapel Hill [Biology with minor in Marine Sciences] BS , [Marine Sciences with specialization in Marine Biology/Ecology] MS, PhD University of North Carolina Wilmington [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD

Bowling Green State University [Marine and Aquatic Biology BS] , [Biology] MS, PhD Ohio University [Marine, Freshwater, and Environmental Biology] BS , [Biology] MS , [Biology] PhD Wittenberg University [Biology with Minor in Marine Science] BA, BS

University of Oregon, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology BA, BS , MS, PhD Oregon State University [Biology with Marine Biology and Ecology option] BS , [Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences] BS, HBS , [Marine Resource Management] MA, M S , [Fisheries Science] MS, PhD

Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg University [Marine Science] BS , [Biology] MS Millersville University [Biology w/ Marine Biology option] BS

Rhode Island

Brown University [Biology] , Graduate Programs Roger Williams University [Marine Biology] BA, BS University of Rhode Island [Marine Biology] BS , [Biological and Environmental Sciences – specialization: Evolution and Marine Biology] MS, PhD , [Marine Affairs] MA , PhD

South Carolina

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi [Marine Biology Program] BS , MS, PhD Texas A&M University Galveston [Marine Biology, Marine Fisheries] BS, IDP , MS, PhD Texas State [Aquatic Biology] BS , [Aquatic Resources] MS , [Aquatic Resources & Integrative Biology] PhD University of Texas at Austin – Marine Science Institute [Biology: Marine and Freshwater Science] BS , [Marine Science] MS, PhD

U.S. Virgin Islands

University of the Virgin Islands – BA, BS , Master of Marine and Environmental Science Program (MMES)

College of William and Mary [Marine Science minor] , [Marine Science] MS, PhD ( Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)) Hampton University [Marine and Environmental Science] BS Old Dominion University [Marine Biology] BS , [Ocean and Earth Sciences] MS, [Oceanography] PhD

Seattle Pacific University [Biology with emphasis in ecology] BS University of Washington [Marine Biology] BS , [Oceanography with biological oceanography specialization] MS, PhD Western Washington University [Biology with marine emphasis] BS , [Biology, Marine and Estuarine Science] MS

University of Wisconsin-Superior [Biology with Ecology, Aquatic Biology and Fishery Science focus] BS University of Wisconsin-Whitewater [Marine & Freshwater Aquatic Biology Emphasis] BS

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Georgia Institute of Technology offers a BS in Biology with a concentration in Marine Science and a PhD in Ocean Science and Engineering.

University of Delaware also offers a PhD degree in Marine Biology Your site is amazing and has helped me alot, but if you could keep it updated, it would be amazing.

Central Methodist University in Missouri offers a BS in Marine Biology

Southeast Missouri State University in Missouri offers a BS in Marine Biology

Troy University in Alabama offers a bachelors in Marine Biology

Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina also offers a PhD degree in Coastal Marine Systems Science in addition to BS and MS degrees.

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2024 Best Marine Biology Master's Degree Schools

Choosing a great marine biology school for your master's degree, overall quality is a must, other factors we consider, one size does not fit all, best schools for master’s students to study marine biology in the united states, 10 top schools for a master's in biological oceanography, marine biology by region.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in marine biology, best doctorate degrees in marine biology, best bachelor's degrees in marine biology, best overall in marine biology, rankings in majors related to biological oceanography, most popular related majors.

Notes and References

Popular reports, compare your school options.

• University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Marine Biology Graduate Program

Creating future leaders in marine science, welcome to the marine biology graduate program site *under construction*, begin your adventure.

The Marine Biology Graduate Program is an interdisciplinary program co-administered by the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology, offering MS and PhD degrees in Marine Biology. Marine biological studies at the University of Hawaiʻi have a long history of excellent research and graduate training in highly competitive programs like Botany, Microbiology, Oceanography, and Zoology. The Marine Biology Graduate Program provides graduate students access to experts in all of these disciplines. We encourage you to have a look and explore what we offer.

Megan Donahue and Celia Smith, Co-Directors

What we offer

The faculty and students in this program have access to one of largest coral reef habitats in the United States including the Main Hawaiian Islands, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. The unique location of the Hawaiian Archipelago in the central North Pacific Ocean makes it one of the most remote locations in the world allowing the processes that govern adaptation and evolution in the marine environment to be studied with minimal anthropogenic influence. The program emphasizes scientific training in marine biology as a high demand, interdisciplinary occupation for the future.

Degrees Available

• Master's Plan A in Marine Biology
• Doctorate in Marine Biology

Prospective graduate students may apply for either degree objective.

Undergraduate MB Degree

Although we are not affiliated with the undergraduate Marine Biology program, we provide a link to it here for your convenience.

Sponsorship

Identification of a sponsor is not required to apply. However, students must be sponsored by a Marine Biology faculty member to be admitted. Thus, it is in the applicant's best interest to contact potential sponsors well before the application deadline to discuss research intents & goals and to ask if they can provide research space and mentoring during your graduate study.

Prospective Students

Students are expected to have strong undergraduate or MS training in biological oceanography, biology, botany, environmental science, marine biology, microbiology, zoology, or other life sciences. We encourage you to prepare academically before applying to the program, as the time required to take courses in order to have the necessary knowledge after enrollment may hinder your graduate progress in the program.

Our partners

This program takes advantage of the 40+ faculty members whose research interests span the study of marine ecosystems, marine biogeochemical processes, reef and oceanic fisheries, and human/marine interactions. We also partner with state and federal agencies such as the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center for NOAA, the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to offer research and internship opportunities.

Discover more

We invite you to explore our site and learn more about what the Program has to offer.

• Admissions Requirements Review all requirements for getting into the Program.
• MBGP Faculty Meet Program Faculty.
• MBGP Students Learn about students in the MBGP.
• News and Events Go here for up to date info on current events, job and volunteer opportunities, and announcements.
• Contact Us Feel free to reach out to us for additional information.

"Don't wait any longer. Dive in the ocean, Leave and let the sea be you." Rumi

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College of Science

Marine biology.

The Master of Science in Marine Biology is a professional master's program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in marine research, conservation, oceanography, and policy.

The Master of Science in Marine Biology program delivers a unique combination of inquiry-based study, fieldwork, research, and workplace experience. Course work is geared toward preparing students to conduct research both in the lab and in the field while also examining the wildlife, ecosystems, and ecology of three ocean provinces: Nahant, MA, and the Gulf of Maine; Bocas del Toro (Atlantic) and Coiba (Pacific), Panamá; and Friday Harbor Labs (Puget Sound) in Washington state.

Students follow their course work with a six-month internship and independent research project at a location of their choice. Upon completion of the program, students present their projects in oral and written form. Competitive admissions and small program size lay the groundwork for future collaborations while connecting students to a wide-ranging network of alumni.

Graduates are fully prepared to plan and execute marine research and well equipped to embark on any path they choose, whether it be a top marine biology PhD program or a successful position in a marine-related career. For additional information on the Three Seas Program, please visit the College of Science website .

More Details

Unique features.

• This program meets F-1 international student status requirements.
• Students spend a year studying marine biology in three different marine environments: New England, the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Panamá, and the Pacific Northwest.
• Students conduct and present an independent research project, with the goal of producing a publishable study.
• Small cohort of 20 students who progress through the program together.

Looking for something different?

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Application fee
• The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
• Personal statement
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Degree earned or in progress at a U.S. institution
• Degree earned or in progress at an institution where English is the only medium of instruction
• Official exam scores from either the TOEFL iBT (institution code is 3682), IELTS, PTE exam, or Duolingo English Test. Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Science admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Fall admissions only. January 1 is the priority admissions deadline.

Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis, depending on space availability.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The Three Seas program component of the MS in Marine Biology degree provides students the opportunity to spend a year studying marine biology in three different marine environments: New England (Nahant, MA), the Caribbean (Bocas del Toro, Panama) and the Pacific Northwest (San Juan Island, Washington). This is a unique opportunity for students to live and work in the environments that they are studying.

Each year a maximum of twenty students study together for an academic year, beginning with the fall semester in Nahant, Massachusetts, at Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center. A variety of pristine intertidal and subtidal communities are well suited to help provide a strong foundation in marine biology and ecology.

After the winter break, a 10-week session is spent in Panama at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Bocas del Toro, located on the Caribbean Sea. Coral reef ecology, ocean and coastal processes, as well as tropical terrestrial ecology are taught using Panama’s diverse tropical ecosystems and unique geographical location as classroom and laboratory on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

The Three Seas program concludes with an eight-week session at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratory on San Juan Island, Washington. Rocky intertidal, subtidal kelp forest, and soft-sediment habitats provide the varied seascape that the spring classes explore.

A six-month internship experience provides students with an opportunity to gain workplace experience in marine biology in either an academic setting, or within the private or public sector. This transition from classroom to workplace allows students to put the experience gained in the year of coursework to use while working with academic research scientists, state and federal agencies, or private consulting firms.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Steve Vollmer

Mark R. Patterson

Justin B. Ries

Joseph Ayers

Jonathan Grabowski

David Kimbro

Brian Helmuth

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Science & Mathematics alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• State Street
• Liberty Mutual Insurance

What They Do

• Engineering
• Business Development
• Information Technology

What They're Skilled At

• Project Management
• Data Analysis

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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The Marine Biology and Ecology (MBE) graduate program focuses on a wide range of field, laboratory, and theoretical coursework in research areas such as coral reef studies, biological oceanography, and marine biology, fisheries biology, and the biology and behavior of marine animals. MBE Ph.D. students can choose from a diversity of research areas and coursework that provide a broad educational perspective. 

Admission Requirements

Most successful applicants have a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences including a strong foundation in physical sciences (chemistry, physics, calculus) and basic biological sciences. However, applicants with a diversity of other degrees also are successful. Courses in marine biology and oceanography are not necessary for entrance into the program. Applicants should contact specific faculty to discuss mutual research interests. The GRE score is not required for admission. Applicants whose first language is not English must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550. All application requirements are available  here .

Curriculum Requirements

Each student will design a customized curriculum based on their research focus with advisor approval.

Minimum of 18 course credits and 12 dissertation credits.

No core courses are required. Students choose courses with the advice of their committee. 

• At the end of the second year, a written qualifying examination is required of all Ph.D. students that focuses on the subject matter needed to complete the research proposed for the dissertation.
• The purpose of the qualifying examination is to demonstrate that the MBE doctoral student has the necessary understanding and expertise in research and related fields to complete the dissertation research. The topic areas should be agreed upon by the student, chair, and the dissertation committee soon after the proposal defense. The student is strongly encouraged to discuss the specific topics with each member of the dissertation committee, well in advance of the examination, to clarify the expected questions. The committee is encouraged to provide specific reading or areas of knowledge they will test the student on.
• The qualifying exam is 4 - 5 partial days (4 hours per day) on questions written by their committee. It is the advisor’s responsibility to provide the test and to have the student’s committee grade it in a timely manner. The scheduling of the exam sessions is the responsibility of the student's advisor, but in all cases the written portion of the examination shall be completed within one week.
• An additional oral qualifying examination may be required by the student's committee, but may not serve as a substitute for the written examination, which is a Graduate School requirement.
• The decision of passing or failing the qualifying examination rests with the dissertation committee. The qualifying examination (written and, if required, oral) must be successfully completed, as documented by the dissertation committee, before the student can be admitted to candidacy.
• In the event of a failure, a student may be re-examined once upon the recommendation of the student's committee in consultation with the academic committee. If permitted, the reexamination must be given before the end of the following semester.
• Attendance to the MBE seminars is required every semester. 
• Students entering the MBE Ph.D. program with a Master's degree begin to give seminars in their first year.
• Ph.D. students are expected to be a Teaching Assistant (TA) for two courses while pursuing their degree.
• The mandatory TA program will include training of new TAs, evaluation of their performance, and recognition of excellence. The goal is to make the experience as valuable as possible for the TA, the faculty, and the students taking our courses.
• A training session and two teaching opportunities are offered as courses in educational training (RSM 771, RSM 772, RSM 773). Students will be registered accordingly.
• Specific requirements for TAs are outlined in the Rosenstiel School Student Handbook.

Sample Plan of Study

The mission of the Marine Biology and Ecology (MBE) Ph.D. program is to train the next generation of scientists in the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of biology of the oceanic environment. Through coursework and independent research, we strive to prepare our students for positions in academia, government, or industry in jobs that leverage their skills in critical thinking, current technical knowledge such as statistical analysis and modeling, and understanding of the global marine environment. Our program commits to inspire graduates to continued scholarship, service, and innovation in an environment that is inclusive and diverse.

The goal is for Ph.D. students to demonstrate mastery of the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of biology of the oceanic environment, and commitment to scholarship, service, and innovation in an environment that is inclusive and diverse.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate a broad understanding of marine and atmospheric science and an awareness of how scientific research in their topical areas bears on current human and societal issues.
• Students will be able to critically evaluate scientific literature, review previous knowledge on a topic, formulate testable hypotheses, and skillfully use available data and tools to advance knowledge in a topical area. They will be able to conduct high-quality, doctoral research as evidenced by their dissertation research.
• Students will demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills, and be able to effectively communicate scientific information to a peer audience.

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Master of Science in Marine Biology

Dive into marine sciences at the College of Charleston

Our dynamic hub of excellence offers a research-oriented journey that propels your career in marine biology. Explore groundbreaking research. Collaborate with esteemed institutions. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery!

At the heart of our program lies a commitment to research-oriented education. You'll engage in groundbreaking research throughout your academic journey. Your time will culminate in a thesis project that delves deep into your chosen marine biology specialization. Located at the Grice Marine Laboratory within the Fort Johnson Marine Science Center on James Island, you'll collaborate with over 100 dedicated marine scientists in a coastal setting perfect for studying marine ecosystems.

Our program's curriculum is meticulously designed with diverse faculty interests and top-notch facilities. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of marine biology. Here, research isn't just a requirement, it's a passion. Our students actively contribute to the scientific community by sharing their findings at local, state and national meetings, often as co-authors alongside our esteemed faculty.

Why Earn Your M.S. in Marine Biology at the College of Charleston?

• Marine Resources Research Institute of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• NOAA's Charleston Laboratory
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Hollings Marine Laboratory
• The Citadel 

Concentration Areas

A central focus of our research is the intricate ways in which organisms adapt to their immediate environments . Our faculty explores topics such as temperature, salinity and the impact of low dissolved oxygen on various marine organisms, including crustaceans, mollusks, bony fishes, sharks and rays . Research encompasses everything from whole-organism responses to salinity-induced hormonal stimulation to immune system reactions to environmental stress . The emphasis on reproductive physiology further connects physiology and cell biology to broader marine biology domains .

Our program boasts a wealth of faculty and graduate students actively engaged in marine ecology research, including the following areas:

• Oceanography
• Benthic ecology
• Community ecology
• Fisheries and plankton ecology
• Invertebrate zoology
• Microbiology
• Trophic interactions
• Marine conservation ecology

Our current research is marked by its focus on restoration ecology, stock recruitment relationships, predator-prey dynamics, nekton utilization of tidal creek habitats and much more . The diversity of research interests ensures ample opportunities for students to explore their ecological passions .

A fundamental of this concentration is understanding the distribution, abundance  and evolutionary history of marine organisms . Faculty members explore genetic variation, life history parameters and recruitment patterns to gain insights into population dynamics . Research spans various marine organisms and habitats, including infaunal invertebrate distributions, genetic diversity in deep-sea corals, coastal dolphins, commercially important fish and life history analyses of reef fishes, sea turtles and ospreys .

Our interdisciplinary research in toxicology focuses on identifying and understanding the impact of contaminants, whether anthropogenic or natural, on marine and estuarine ecosystems . We explore a range of effects, from mortality to bioaccumulation, using diverse organisms and study designs . Our work extends to understanding the fate and transformation of chemicals in the environment, biomarker development, toxicity mechanisms and ecological risk assessment .

In this cutting-edge field, we explore genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics to unravel the molecular-level responses of organisms to environmental stress . Our projects, led by GPMB faculty, focus on marine organisms such as oysters, shrimp, dolphins, whales and corals, ultimately aiming to enhance South Carolina's living marine resources .

Careers & Outcomes

• Marine Biologist
• Environmental Specialist
• Wildlife Biologist
• Research Specialist
• Research Biologist
• Professor of Marine Science or Biology
• Director/Manager in various roles
• EarthEcho International
• The Nature Conservancy
• Charles River Laboratories
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
• Coastal Carolina University
• Bowdoin College
• The University of Illinois at Chicago

Join us at the College of Charleston's Marine Biology Program and embark on a journey of scientific discovery in the world of marine biology. Your passion meets boundless opportunities here.

“That’s why I was interested in CofC because it has a great faculty list that offers a broad array of research topics you can do. Being able to explore my options and research path is why I decided to come to graduate school at CofC.” - Annabelle Tierney ‘23 

How to Apply

• Priority: January 15
• Final: July 1 
• Priority: November 1
• Final: December 1 
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions
• TOEFL scores if your primary language is not English
• A personal statement/statement of goals
• Résumé
• Three letters of recommendation
• Twenty semester hours of upper-division biological courses, including a course in cellular or molecular biology (or the equivalent ) and a course in ecology (or the equivalent )
• Chemistry - at least one upper-level course beyond general chemistry
• General physics - two courses
• Calculus - one course

Integrative, Comparative & Marine Biology, Ph.D.

Among Public National Universities, U.S. News & World Report

Featured in the Fiske Guide to Colleges

Nationally, Best Online Bachelor's Programs, U.S. News & World Report

Our alumni work in:

Conduct research at a university or college.

Use your knowledge and skills to conduct research for government organizations.

Design and develop technologies to research and solve marine-related issues.

Influence marine policy with your advanced knowledge and skills.

Become faculty at a university or college.

Develop a research plan

Present and defend a research plan

Answer questions regarding their research field

Communicate his or her research to a broadly trained public audience

Write research in the form of a manuscript for publication in a scientific journal

“ The department has a wide array of interests, especially centered around the marine environment, that cultivate a rich academic community. With the addition of very friendly faculty and students, it's a hard place to leave. ”

Advance Your Research

The Doctor of Philosophy program offers a broad background and overview of the fields comprising marine biology and prepares you for professional and leadership positions.

This research degree program serves students with interests in conducting research in academia, industry and government; individuals who intend to become faculty in undergraduate teaching institutions; managers in technology-based industries and policy makers in government.

Interested in teaching? The program includes a teaching practicum with classroom instruction in pedagogical techniques and technologies along with lecture experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Diverse Research Areas

Choose from diverse research areas and coursework that provide a broad educational perspective including coastal and estuarine biology, crustacean biology, marine mammalogy, and molecular biology and systematics of marine organisms.

Sample Courses in Integrative, Comparative & Marine Biology, Ph.D.

How Do I Apply to the Integrative, Comparative & Marine Biology, Ph.D. program?

You are required to submit the following to the Graduate School (please do not send items to the department):

• An application for graduate admission
• Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
• Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields
• Current curriculum vitae
• Detailed summary of M.S. thesis research (maximum of three pages)
• Statement of interest for Ph.D. research (maximum of three pages)
• Reprints or copies of any publications (if applicable)

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: ph.d. integrative, comparative, and marine biology.

• Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
• All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

• Dr. Amanda Williard 910-962-4064 [email protected]  

Location/Delivery Method

• Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

• Deadline: October 1, 2024
• Deadline:  April 1, 2025
• Priority Consideration: February 1, 2025
• Space Available Deadline: April 1, 2025

Transcripts

• One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

• None Required

Recommendations

• 3 recommendation letters by individuals in professionally relevant fields.

Additional Requirements

• Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission Upload Supplemental Documents
• Curriculum Vitae
• Ph.D. Research:   Statement of Interest for Ph.D. research, including a summary of relevant experience (maximum of three pages)
• Publications:  Copies of publications (if available)
• Degree Requirements:   A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related discipline from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or its equivalent at an international institution based on a four-year program.
• Research Requirements:   A record of research, applied learning or relevant professional experience.
• UNCW Faculty: Prospective students should make initial contact with the faculty with whom you wish to work  (Meet Our Team - Faculty).
• Note:   Under certain circumstances, a student in the M.S. biology or marine biology program may, with the support of their faculty advisor, apply to the Ph.D. program rather than completing their M.S. degree. Students who choose this path after their first year of core courses and research planning must complete a new application, including letters of recommendation, to enter the Ph.D. program.

See Everything happening in the department

Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

Related Programs

Coastal and ocean policy, m.s..

The Master of Coastal and Ocean Policy (MCOP) is a professional, non-thesis, interdisciplinary degree program that immerses students in a unique curriculum aimed at advancing technical knowledge of coastal and ocean processes and resources as well as the tools and concepts of the policy making.

Geographic Information Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

UNCW is accredited with the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) to offer a certificate in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT).

Graduate Programs

Graduate programs to consider, biology, m.s..

Specialize in ocean sciences, technology and marine policy.

Marine Biology, M.S.

A program that prepares students as managers of coastal and marine resources, trained to deal with contemporary problems in the environment; and provides a broad–based graduate program allowing for specialization in the diverse fields of inquiry under the marine biology umbrella.

• Apply to UMaine

School of Marine Sciences

Graduate programs.

The School of Marine Sciences offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Oceanography and Marine Biology ; an M.S. program in Marine Policy , a dual (M.S.) degree that comprises one degree in Policy and one in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, or Oceanography; and a non-thesis Professional Science Master (PSM) in Marine Sciences . Students interested in a Marine Policy Ph.D. should contact marine policy faculty to discuss interdisciplinary degree options in affiliated programs ( Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Interdisciplinary PhD ). Graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of interdisciplinary opportunities that our program offers while gaining fundamental knowledge and individualized training to achieve successful careers.

Graduate students benefit from the diverse and unique habitats that the Gulf of Maine has to offer for research in Marine Sciences. In addition to these excellent regional research opportunities, the world-wide research activities of SMS faculty provide excellent opportunities for research throughout the global ocean.

SMS offers a wide variety of courses and extensive research opportunities to match graduate students’ interests. You can browse SMS’s faculty biographies and individual faculty web pages to learn more about graduate student opportunities. Before applying, prospective graduate students are strongly encouraged to contact faculty directly to identify common research interests. Identifying prospective faculty advisor(s) is an essential step towards entering our program. Graduate program learning outcomes can be found here .

Application Process and Criteria

The SMS application process has two essential steps. The first essential step is identifying prospective advisor(s) and a source of financial support for your tuition, stipend, and research costs. More information on these costs can be found at the Graduate School’s webpage on funding for prospective students . Many graduate students are supported by their advisor’s externally funded research grants. We also strongly encourage applications to apply for national fellowships and scholarships to obtain their own funding. 

It is expected that you will take an active part in the step by contacting potential advisors whose interests most closely match with your own, and by receiving their encouragement to apply. Students interested in the non-thesis Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree option should contact Dr. William Ellis (Associate Director) at [email protected] . Not all faculty are able to accept new students every year. White our faculty try their best to reply to all inquiries, if you have not received a response after 1-2 reminders it is likely that they are not currently recruiting new students.  Submitting an application without first corresponding with your prospective faculty advisor is likely to substantially delay the review of your application.

The second essential step is to submit an application to UMaine’s Graduate School. After you have discussed your application with a prospective advisor and are encouraged to apply, you can go to the Graduate School’s Application Page . The SMS Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates the applications based on academic background, previous experience, and fit with faculty research programs.

There are three sets of materials evaluated in the graduate application: course work, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admittance to SMS graduate programs .

Course work

Suitable course work towards a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is required, with a minimum overall GPA above 3.0 for a Bachelor’s degree in most cases. While GPA is an important part of assessing performance in past courses, subject matter of those courses and trends over an academic career are also important considerations. Additional course work beyond the formal degree may also be beneficial. These topics should be discussed with your prospective advisor.

Personal essay

A personal essay describing your academic interests, professional experience, and potential research plans in graduate school is required. In the essay, you should explain the types of research questions and training opportunities that you would like to pursue as a graduate student and how these relate to your past experiences and the research interests of prospective faculty advisor(s) in SMS.

Letters of recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required from instructors or supervisors who are familiar with your previous academic or professional performance.

Application deadline

SMS has a rolling deadline for graduate applications. Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Most of our applications are received by January 15 , following the standard deadline used by many graduate programs at UMaine.  Submitting an application without first corresponding with your prospective faculty advisor (Step 1, above) is likely to substantially delay the review of your application.

Should you apply for a M.S. or Ph.D.?

Sometimes it is unclear whether to apply for a Masters or Ph.D. degree, especially if you are interested in proceeding through a Ph.D. program. For many students, an M.S. is their intended terminal degree, and we encourage such students to apply to SMS. For students intending to get a Ph.D., it is sometimes a good idea to get a Masters first, and even to get a Masters at a different institution than the Ph.D. Sometimes students start in one degree and shift to the other during their program, and these shifts go in both directions. If the question about applying for a M.S. or Ph.D. applies to you, you should consult with your prospective advisor(s) to help determine which program makes the most sense for you.

After following the above guidance, if you have questions regarding current applications, please contact the current chair of the SMS Graduate Admissions Committee  Meg Estapa at ( [email protected] ).

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Marine Biology (M.S.)

Why get a master’s degree in marine biology?

Marine biologists seek to understand and protect marine and estuarine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. A graduate degree in marine biology prepares you for a successful career in science, technology, education and public service.

Why choose UNH for your degree?

The combination of our location, faculty and laboratories makes UNH one of the best institutions from which to obtain a graduate degree in marine biology. Our faculty have expertise ranging from molecular biology to ecology and fisheries, and their research programs often span disciplines and use a variety of methods and technologies to address marine-related questions and issues. The main UNH campus in Durham is located about 5 miles from the Great Bay Estuary, home of the UNH Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, and 30 miles from the coastline and the UNH Coastal Marine Laboratory. Each of these laboratories supports a number of research vessels used by faculty, staff and students. Students can become certified research divers through our strong dive program. Finally, there are several state-of-the-art research resources on campus, including a DNA sequencing facility, an aquaculture laboratory, and various microscope and instrumentation centers.

Potential career areas

• Aquaculture
• Aquarium industry
• Education (K-12, college, university)
• Environmental consulting
• Environmental protection and resource management
• Fisheries management and research
• Habitat restoration
• Marine/environmental outreach
• Marine policy
• Nonprofit organizations
• Research diving

Contact Information

Curriculum & Requirements

Program description.

The Marine Biology (MB) option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Some UNH faculty use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism, and neurobiology, while others study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Some faculty members focus primarily on basic research; others work in applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries; many combine the two. Students who have earned advanced degrees at UNH lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, or earn a living as researchers. In addition to on­-campus facilities, UNH owns the Coastal Marine Laboratory and the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory , and a range of research vessels. UNH has an excellent SCUBA diving program for students interested in becoming certified to dive as part of their research. The Marine Biology option is also affiliated with UNH’s School of Marine Sciences and Ocean Engineering .

Requirements for the Program

M.s. degree requirements.

Students plan a program of study in conjunction with their advisor and Master’s Thesis Committee, including the required core courses and competencies. Completion of at least 30 credits , including research credits, is required. A thesis proposal is developed within the first year. Students complete thesis research for 6 to 10 credits; the degree is completed when results are acceptable, a formal thesis presentation and defense has occurred, and the thesis is approved by the Master’s Thesis Committee and accepted by the Graduate School.

Number of Credits Required

The M.S. degree requires completion of a minimum of 30 credits , 6-­10 of which may be earned for thesis research ( BIOL 899 Master's Thesis ). The Marine Biology Graduate Program specifies the following requirements: ( BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar ); 2 courses in contemporary techniques competency - one course must be quantitatively-based; 1 course in writing/communication; 1 marine-based course; and a field experience requirement that can be fulfilled either via coursework or by work related to the thesis.

Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee, and approved by the UNH Graduate School.

Students admitted via the Accelerated Master's (AM) process may apply up to 12 credits of prior upper-level UNH coursework in accordance with AM policies.

Required Courses, Competencies, and Electives

All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are required to take:

• Core Course: Introductory Graduate Seminar ( BIOL 901 ) , this first-­semester course focuses on key information and skills for a successful transition into the graduate program, familiarizing students with program requirements and faculty and providing an opportunity to meet others in their cohort.
• Two courses in contemporary techniques: Students must take two courses in this competency category, with one course needing to be quantitative. Students should consult with their advisor or the graduate program coordinator to determine the courses that fulfill this category.
• One course in writing/communication: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course. Recommendations often include coursework in professional writing and communication: Scientific Writing - Writing and Publishing Science ( BIOL 902 Writing and Publishing Science ) is taught fall semester, and open to students at any stage of the program. Scientific Communication edited Course ( BIOL 950 Scientific Communication ) is usually taught in spring.
• One marine-based course: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course that has a marine focus.
• Field requirement: This requirement may be fulfilled by either taking a graduate-level course that has a significant field component as part of the course, or by conducting field research in support of the student's thesis research.

Additional Information/Requirements

All students in the Biological Sciences Program are expected to present their research in public seminars (including the UNH Graduate Research Conference), and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.

Accelerated Master's

This graduate program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with certain undergraduate degree programs.

General Accelerated Master's policy , note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher grade expectations) compared to the policy.

Please see the Graduate School website and contact the department directly for more information.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Core Knowledge: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the subdiscipline relevant to their research project and general knowledge of the broader discipline of marine biology.
• Critical Thinking: Critique and evaluate qualitative and quantitative biological research and methods to develop novel hypotheses.
• Research: Apply knowledge of research methods and data analysis techniques to conduct a research project that addresses a gap in the field.
• Communication: Effectively communicate scientific information, concepts, theories, and methods to professional colleagues (specialists), invested parties, and the general public.
• Professionalism: Conduct research ethically and responsibly and intellectually engage with the broader scientific community. 

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall : January 15 (priority*); August 1 (final) *Applications completed by Jan. 15 will be given priority consideration for admission and financial support. Applications completed after Jan. 15 will be considered based on openings and funding.
• Spring : Open only for Accelerated Masters students, deadline is December 1
• Summer : Must have permission by department to apply for summer. Those with approval have a deadline of December 1.
• Special : Note that spring admission is for accelerated masters only and that summer admission is on a case-by-case basis and requires department approval. Contact the department directly for details.

Application fee: $65; Underrepresented U.S. minority applicants to this program may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please contact Dr. Dovev Levine ( [email protected] ) for more details

Campus : Durham

New England Regional : VT

Accelerated Masters : Yes ( for more details see the accelerated masters information page )

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form . This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted , you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts : Please have your institution send the transcript directly to [email protected] . Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts : Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

• Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
• Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early if they wish to be considered for financial and priority consideration.

Accelerated Master applicants must identify and communicate with a potential graduate advisor prior to applying to the program.

GRE Not Required:

The GRE (general or topical) is NOT REQUIRED for admission by any of the programs in the Department of Biological Sciences.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

Explore Program Details

Faculty directory.

Applying Guide

If you are interested in a MS or PhD program within UNH’s Department of Biological Sciences (options of Integrative and Organismal Biology or Marine Biology), it is important to contact potential thesis mentors (professors) before applying to our program . You can find a directory of relevant mentors in the “FACULTY DIRECTORY.” It is never too early to contact potential thesis mentors, but we suggest contacting them between August and October of the year before you expect to start your degree (for example, contact a mentor in September 2020 if interested in applying by January 2021 for full consideration to begin as a graduate student in Fall 2021). However, you should never be afraid to reach out to a prospective mentor as graduate opportunities can open throughout the year.

How do you contact potential advisors? After identifying professors whose interest align with yours, send them an email to introduce yourself and your interests. This email should contain the following:

• A brief introduction of who you are and your current status
• Your interests broadly
• Why you are interested in this professor’s work and how it aligns with your own interests
• Attachments of CV or resume, and unofficial transcripts

Still intimidated? Use the text below labeled “Email Template” to help you contact a professor.

Can I contact more than one professor in the Department of Biological Sciences or at UNH? Absolutely! Graduate positions are very competitive, and often a professor can only take on one or two students each year (if any). Thus, it’s important to contact as many professors as possible, provided that their research aligns with your interests. You can let professors know who else you are contacting within the department or university when you contact them (see template below).

What if I don’t get a response? Try again! Professors are very busy, and can receive hundreds of emails a day. Sometimes this results in slow reply times, or simply emails getting missed or lost. Wait at least a week, and then try to send again. If after three tries you still do not get a response, this likely means the professor is not taking on any graduate students in the near future.

Other general tips and advice for applying to graduate school: Take time to think about why you want to go to graduate school and conduct research (and communicate this clearly when reaching out to prospective mentors). Before contacting prospective mentors, take some time to learn about their research (either via webpages, their publications, or other resources). Get help from advisors, your university career centers, and others for updating your resume or CV, ensuring that you highlight any research or scientific experiences, important courses taken, skills, and awards received.

Email Template

If you are potentially interested in working with one or more professors towards a MS or PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of New Hampshire, you can use this template email to introduce yourself to these potential advisors.

Please note that you should contact each professor individually (it’s okay to contact more than one faculty member in our department!); individualize your responses to each professor, particularly paragraphs #2 and #3). Also know that this is simply a template; prospective students do not need to follow these instructions exactly when reaching out to prospective mentors. We just hope this helps you get started and give you confidence in contacting faculty!

Dear Dr. [insert professor’s full name here]:

Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself! State your name, educational status and history (including GPA and major and/or degree. If you have graduated, include when you graduated and your current position.), and what semester and year you are aiming to start your graduate studies.

Paragraph 2: Discuss your relevant qualifications and experience that make you an ideal candidate for our graduate program. This may include specific skills you have, research experiences, internships, publications or presentations, and relevant coursework.

Paragraph 3: Describe your specific interests within the field of Biological Sciences? How do these interests align with this professor’s work? What about this professor’s work excites you? Be specific when possible, demonstrating your own efforts to understand this professor’s research.

Thank you for your time in reading this email and your consideration. I have attached my [resume/CV; make sure to attach!] and unofficial transcripts [attach]. I would enjoy an opportunity to chat with you further about potential opportunities as a graduate student in your research group.

[Insert your full name here]

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College of Life Sciences and Agriculture

Biological sciences.

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Texas A&M University Catalogs

Doctor of philosophy in marine biology.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Marine Biology focuses on independently supervised research complemented by formal coursework. Essential components of the program include a diverse curriculum focusing on ecology and evolution of marine organisms and quantitative analysis; and original, supervised scholarly research in marine biology, to be written and formally defended as a dissertation.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

Program Requirements

• Student's Advisory Committee

Degree Plan

Transfer of credit, research proposal, preliminary examination, preliminary examination format, preliminary examination scheduling, preliminary examination grading, failure of the preliminary examination, retake of failed preliminary examination, final examination, final examination grading, dissertation, student’s advisory committee.

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of their major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of  no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty  representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and  at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department . The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.

The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for up to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign  en masse . The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education and degree objectives. The committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a proposed degree plan and outline a research problem which, when completed, as indicated by the dissertation (or its equivalent for the degree of Doctor of Education or the degree of Doctor of Engineering), will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.

This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website  http://ogsdpss.tamu.edu . A minimum of 60 hours is required on the degree plan for the Doctor of Philosophy for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student who has completed a DDS/DMD, DVM or a MD at a U.S. institution is also required to complete a minimum of 60 hours. A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree will be required to complete a 90-hour degree plan. Completion of a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD degree at a foreign institution requires completion of a minimum of 90 hours for the Doctor of Philosophy. A field of study may be primarily in one department or in a combination of departments. A degree plan must carry a reasonable amount of 691 (research). A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Additional coursework may be added by petition to the approved degree plan by the student’s advisory committee if it is deemed necessary to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Approval to enroll in any professional course (900-level) should be obtained from the head of the department (or Chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.

No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

For non-distance degree programs, no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs. 

Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable. Coursework  in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.

As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the dissertation research proposal should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student’s advisory committee, the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Request for the Final Examination.

Compliance issues must be addressed if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards and recombinant DNA. A student involved in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety at (979) 458-1467 to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities. Additional information can also be obtained on the website  http:// rcb.tamu.edu .

Examinations

The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and their advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.

The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.

The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:

a.     a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;

b.     an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;

c.     an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.

The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.

The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.

Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.

Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.

If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:

a.     offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.

b.     assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.

c.     forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.

Students are eligible for to schedule the preliminary examination in the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) if they meet the following list of eligibility requirements:

Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.

An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.

Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.

Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.

At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.

Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.

If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee.  A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their preliminary exam.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.

If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS. The approval of the designated department approver is also required on the request.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the Fall 2023 semester will expire at the end of the Fall 2027 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the Summer and Fall 2023 semesters will expire at the end of the Summer 2027 semester.

First Failure

Upon approval of a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), and approval of the Department and Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed a preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s department head or designee, intercollegiate faculty, or graduate advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding their scholastic deficiency.

Second Failure

Upon failing the preliminary exam twice in a doctoral program, a student is no longer eligible to continue to pursue the PhD in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the department as a result of the second failure of the preliminary examination.

Adequate time must be given to permit a student to address inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate to the student, in writing, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest.  When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam.  The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.

Candidates for the doctoral degrees must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the  Graduate and Professional School Calendar  each semester. A doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.

No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.

Refer to the  Admission to Candidacy  section of the graduate catalog for candidacy requirements.

A request to schedule the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.

The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. Only one committee member substitution is allowed with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School. If the substitution is for the sole external member of the advisory committee - with an appointment to a department other than the student's major department - then the substitute must also be external to the student's major department. In extenuating circumstances, with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School, an exception to this requirement may be granted.

The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document.  Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School will be automatically notified via ARCS of any cancellations.

A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their final exam. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS.

The dissertation,  which must be a candidate's original work demonstrates the ability to perform independent research . Whereas acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. Dissertation formatting must be acceptable to the Graduate and Professional School as outlined in the Guidelines for Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study.

After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department (or chair of intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), a student must submit the dissertation in electronic format as a single PDF file to https://etd.tamu.edu/ . Additionally, a dissertation approval form with original signatures must be received by the Graduate and Professional School through the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS). Both the PDF file and the completed ARCS approval form must be received by the deadline.

Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the  Graduate and Professional School website .

Each student who submits a document for review is assessed a one-time thesis/dissertation processing fee through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.

A dissertation that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head or chair of the intercollegiate faculty . The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process to graduate.

Additional Requirements

Continuous registration, admission to candidacy.

• 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degree

Application for Degree

A student who enters the doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree must spend one academic year plus one semester in resident study at Texas A&M University. A student who holds master’s degree when they enter doctoral degree program must spend one academic year in resident study. One academic year may include two adjacent regular semesters or one regular semester and one adjacent 10-week summer semester. The third semester is not required to be adjacent to the one year. Enrollment for each semester must be a minimum of 9 credit hours each to satisfy the residence requirement. A minimum of 1 credit hour must be in a non-distance education delivery mode. Semesters in which the student is enrolled in all distance education coursework will not count toward fulfillment of the residence requirement.

To satisfy the residence requirement, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester or 10-week summer semester in resident study at Texas A&M University for the required period. A student who enters a doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree may fulfill residence requirements in excess of one academic year (18 credit hours) by registration during summer sessions or by completion of a less-than-full course load (in this context a full course load is considered 9 credit hours per semester).

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of his/her employment to the Graduate and Professional School. An employee should submit verification of his/her employment at the time they submit the degree plan. See  Registration.

See  Residence Requirements .

All requirements for doctoral degrees must be completed within a period of ten consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.

A final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file must be cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one year of the semester in which the final exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a final exam taken and passed during the fall 2022 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A final exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2022 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.

A student in a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy who has completed all coursework on their degree plan other than 691 (research) are required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed. See  Continuous Registration Requirements .

To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:

• completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691 or 791.
• a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
• passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
• submitted an approved dissertation proposal,
• met the residence requirements. The final examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.

A student is required to possess a competent command of English. For English language proficiency requirements, see the Admissions section of this catalog. The doctoral (PhD) foreign language requirement at Texas A&M University is a departmental option, to be administered and monitored by the individual departments of academic instruction.

99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the  Tuition Calculator  at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Medical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neurosciences (College of Medicine)
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Sciences
• School Psychology

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

Doctoral Programs

Interested in applying to our MS or PhD programs? Register for an upcoming information session.

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography PhD program is organized into three separate academic programs. Each is responsible for all graduate educational activities in its area, including teaching, advising, and examining. Prospective PhD students will apply directly to one or more.

Academic programs

• Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere Program
• Geosciences of the Earth, Oceans, and Planets
• Ocean Biosciences Program

A graduate student's work normally will be concentrated in one of several curricular groups under one of the academic programs:

Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere Curricular Groups

• Applied Ocean Science
• Climate Sciences
• Physical Oceanography

Geosciences of the Earth, Oceans, and Planets Curricular Groups

• Geosciences
• Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry

Ocean Biosciences Curricular Groups

• Biological Oceanography
• Marine Biology

The interdisciplinary nature of research in marine and earth sciences is emphasized; students are encouraged to take courses from various UC San Diego departments and to consider interdisciplinary research projects.

Additional programs

The Program for Interdisciplinary Environmental Research (PIER) is a graduate specialization for select doctoral students who seek solutions to today's environmental challenges.

This PhD Specialization is designed to allow students to obtain standard training in their chosen field and an opportunity to interact with peers in different disciplines throughout the duration of their PhD training. Admission to PIER is a competitive process with 6 - 8 students granted admission each year from the ten participating UC San Diego departments.  More information can be found on the PIER Program website .

A joint graduate group from the Geophysics Program of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) and the Department of Geological Sciences at San Diego State University (SDSU) offers a Joint Doctoral Program in Geophysics.

The complementary specialties and ongoing, vigorous collaborations between the two groups result in two focus areas: earthquake science and applied geophysics. Integrating geophysics at UC San Diego and SDSU provides outstanding opportunities for students to develop the skills needed to address important local, regional, and global societal problems where geophysics can contribute to the solutions.

Strong capabilities will be in:

More information can be found on the Joint Doctoral Program website .

Graduates will be prepared to begin rewarding geophysics careers and assume leadership roles as university faculty, government scientists, and industry researchers. Joint UCSD and SDSU committees will administer and monitor the admission, advising, evaluation, graduation, and all other academic processes related to the joint doctoral program. Students will spend at least one academic year of residency at each campus.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Geophysics will be awarded upon completion of the program in the names of The Regents of the University of California on behalf of UC San Diego and The Trustees of the California State University on behalf of SDSU. Prospective applicants will apply through SDSU.

The Department of Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers a concurrent degree program allowing interested PhD students to complete an MBA at the Rady School of Management .

Students who are admitted to Scripps may, with the consent of their academic advisor, apply to Rady.  Application to the MBA program is through the usual admissions process.  Students may begin the MBA program no earlier than after the completion of their departmental exam and no later than the fall quarter following their advancement to candidacy.

An extensive independent study, jointly supervised by Scripps and Rady faculty, enables the student to develop linkages between Scripps and Rady studies. Interested students are encouraged to consult early with Rady MBA Admissions and with their Scripps academic advisors.

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Ph.D. in Marine Science and Conservation

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 25 (15 in Beaufort and 9 in Durham)
• Students: 38
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: December 9

James Hench Director of Graduate Studies Duke Marine Laboratory 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort, NC 28516-9721

Phone: (252) 504-7585

Email: [email protected]

• https://nicholas.duke.edu/academics/doctoral-degrees
• https://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab

Program Description

The PhD in MSC  is designed to ensure that students receive detailed training in a particular discipline of marine natural or social science, while being exposed to sufficient interdisciplinary knowledge that they are able to synthesize information from both the social and natural sciences and apply that information to policy-making.  These students will be prepared for careers either in university teaching or research, or outside of the university involving the application of science to policy-making. 

Doctoral students in MSC emphasize research as the major part of their degree programs.  The committee, chaired by the student’s faculty advisor, will recommend which of the program’s required courses students should take along with any additional courses, and generally help to shape the student’s research program.

The bulk of a student's time will be spent at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC. Students often spend one or two semesters taking graduate level classes on the Durham campus before moving to Beaufort to complete their research; however, residence in Durham is not a requirement.

In addition to MSC and other course work, MSC students are required to present short research update seminars in years 2-4 of their program, complete a preliminary examination, and complete a dissertation. The dissertation is presented in a public seminar and defended to the committee in a dissertation examination.

• Marine Science and Conservation: PhD Admission and Enrollment Statistics
• Marine Science and Conservation: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Marine Science and Conservation: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Marine Science and Conservation: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline:  December 9

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Writing Sample None required

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

• Undergraduate

Print Options

• Graduate School Academic Catalog
• Programs of Study
• Biological Sciences (DBS)

Marine Biology (Ph.D.)

https://colsa.unh.edu/biological-sciences/program/phd/marine-biology

The Marine Biology (MB) option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Some UNH faculty use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism, and neurobiology, while others study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Some faculty members focus primarily on basic research; others work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries; many combine the two. Students who have earned advanced degrees at UNH lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, or earn a living as researchers. In addition to on­-campus facilities, UNH owns the Coastal Marine Laboratory and the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory , and a range of research vessels. UNH has an excellent SCUBA diving program for students interested in becoming certified to dive as part of their research. The Marine Biology option is also affiliated with UNH’s School of Marine Sciences and Ocean Engineering .

Ph.D. Degree Requirements

Students work with their advisor and their Doctoral Guidance Committee to plan a program of study including the required core courses and competencies, and develop a viable research proposal. The Guidance Committee is normally established by the end of the first semester, and should meet by the end of the second semester. The student presents to the Guidance Committee a preliminary research proposal in which the soundness, originality, and feasibility of the planned research are clearly described. The Guidance Committee is responsible for approving the proposal, and also oversees the qualifying examination through which the student is admitted to doctoral candidacy. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee is established at this point. To earn the Ph.D. degree, students must complete an original dissertation project, present the results at a public seminar, pass an oral dissertation defense consisting of questions from members of the Dissertation Committee, and have the dissertation approved by the Dissertation Committee and accepted by the Graduate School.

Number of Credits Required

There is no specific credit requirement for the Ph.D., though students must take required core courses and meet competency requirements.

Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee, and approved by the UNH Graduate School.

Required Courses, Competencies, and Electives

All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are required to take:

1. BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar : first-semester course focuses on key information and skills for a successful transition into the graduate program, familiarizing students with program requirements and faculty and providing an opportunity to meet others in their cohort.

2. Two courses in contemporary techniques: Students must take two courses in this competency category, with one course needing to be quantitative. Students should consult their advisor or the graduate program coordinator to determine the courses that fulfill this category.

3. One course in writing/communication: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course. Recommendations often include coursework in professional writing and communication: BIOL 902 Writing and Publishing Science is taught fall semester, and open to students at any stage of the program. BIOL 950 Scientific Communication is usually taught in spring.

4. One marine-based course: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course that has a marine focus.

5. Field requirement: This requirement may be fulfilled by either taking a graduate-level course that has a significant field component as part of the course, or by conducting field research in support of the student's thesis research.

6. Ph.D. students will be required to be a Teaching Assistant for one semester, or demonstrate prior teaching experience.

Additional Information/Requirements

All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are expected to present their research in public seminars (including the UNH Graduate Research Conference), and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.

• Core Knowledge: Demonstrate expert knowledge of the subdiscipline relevant to their research project and general knowledge of the broader discipline of marine biology.
• Critical Thinking: Critique, evaluate, and integrate qualitative and quantitative biological research and methods to develop original hypotheses.
• Research: Synthesize research methods and data analysis techniques to conduct an independent and original research project that contributes new knowledge to address a gap in the field.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate scientific information, concepts, theories, and methods to professional colleagues (specialists), invested parties, and the general public.
• Professionalism: Conduct research ethically and responsibly and intellectually engage with the broader scientific community. 

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Marine Biology, M.S.

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The Master's In Marine Biology

With 70% of the Earth covered in water, marine biologists are a vital link with the medicinal, environmental, and technological applications of marine life to society. Humans not only depend on  marine habitats to sustain life, we also put enormous pressure on our marine habitats. Marine biologists help preserve and restore ecosystems that are collapsing from human activities and natural phenomena. A master’s in Marine Biology from Florida Tech gives graduates the educational foundation and hands-on research experience needed to enter a career in marine biology.

Specializations

The opportunities for marine-biology careers are diverse. Because there are so many relevant topics, students select a particular interest and specialize in it. Studying for a master’s in marine biology at Florida Tech is a multifaceted experience that includes other scientific disciplines, from aquaculture and oceanography to chemistry, meteorology and zoology.

Gain Practical Experience

The curriculum, laboratories, and field-research programs for students earning a master’s in Marine Biology are robust, encouraging students to and formulate new ideas that contribute to the field. Florida Tech is near some highly diverse marine environments, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, providing students with natural laboratories to conduct cutting-edge research.

“ Why Pursue A Master's In Marine Biology At Florida Tech? ”

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NASA scientists, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, and highly decorated military generals have chosen Florida Tech for its educational excellence in science and engineering. When it comes to graduate programs in marine biology, consider that in 1971 Florida Tech’s undergraduate marine-biology program was one of the first in the United States.

World-Class Faculty Who Mentor Students

At Florida Tech, students experience an intimate, focused environment where professors mentor students throughout their degree, class sizes are small, and faculty-led and personal research is conducted. Professors take an interdisciplinary approach to the degree curriculum, guiding graduate students to collaborate and explore their ideas among a wider view of different biological disciplines. Bringing a wealth of teaching and research experience to the classroom, professors in the Marine Biology program present the latest topics and research from around the world.

High-Tech Labs and Facilities

Students have access to the F. W. Olin Life Sciences Building, a 70,000-square-foot teaching and research laboratory that includes an aquaculture facility; state-of-the-art instrumentation, including NMR spectrometers and an electron microscope; rooms for photochemistry, glassblowing, and computational chemistry; glass aquaria, a marine laboratory, a climate change institute, and the offices and research labs of several of the marine biology faculty.

Students have access to the F. W. Olin Life Sciences Building, a 70,000-square-foot teaching and research laboratory that includes  state-of-the-art microscopy equipment. The 29,000-square-foot L3 Harris Center for Science and Engineering serves the research needs in fish biology and climatology.  It includes eight teaching labs, 12 modern research labs and a 2,500-square-foot indoor aquaculture facility with recirculating systems ranging from small glass aquaria to 720-gallon tanks.

Just a few minutes from campus, where Crane Creek meets the Indian River Lagoon near downtown Melbourne, the Ralph S. Evinrude Marine Operations Center houses small outboard-powered craft and medium-sized workboats. These vessels are available to graduate students and faculty for teaching and research use in the freshwater tributaries and the Indian River Lagoon. Coastal and oceanographic research and teaching are conducted through strategic partnerships to use research vessels in Ft. Pierce, Tampa, Savannah, GA and the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School.

Superb Location for Studying Marine Biology

Florida Tech attracts students from around the world. The university’s location on Florida’s Space Coast puts it in the midst of rich marine environments such as the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse estuary in North America; the miles of Florida coastline provides students with the unique benefit of internships and potential employment with many local, state and national agencies, marine environmental consulting firms, public aquaria, mariculture companies, and private marine research organizations.

The Melbourne / Orlando area has the fifth-largest high-tech workforce in the country, with more than 5,000 high-tech corporations and government and military organizations located nearby. This workforce provides an abundance of internship and employment opportunities.

“ What Marine Biology Research Or Other Opportunities Can I Expect? ”

Marine biology has a diverse realm of topical interest that could include:

• Coral-reef ecology
• Reproductive biology of sharks
• Polar biology
• Disease control among fish and marine animals
• Harmful algal blooms (HABs)
• Marine mammalogy

In addition to their research activities, graduate students become members of the scientific societies that support the marine biology field. They present their research at scientific conferences. Graduate students are expected to submit their research findings for publication in  journals such as Aquatic Toxicology, Marine Biology, Marine Biotechnology, Fish Biology , and many others. For an extensive list of marine biology journals, visit MarineBio.org .

“ How Will A Master's Degree Benefit My Marine Biology Career? ”

With a master’s in marine biology from Florida Tech, graduates have a chance to find much variety in their career. A career in marine biology allows graduates to contribute to the world they live in by better understanding the interaction of humans with the Earth’s ecosystems and natural resources.

Careers in Marine Biology Expected to Grow

The Occupational Outlook Handbook , published by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS), provides information about specific jobs including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things.

Marine biology career involve occupations in biotechnology development, aquaria and aquaculture, agriculture, and medical/pharmaceutical research. Other employers are local governments, museums, colleges and universities, private research laboratories, or consulting firms.

According to the bureau, jobs in the biological sciences (included with wildlife biologists) could expect to grow 5% through 2022. New jobs should rise in part from the demand to monitor the effects of climate change on ocean life and sea levels. Related fields like oceanography are expected to experience a 16% growth in jobs during the same period as the need for environmental monitoring, protection, and clean-up expands.

Careers in Marine Biology

• Oceanographer
• Environmental scientist
• Medical scientist
• Environmental protection scientist
• Natural resources biologist
• Fish and wildlife biologist
• Aquarium director
• Post-secondary education professor
• Protected species observer
• Coastal ecologist
• Marine researcher
• Fish and game warden
• Marine policy specialist

Earn a Doctoral Degree

After receiving a master’s in marine biology, many students enter the  doctoral program at Florida Tech or at another university. Along with a chance to conduct additional research and find new ways to contribute to the industry, a doctoral degree typically increases an individual’s earning potential as well as recognition as a subject-matter expert.