phd programs marine biology

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home
• Institution Home
• School of Architecture
• College of Arts & Sciences
• School of Business Administration
• School of Communication
• School of Education & Human Development
• College of Engineering
• School of Law
• Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
• Miller School of Medicine
• Frost School of Music
• School of Nursing & Health Studies
• The Graduate School
• Division of Continuing & International Education
• Search Miami.edu Search
• People Search
• Department Search
• Course Search
• Student Life

Registrar's Office

• Graduate Academic Programs >
• Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science >
• Marine Biology and Ecology >
• Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Ecology
• General University Information
• Undergraduate Academic Programs
• Architecture
• Arts and Sciences
• Communication
• Education and Human Development
• Engineering
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Environmental Science and Policy
• M.P.S. in Marine Biology and Ecology
• M.S. in Marine Biology and Ecology
• Marine Geosciences
• Meteorology and Physical Oceanography
• Ocean Sciences
• Nursing and Health Studies
• Law Academic Programs
• Graduate Student Handbook for UOnline Students
• Special Programs
• Program Index
• Course Listing
• Previous Bulletin Archives

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.

Office of the University Registrar

• 1306 Stanford Drive
• The University Center Room 1230
• Coral Gables, FL 33146
• [email protected]
• Parking & Transportation

Copyright 2024-2025 University of Miami. All Right Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

PDF of the entire 2024-2025 Academic Catalog.

• Accessibility Options:
• Skip to Content
• Skip to Search
• Skip to footer
• Office of Disability Services
• Request Assistance
• 305-284-2374
• High Contrast
• School of Architecture
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Miami Herbert Business School
• School of Communication
• School of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• School of Law
• Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
• Miller School of Medicine
• Frost School of Music
• School of Nursing and Health Studies
• The Graduate School
• Division of Continuing and International Education
• People Search
• Class Search
• IT Help and Support
• Privacy Statement
• Student Life

• Rosenstiel Home
• Admissions Home
• Academic Departments
• Chair Welcome

Undergraduate Programs

• Master of Professional Science
• Ph.D. and M.S. Programs
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
• Rescue a Reef
• Toadfish Lab
• Additional Scientists
• Adjunct Faculty
• Professor Emeritus
• Research Staff
• Student Directory
• Centers and Labs
• Research Themes

Department Video

National Resource for Aplysia

Message from Department Chair

Learn more about our Research

Interested in studying Marine Biology and Ecology. Click here to watch the video.

Featured Links

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Masters of Professional Science

PhD and MS Programs

T he D epartment of M arine B iology and E cology ( MBE ) is dedicated to enhancing our understanding of marine organisms and their interrelationships with their biotic and physical environments. T he pursuit of this understanding involves studies of physiology, genetics, ecology, behavior, population dynamics, connectivity, toxicology and conservation science. S tudy organisms are from coastal and oceanic ecosystems, from seagrass to corals, plankton to seabirds, and minnows to marlins.

E nhancing our understanding of marine systems requires research, the education of undergraduates and training of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. W e strive to provide our students with the tools, training and opportunities to pursue cross-disciplinary research and develop integrative thinking that will impact our understanding of fundamental biological processes and the conservation of marine life. MBE faculty pursue these goals to address important societal problems including the degradation and depletion of habitats and species, the effects of climate change, and the unsustainable exploitation of marine resources.

The Department of Marine Biology and Ecology is committed to a culture of belonging and we value diversity, integrity, responsibility, excellence, compassion, creativity, and teamwork.

Culture of Belonging: https://culture.miami.edu/resources/direcct-values/index.html

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: https://diversity.earth.miami.edu/deic-statement-of-commitment/index.html

Multicultural Student Affairs: https://msa.studentaffairs.miami.edu/

To view the Marine Biology and Ecology student handbook

U miami on:.

Marine Biology and Ecology | Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science

• 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway Miami , FL 33149-1031
• 305-421-4000 305-421-4000
• Academic Calendar
• Alumni & Friends
• Medical Center
• Hurricane Sports
• Parking & Transportation
• social-facebook
• social-twitter
• social-youtube
• social-instagram
• social-linkedin

Copyright: 2024 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices

Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .

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 7

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 7

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

We have 22 Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Biological Sciences

All locations

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

All Funding

Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Studying a PhD in Marine Biology would give you the chance to study ocean life through an extended research project. You could be investigating the effects pollution is having on sea life, attempting to improve how we promote ocean sustainability or developing better methods for tracking organisms.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Marine Biology?

As a Marine Biology PhD student, you’ll develop skills in a range of areas, from field work to in the laboratory. Depending on your exact project, you’ll spend more or less time in the field, but almost every project includes the opportunity to gain at least some field work experience.

Some typical research topics in Marine Biology include:

• Studying microplastics in the ocean
• Developing methods of promoting ocean sustainability
• Improving current methods of tracking sea life
• Studying an organism from the ocean in detail
• Investigating the effects of pollution on sea life
• Studying how organisms adapt to environmental change

Almost all Marine Biology PhD programmes are advertised projects with attached funding. The additional cost of fieldwork or bench fees makes it challenging to self-fund either an advertised project or one you have proposed. This cost, as well as the difficulty finding an institution and supervisor with the expertise and equipment suitable for your research, makes proposing your own research uncommon in Marine Biology.

A general field day will consist of either sampling, measuring, or observing organisms or their environment. This may include tagging individuals from a certain species or counting their population. Other days will involve analysing previously collected data, either in the laboratory or using techniques from data science and statistics.

Upon completion of your final year, you’ll write a thesis of roughly 60,000 words that will contribute to the knowledge of your field. During your viva exam you’ll then defend your work and if successful, be awarded your PhD.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for most Marine Biology PhD programmes involve a Masters in a subject directly related to Biology, at Merit or Distinction level. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need to show that you have the right level of language proficiency .

PhD in Marine Biology funding options

The research council responsible for funding Marine Biology PhDs in the UK is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). They provide fully-funded studentships including a stipend for living costs, a consumables budget for bench fees and a tuition fee waiver. Students don’t apply directly to the BBSRC, you apply for advertised projects with this funding attached.

It’s uncommon for Marine Biology PhD students to be ‘self-funded’ due to the additional bench fees. However, if you were planning to fund yourself it might be achievable (depending on your project) through the UK government’s PhD loan and part-time work.

PhD scholarship in Integrating Ecological and Genomic Diversity for Climate Resilient Marine Spatial Planning – DTU Aqua

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Awaiting Funding Decision/Possible External Funding

This supervisor does not yet know if funding is available for this project, or they intend to apply for external funding once a suitable candidate is selected. Applications are welcome - please see project details for further information.

Exploring the Ecological and Economic Value of the Highly Vulnerable Mobula Ray Species of the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Discovery of novel pharmaceuticals from marine and desert microorganisms

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

PhD Fellow in Marine Ecology and Biogeochemistry

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Minimising inter-observer variability in cover estimates of sessile organisms (SAS0204)

Fully funded - understanding small and large scale factors of seaweed biofouling using edna, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Defining how inter-bacterial symbioses regulate aquatic ecosystem health (PhD Project) - Domestic Only

Exchange of water between the red sea and gulf of aden recorded at dsdp site 229, 10 phd positions in the msca doctoral network phabb, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

France PhD Programme

A French PhD usually takes 3-4 years and often involves additional training and courses alongside research towards an original thesis. This will be assessed by external examiners before being presented at a public examination and eventually awarded with one of three grades. Some programmes are delivered in English.

Revealing the genomic basis of reproductive mode evolution and speciation in Littorina snails

Evaluating the potential consequences of climate heating for caspian seals and ecosystem services in the caspian sea, assessing demographic resilience of tropical and temperate reef organisms, self-funded phd - fish, predator and collective behaviour, self-funded msc r- fish, predator and collective behaviour, fully funded phd position on using genomics to inform climate smart resilience breeding in the marine finfish snapper (tāmure/chrysophrys auratus).

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Filtering Results

• Accessibility Options:
• Skip to Content
• Skip to Search
• Skip to footer
• Office of Disability Services
• Request Assistance
• 305-284-2374
• High Contrast
• School of Architecture
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Miami Herbert Business School
• School of Communication
• School of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• School of Law
• Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
• Miller School of Medicine
• Frost School of Music
• School of Nursing and Health Studies
• The Graduate School
• Division of Continuing and International Education
• People Search
• Class Search
• IT Help and Support
• Privacy Statement
• Student Life

• Search Site
• Rosenstiel Home
• Admissions Home
• Academic Departments
• Atmospheric Science
• Climate and Health
• Data Science
• Environmental Science and Policy

Marine Biology and Ecology

• Marine Geosciences
• Meteorology and Physical Oceanography
• Ocean Engineering
• Ocean Sciences
• Master of Professional Science
• Welcome from Associate Dean
• Application Information
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Financial Aid
• Ph.D. Assistantships
• Virtual Information Session
• Undergraduate Prep
• Course Schedules
• Forms, Guidelines, and Handbooks
• Student Directory
• Student Organizations
• Ph.D. and M.S. Programs
• Letter from the Director
• MBE Student Handbook
• Graduate Programs

The Marine Biology and Ecology academic program focuses on a wide range of field, laboratory, and theoretical coursework in a range of research areas, such as coral reef studies, biological oceanography, and marine biology, fisheries biology, and the biology and behavior of marine animals.

MBE faculty, students, and their many international collaborators participate in multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary research programs. The UM Rosenstiel School hosts many research centers and groups, such as the experimental hatchery , The National Center for Coral Reef Research, the Rescue-a-Reef citizen science initiative , and the world-renowned NIH/University of Miami National Resource for  Aplysia .

Graduate students can choose from a diversity of research areas and coursework taught by internationally recognized scientists studying corals and climate change, fisheries biology, and conducting biomedical research.

Degrees Offered

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Master of Professional Science (M.P.S.)   with tracks in Marine Mammal Science and Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management .

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 .

Funding Opportunities

The majority of Ph.D. students are supported as Graduate Research Assistants during their tenure (typically 5 years). You can find more information on stipends, tuition, and health insurance   here . Students are also encouraged to apply for national fellowships. Additionally, students can apply or be nominated for the University of Miami and Rosenstiel School fellowships and awards .

Chris Langdon Graduate Program Director [email protected]

Graduate Programs at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science

• 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway Miami , FL 33149-1031
• Phone: 305-421-4155 Phone: 305-421-4155
• Email: [email protected]
• Give to Rosenstiel School
• Academic Calendar
• Alumni & Friends
• Medical Center
• Hurricane Sports
• Rosenstiel School Campus Map
• Parking & Transportation
• Shuttle Schedule
• social-facebook
• social-twitter
• social-youtube
• social-instagram
• social-linkedin

Copyright: 2024 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices

Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .

Doctoral Programs

Interested in applying to our MS or PhD programs? View presentations from this year's info sessions .

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.

Sign Up For Explorations Now

The PhD program in Marine and Environmental Sciences will train independent scientists whose research addresses fundamental and applied questions at the local, regional, national, and global scale.

Northeastern’s PhD program in Marine and Environmental Sciences trains high-caliber and independent scientists whose research addresses fundamental and applied marine and environmental science questions at local, regional, national, and global scales.  Our students will apply their research to address issues of relevance to society and the environment. In addition to training students to conduct world class research, we aim to prepare them to effectively communicate their findings broadly. We foster opportunities to develop teaching skills and communicate knowledge through outreach programs locally and internationally, so that students hone these essential skills.

To align their studies with their academic and career goals, students select one of the following 4 concentrations: Marine Sciences, Geosciences, Sustainability Sciences, and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. While research interest may be focused, the academic experience is enriched by providing access to faculty with a wide range of expertise such as coastal sustainability, geology, marine biology, biogeochemistry, global change biology, marine robotics, fisheries science and policy, coral reef ecology, and social and ecological coupling.

• Bachelor’s and Advanced-degree entry are possible
• Students prepare and defend a written dissertation
• Faculty’s research areas are numerous
• State-of-the-art lab facilities located in Nahant, MA, a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean
• Significant inter-lab collaboration encouraged and supported by the university
• Opportunities to TA for courses in Panamá and Washington state through the Three Seas Program

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Tufts University
• Emory University
• University of Rhode Island
• Rutgers University
• Michigan State University
• New England Biolabs
• Knauss Fellowship Program

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Unofficial transcripts for all institutions attended (Official transcripts required upon acceptance of admission offer)
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE General – recommended, but not required
• Proof of English Proficiency for all applicants

Priority deadline for completed applications: December 1 st

Rolling admissions until March 15.  Check with department to see if there is availability.

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Marine and Environmental Sciences

Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Marine and environmental sciences, phd.

The PhD in Marine and Environmental Sciences (MES) program provides students with advanced course work and training in the concentration areas of marine sciences, geosciences, sustainability sciences, and ecology and evolutionary biology. 

Students must pass three examinations during the course of their graduate studies:

• An oral examination by the student’s dissertation committee.
• A proposal defense presented to the student's dissertation committee that explains the research areas that the student proposes to work in.
• A defense of the student's written dissertation consisting of a public seminar, public question-and-answer period, and private defense of their work to their dissertation committee. Dissertation committees consist of at least four Northeastern faculty and one external faculty member.

A cumulative GPA of 3.000 is required for graduation. All PhD students are required to have at least two first-authored publications submitted to or accepted in a peer-reviewed journal prior to their defense. The PhD will be awarded following submission of a dissertation, approved by the candidate’s dissertation committee, to the College of Science.

Students who ​do not qualify for the doctoral degree, but who have completed ​required coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or better, may be eligible to receive ​a terminal  MS Marine and Environmental Sciences  degree. Note that no students will be admitted directly into the Marine and Environmental Sciences program to pursue a masterʼs degree.

Bachelor's Degree Entrance

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Annual review Dissertation committee Qualifying examination Dissertation proposal Candidacy First-author publication Dissertation defense

Core Requirements

Concentration

Complete one of the following concentrations:

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Sustainability sciences, geosciences, marine sciences.

Dissertation

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

30 total semester hours required Minimum 3.000 GPA required

10 total semester hours required Minimum 3.000 GPA required

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-24 Undergraduate Day PDF

2023-24 CPS Undergraduate PDF

2023-24 Graduate/Law PDF

2023-24 Course Descriptions PDF

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.

EEMB Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Ucsb course catalog.

View full list of 2023-24 EEMB courses.

PhD Graduate Handbook

Phd graduate checklist, foundation building.

To ensure that students have the fundamentals of the disciplines of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, students are required to take EEMB 508 and EEMB 509 in the fall and winter of their first year. UCSB is a highly interdisciplinary campus, and students are encouraged to take advantage of graduate level courses and seminars in EEMB and in other departments to further develop their knowledge of their own subject area and others of interest. Being a teaching assistant helps cement a doctoral student's knowledge and develops essential teaching and communication skills. Course credit is awarded for TAing and one course is required in teaching techniques.

Course Requirements

These seminar courses aredesigned to familiarize new graduate students with the EEMB faculty and the diversity of research being conducted in the department and to provide a forum for interactions among new graduate students. It is required of all incoming graduate students unless special circumstances prevent attendance.

All students must qualify for and hold a teaching assistantship for the equivalent of two quarters during some point in the graduate career in order to obtain teaching experience. To qualify, students must complete the following courses.

Graduate Council Regulations Regarding Committees

• Minimum of 3 UC ladder faculty, 2 (including Chair) must be in home department
• Additional members may be at departmental discretion

Departmental Committees Requirement

• Students must form a Ph.D. committee during their first year

Written Exams

Students are required to complete both written examinations within two years after enrolling in the Ph.D. program. Doctoral students, in consultation with their adviser and doctoral committee, chose two fields of study for their written exams. One will be a sub-discipline within ecology and/or evolution and the other may be another sub-discipline or may be in another discipline entirely but related to the development of the student's Ph.D. research. The student's reading and research in the period of foundation building will prepare them for the upcoming exams.

Written exams will test a student's understanding and their ability to work with material and ideas in a field at a level above that expected in an upper division undergraduate class. Preparation is done throughout the period of foundation building via graduate coursework, participation in seminars, and reading in advanced textbooks and independent reading. Students should plan to spend at least a few weeks of intense directed preparation immediately before the exam. Exams differ in structure and format (open vs. closed book, time limits, etc.), but they are all designed to test for the same, high level of understanding and performance.

If written exams are not completed within 2 years, the student will receive a reminder from the Graduate Advisor that they are falling off schedule. After 3 years, the student will receive a warning that they are off schedule and may be at risk of being dropped from the program if they do not complete the exams within the next year.

Students failing to successfully complete their written examinations within 4 years after enrolling in the Ph.D. program may be dropped from the program.

Students who fail a written exam must successfully complete the same or an alternative exam approved by their committee by the end of the following academic quarter. Students who fail two written exams will be dropped from the program. While failing an exam is unusual; conditional passes are fairly common. A conditional pass is given when the overall exam is satisfactory, but some aspect of it is weak. In such cases, the student will be expected do more reading, and then revise the weak section. Until this is done, the exam is considered incomplete.

To be completed within three years after enrolling in the Ph.D. program.

The oral exam is usually a broad based exam testing a student's knowledge and ability to work with material in the basic science areas relevant to their research. The oral exam committee will generally be the student's dissertation committee. In most cases, the oral exam will begin with a student's presentation of their dissertation proposal and the questioning may spin off that. However, a student should be prepared for the questioning to get very far afield from their specific proposal. Students should expect to find themselves questioned about things that they don't know the answer to, possibly including issues where no one knows the answer. Evaluating how a student handles uncertainty is an important part of evaluating whether they are ready to be advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D.

After passing the oral exam, a student will be "Advanced to Candidacy". That has two possible effects on a student's life. First, a student becomes eligible for doctoral candidate borrowing privileges at the Davidson Library. It also means that non-resident supplemental tuition will be waived for three years for international students.. Since EEMB students generally don't pay their own fees, this may not seem important, but whatever source is supporting them (departmental funds, grants, etc.) may benefit, by allowing resources to be used to support other students. Note, to advance to candidacy officially, you must file the Doctoral Form II with the Graduate Division and pay a fee (currently $50).

If the oral exam is not completed within 3 years, the student will receive a warning that they are falling off schedule, and that the exam must be completed within the next year or they may be placed on academic probation by Graduate Division. Students failing to successfully complete their oral examinations and advance to candidacy within 4 years will be placed on academic probation unless the Department petitions Graduate Division not to do so. This requires a solid justification.

Students who have not completed their oral exam and advanced to candidacy within 5 years after enrolling in the Ph.D. program may be dropped from the program.

Students who fail their oral examination are allowed to retake the exam once only. The second exam must be taken within one year.

During this period, the student is actively engaged in research including experiments, observations, analysis and writing. Students must manage their time wisely between demands for research, teaching, and public and professional service. It is important that students stay engaged with other graduate students for discussions and feedback, and with their adviser and the other members of their doctoral committee. The worst thing that a student can hear when they think they are finished with their research is "You need to have done…" The only way to ensure this doesn't happen is through regular interaction with the advisory committee.

Defense and Dissertation

The main thing a student needs to do after advancing to candidacy is to finish their dissertation. The official guidelines for format and filing requirements are available in the Guide to Filing of Theses and Dissertations. During the time a student is focusing on their research and writing, it is important that they stay in touch with their committee.

This is the length that the Department believes is a reasonable amount of time for a student to complete a Ph.D. In EEMB, normative time is 6 years following enrollment as an EEMB graduate student (in either a M.A. or Ph.D. track). If a student hasn't completed their Ph.D. within normative time, they lose the reduced fee benefit they may have received when they advanced to candidacy.

In accordance with university policy, students who have not completed their degree within 7 years of enrolling in the program must petition the Graduate Committee and the Graduate Dean to remain in the program. The petition must outline reasons for not completing the degree and an acceptable alternate completion schedule.

Students failing to complete their degree in 8 years from the time of their enrollment must retake their written examinations or prove in some equivalent way that they are fully up to date in their major field of interest. Simply completing the dissertation is not considered such proof, as a dissertation may be narrowly focused.

Students failing to complete the degree in 10 years from the time of their enrollment will be dropped from the program.

A final examination defending the dissertation will be made after the written dissertation is completed. Students may petition to have the final oral examination waived, and to give a public seminar of their dissertation research, in lieu. Petition forms to waive the final defense are provided to the Department by the Graduate Division and are available from the departmental office.

• University Future Students
• University Current Students
• University Faculty & Staff
• Former Students
• University Catalog
• MARB Degree
• MARB Degree Plans
• Career Opportunities
• How To Apply

Marine Biology, M.S. & Ph.D.

The Marine Biology graduate program provides training in the marine biological sciences and draws on the expertise from faculty members in multiple marine and coastal-related fields at TAMUG and TAMU.

Marine Biology, M.S. & Ph.D. Degrees     

Strengths of this program rely upon the international recognition and scholarly work of our faculty.  Students in the program are exposed to knowledge and research techniques related to marine ecology, coastal and oceanic habitats, marine vertebrates and invertebrates, marine fisheries, marine botany and wetlands and coastal management and conservation. The program places an emphasis on molecular, organism and ecosystems levels. The program offers a doctoral degree, a master’s thesis degree, and a non-thesis master’s degree. With a sweeping scope of programs, disciplines, and departments constituting the curriculum, graduates of the Marine Biology program will be well prepared to enter higher education, private or public industry, and much more.

Back to top Back to top

MARB Degree Plans     

*A minimum of one graduate level statistics, marine ecosystem, and marine evolutionary biology course must be included.

*A minimum of two graduate level statistics courses, one marine ecosystem course, and one marine evolutionary biology course must be included.

M.S. Degree Program

Ph.D. Degree Program

* Or approved alternative

The information above is intended as a quick reference. For full details of the graduate degree programs and departmental policies and procedures, please consult the current  Marine Biology Graduate Student Handbook .

Career Opportunities     

Love what you do.

The rigorous coursework on offer in Marine Biology couples the very best faculty and support with an essential learning environment centered on the Gulf of Mexico. Our graduate students leave ready to take on the challenges of research, higher education, policy & conservation, and a host of other opportunities.

Career Paths

Conservation Law Enforcement (Game Warden) Environmental consultant Government Policy Work Outreach

Hiring Agencies

Universities Government Agencies Non-government Agencies Non-profit Groups Conservation Groups Private Sector

Apply Today     

At Texas A&M University at Galveston we offer a comprehensive array of degrees which are geared to make the most of our ideal location on the edge of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With programs ranging from marine biology to maritime administration led by enterprising professors at the top of their fields, we’re full of the opportunities you’re seeking.

Contact Today     

Curious? Want to know more? Let us point you in the right direction.

Graduate Study in Marine Biology

Nearly three quarters of the Earth is covered by an ocean that harbors most of life’s diversity, feeds and powers coastal economies, regulates global climate, and is a rich source of biomedical models, natural products, and new drugs. The Marine Biology program offers excellent opportunities to pursue graduate research in areas such as the evolution, development, and sensory biology of marine organisms, microbiology, ichthyology, and marine conservation science. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the research interests of our faculty and then directly contact those professors with whom they might like to work, in addition to submitting an application to the graduate school.

Marine Biology students begin their curriculum with a fall semester consisting of four back-to-back, one-monthlong intensive research courses.  The graduate curriculum for Marine Biology students is highly flexible and is customized to the needs and interests of the individual student.  By the end of their second year, PhD students complete a written preliminary examination that tests general knowledge in marine biology, and an oral qualifying exam that focuses on areas critical to the student’s dissertation research.

Marine Biology graduate students benefit from a strongly interdisciplinary marine science program , involving the Departments of Biology and  Earth & Environment , as well as close partnerships with the New England Aquarium , National Marine Sanctuary Program , and Sea Education Association .

Check the list of recent dissertations and publications to see the range of topics addressed by Marine Biology students.

Interested in applying to our graduate program? 

All applicants should review the application procedures listed on our apply page . MS applicants please note that we anticipate limited space available in the Fall 2024 Marine Semester; those applying for the MS with coursework or scholarly paper tracks in Marine Biology should plan alternate fall courses or delay application to a future year. 

MB applicants interested in applying to our MS (Coursework Track or Scholarly Paper Track) do not need to contact faculty before applying. 

MB applicants interested in applying for our PhD or MS (Research Track) require that you have a professor who is willing to accept you into his/her/their lab. We strongly recommend that you contact professors with whom you are interested in working before you apply to the MB graduate program. Below are guidelines on how to contact professors via e-mail. 

• Locate current research projects and contact information for professors in MB who are currently accepting students (see below).
• Your research interests and how they align with the research of the faculty member (1-2 sentences).
• Your previous research experience (2-3 sentences). 
• A new idea you might like to pursue while working with the lab you are contacting. This research idea should be consistent with the lab’s current research capabilities and demonstrate some degree of familiarity with the field (2-3 sentences).
• Responses should be as text in e-mail, not as an attachment. However, please attach your resume/curriculum vitae to your e-mail.

List of MB faculty currently accepting PhD students for Fall 2024:

Peter Buston , Associate Professor of Biology; Director of the BU Marine Program

Evolutionary Ecology, Animal Behavior, Marine Ecology and Biological Oceanography.

Ethan Deyle , Research Assistant Professor of Biology

Quantitative Ecology, Environmental Data Science, Nonlinear Dynamics, Applied Complex Systems, Marine Ecology

Robinson W. Fulweiler , Professor of Biology (jointly with Earth & Environment)

Biogeochemistry and Marine Ecology

List of MB faculty currently accepting MS students for Fall 2024:

John R. Finnerty , Associate Professor of Biology

Evolutionary and ecological developmental biology; evolutionary and ecological genomics; marine biodiversity; global change biology; coral conservation.

Phillip S. Lobel , Professor of Biology

ichthyology; behavioral ecology and taxonomy of fishes

Randi Rotjan , Research Associate Professor of Biology; Senior Lecturer; Director of Masters Studies

Marine ecology, conservation biology, behavioral ecology, organismal physiology, coral reefs

Visit our MB Research page for a list of all of the EBE faculty.

 | | | Page maintained by
	University of North Carolina Wilmington
	Jul 10, 2024   2019-2020 Graduate Catalogue     2019-2020 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Stephen Kinsey The Department of Biology and Marine Biology offers a program of study and research leading to the doctor of philosophy in marine biology. The program provides students with a broad background and overview of the fields comprising marine biology and makes use of the diverse interests of the marine biology faculty within the department. As is generally the case, the Ph.D. program is primarily a research degree. As such, it is intended to serve students with interests in conducting research in academia, industry, and government along with those who intend to become faculty in undergraduate teaching institutions, managers in technology-based industries and policy makers in government. Students will learn the process of identifying, defining and solving an original research problem. The program also includes a teaching practicum with classroom instruction in pedagogical techniques and technologies along with lecture experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Admission requirements Students will be admitted to the Ph.D. program by a majority vote of the Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC) of the Department of Biology and Marine Biology based on eligibility requirements and available resources. Under most circumstances, students admitted to the program will have met the following requirements. Received a M.S. degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited university OR, if entering with a B.S., completed all the requirements for the M.S. biology or marine biology degree at UNCW except submission of the bound thesis.* An overall graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 out of 4.0. A score on the Graduate Record Examination General Test with a target of the 65th percentile or better (average for the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections). A score of at least 550 on the paper test or 79 on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) of 6.5 or 7.0 to be eligible for a teaching assistantship, for applicants whose native language is not English. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the date the test is administered. *Under certain circumstances, a student may, with the support of his or her faculty advisor, choose to apply to the Ph.D. program before completion of the requirements for the M.S. biology or marine biology 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. If accepted, these students would not take their M.S. oral preliminary exam, but would continue on with their study and take the Ph.D. candidacy exam in year three. Students who decide upon a Ph.D. later in their academic career, and who have, thus, already taken their preliminary oral exam, may apply to the Ph.D. program, again with the support of their advisor. Students who choose this path must complete a new application, including letters of recommendation, to enter the Ph.D. program. If accepted, these students may decide to bind a M.S. thesis, or simply continue on with their study and research and take the candidacy exam in year three. Documents to be submitted for admission: All applicants must submit: An application for graduate admission Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate) Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, analytical writing and subject test in biology) Three recommendations with accompanying letters by individuals in professionally relevant fields, one from the intended faculty mentor. Official score on the TOEFL (if applicable). TOEFL scores are good for two years from the date the test is administered. 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) Application and supporting documents must be submitted by the published deadline Degree Requirements (78 post-baccalaureate credit hours) The program requires 78 post-baccalaureate (48 post-M.S.) credit hours of graduate study. The maximum amount of credit that a Ph.D. student may count toward a doctorate from a master’s degree program is 30 credit hours. This applies whether the master’s degree was earned at UNCW or elsewhere. Six post-M.S. credit hours of credit may be transferred from another regionally accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to “B” or better and must be approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee. A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate study must be completed in residence. Each student must pass a Candidacy Exam that includes an oral examination based on the student’s dissertation prospectus. The Candidacy Exam should be taken before the beginning of the third year in the PhD program. The student must complete and defend a dissertation based on a research program approved by the student’s committee that results in an original, high quality, significant, and substantial body of research. All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years after admission to the Ph.D. program (i.e. post-M.S.). Additional requirements for the Ph.D. in marine biology Must have a master‘s degree or must complete courses and research requirements of a master‘s degree program as described above. Must complete the following courses: Graduate courses in Marine Biology (2-3 credit hours each; minimum of three different numbered courses required) (6) BIO 601 - Oceanography and Environmental Science Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 * BIO 602 - Ecology Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 BIO 603 - Physiology and Biochemistry Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 BIO 604 - Cellular and Molecular Biology Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 BIO 605 - Evolution and Diversity Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 *Required of all students. Prerequisite: BIO 564   or equivalent Additional required courses: BIO 690 - Seminar Credit Hours: 1 BIO 694 - Practicum in College Biology Teaching Credit Hours: 2 BIO 699 - Dissertation Credit Hours: 1 To 12 (12 credits required) *Required of all students. Prerequisite: BIO 564 - Biological Oceanography   or equivalent Elective Credit In addition to the above requirements, each student, in consultation with his/her dissertation committee, shall select a minimum of 24 hours of elective credit that may include graduate courses and research hours (graduate courses numbering 500-699). Interesting for you My settings Marine Science in United States Why Study Marine Science in United States Studying Marine Science in United States is a great choice, as there are 18 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal. Over 957,000 international students choose United States for their studies, which suggests you’ll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world. We counted 120 affordable PhD degrees in United States , allowing you to access quality higher education without breaking the bank. Moreover, there are 293 available scholarships you can apply to. 22  Marine Science PhDs in United States Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) offers a graduate program leading to the degree Doctor of... University of Maryland Eastern Shore Maryland City, Maryland, United States Integrative, Comparative and Marine Biology Further your options with a Ph.D in Integrative, Comparative and Marine Biology offered at the University of... University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, North Carolina, United States Marine Biology Marine Biology (MB) is the study of marine organisms and their relationship with the physical and chemical... University of California, San Diego San Diego, California, United States Study in United States The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more. Is United States the right place for you? Take the test and find out which country is your best fit. Explore your Marine Science degree Marine Science explores the ocean, its ecosystems, life forms, and processes through biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and meteorology. Specialisations include Marine Biology, Oceanography, Marine Geology, Marine Ecology, and Marine Chemistry. Courses cover marine life, ocean dynamics, research methods, and conservation. It's an ideal degree for ocean enthusiasts, offering career opportunities in research, conservation, education, and policymaking. Skills in data analysis and outdoor activities are essential. Jobs include Marine Biologist, Oceanographer, Marine Policy Specialist, Marine Conservationist, and Fisheries Manager. A Bachelor's or Master's, a Marine Science degree offers a rewarding path for those passionate about the ocean and its preservation. Is Marine Science the best for you? Take the test and find out if Marine Science is the right path for you. Go to your profile page to get personalised recommendations! 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 Transcripts from all institutions attended 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 . Related Articles 7 Popular Bioinformatics Careers 10 Careers for People Who Love Math What Can You Do with a Master’s in Economics? 5 Career Paths --> Master's Save COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE   --> Master's Save COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE   Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology This concentration leads to both Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Environmental Conservation (ECo) and is designed for students who want scientific training in the multi-disciplinary field of wildlife, fish and conservation biology. The focus of this concentration is broadly on animal ecology and conservation biology but encompasses specialized training in fields such as conservation genetics, population ecology and landscape ecology. The prime impetus for this concentration is the need for an adequate science base and professional training for decision-making regarding wildlife and fish resources. Coursework and more detailed information  (pdf) Concentration Description:  Faculty affiliated with this concentration (see below) have expertise in vertebrate population ecology; endangered, threatened, and overabundant species; wetland and forest ecology; animal behavior and physiology; geographic information systems and remote sensing; aquatic toxicology; population dynamics and demographic modeling; and landscape and ecosystems ecology. A major strength of our program is the unique convergence of Universities, federal and state agencies in Amherst, unmatched in the Northeast. A series of cooperative agreements, memoranda of research understanding and sole-source vendor relationships with state and federal agencies provide a strong base of research funding. These agreements also provide important teaching and research relationships between our program and state and federal natural resource agencies. Wildlife research focuses on wetlands, biodiversity, animal habitat associations, landscape and systems ecology, remote sensing, human-wildlife conflicts, forest-wildlife relationships, and international conservation. Fisheries research focuses on marine, estuarine, and inland resources and specifically on population dynamics, relationship of ecosystem structure and production, the effect of organic and inorganic contamination on aquatic ecosystem function, and anadromous fish behavior, ecology and physiology. There are approximately 70 graduate students in the Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology Concentration. Through their research projects, graduate students often employ or provide volunteer opportunities for interested undergraduates (about 150 in the Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation concentration within the Natural Resources Conservation major). Graduate students are encouraged to participate in projects and activities of their colleagues to broaden their experience and to provide and receive ideas and suggestions for improvements. At the MS level, students have the option of pursuing either a professional degree or thesis degree. The thesis/dissertation degree leads to the MS or PhD degree and centers around the completion of a major independent research project in addition to a modest coursework requirement. The professional degree leads to the MS degree and centers around a professional paper based on an internship/practicum in addition to a more substantial coursework requirement. Both degree options provide students a strong foundation in three core topic areas: environmental science (biology, ecology, conservation and environmental building systems), 2) quantitative science (statistics, GIS and modeling), and 3) human dimensions (environmental policies, economics, politics, administration, management and values). The MS thesis degree is intended to prepare students for the option of pursuing a PhD or a career in conservation science. The MS professional degree is meant to be a terminal degree for students seeking graduate-level training in a particular field of study and a career as a professional conservation scientist. Overall, the academic requirements of this concentration in combination with the research/practicum experience provide students the professional training for conservation science positions within academia, state and federal resource management agencies, nongovernmental conservation organizations, and private industry (e.g., environmental consulting firms). In addition, MS thesis degree students completing this program are well prepared to meet the challenges of any PhD program. Course Offerings The following courses are offered for partial fulfillment of the degree requirements (see below). Note, all courses ending in 90 and 97 have an additional letter designation (e.g., 697A) not specified below because it is subject to change; Please check the SPIRE online and department’s course offering sheet ( https://tinyurl.com/y7pz3uu2 )for the current course number listing. 1. Core Courses for the MS Thesis degree ECO 601 Research concepts (fall, 3cr) ECO 697 Analysis of environmental data - lecture (fall, 3cr) ECO 691A* Current research in env. conservation seminar (1cr) 2. Core Topic Areas for the MS degree a. Environmental Science NRC 564 Wildlife habitat management (fall, 4cr) NRC 565 Wildlife population dynamics & management (fall, 4cr) NRC 570 Fish ecology (fall odd yrs, 4cr) NRC 571 Fisheries science & management (spr odd yrs, 4cr) NRC 581 Wetlands Assessment (spr odd yrs, 3cr) NRC 590AE Aquatic ecology (fall even yrs, 4 cr) NRC 590 Global change ecology (fall odd yrs, 3cr) NRC 590 Invasion ecology (fall even yrs, 3 cr) NRC 590 Restoration ecology (spring, 3cr) ECO 621 Landscape ecology (spr even yrs, 4cr) ECO 622 Conservation biology (spr odd yrs, 3cr) ECO 624 Diadromous fisheries ecology & conservation (fall, 3cr) ECO 697 Recreational fisheries science and management (fall odd yrs, 2cr) ECO 697 Urban wildlife ecology and management (spr even yrs, 4cr) ECO 757 Advanced fisheries management (spr odd yrs, 3cr) ECO 758 Advanced wildlife conservation (fall even yrs, 3 cr) ECO 768 Wetland ecology & conserv. (fall even yrs, 3cr) ECO 777 Advanced systems ecology (spr odd yrs, 3cr) b. Quantitative Science NRC 577 Ecosystem modeling & simulation (fall even yrs, 3cr) NRC 585 Introduction to GIS (both, 4cr) NRC 587 Digital remote sensing (spr even yrs, 3cr) NRC 597 WebGIS (spr, 3 cr) ECO 632 Multivariate statistics for environmental cons. (spr odd yrs, 4cr) ECO 634 Analysis of environmental data - lab (fall, 2cr) ECO 697 Advanced topics in GIS (fall even yrs, 3cr) ECO 697 Applied biostatistics (spr, 4cr) ECO 697 Advanced statistics for env conservation (fall even yrs, 4cr) GEOG 668 GIS and Spatial Analysis (spr, 3 cr) PLSOIL 661 Intermediate biometry (fall, 3 cr) c. Human Dimensions NRC 576 Water resources management & policy (fall, 3 cr) NRC 579 Cree culture, natural resources and sustainability (spr, 3 cr) NRC 590 Adapt. to climate change: theories, policy ... (spr even yrs, 3cr) ECO 690 Environmental conflict & collaborative policy (spr even yrs, 3cr) ECO 690 Public engagement and communication (spr even, 3cr) ECO 697 Federal environmental law & regulation (fall, 3 cr) ECO 697SV Design, Implementation, Analysis of Surveys of People (spr 3cr) REGIONPL 553 Resource policy & planning (spr even yrs, 3 cr) REGIONPL 575 Environmental law & resource management (spr, 3 cr) RES-ECON 720 Environmental & resource economics (fall even yrs, 3 cr) RES-ECON 721 Advanced natural resource economics (fall, 3 cr) GEO-SCI 666 Water resource policy (spr, 4 cr) POLSCI 784 Environmental policy (tbd, 3 cr) The MS Professional Degree Prerequisites. Candidates for an MS professional degree in this concentration will be admitted on the basis of their academic training, work experience, and letters of recommendation. At a minimum, candidates will be expected to possess a Bachelor’s degree in: a natural resources field or environmental sciences; or the biological sciences with an emphasis in ecology; or any field with strong background in mathematics and the biological and physical sciences, and professional experience working as a natural resources professional. Note, prerequisites exist for many of the required courses. Students are expected to have satisfied these prerequisites prior to commencing the program. Requirements Students in this concentration are expected to meet all the requirements for a MS degree in ECo, as outlined in the student handbook, including the following: Complete one semester of ECO 691A Current research in env. conservation seminar (1cr) A minimum of 30 credits is required, 29 of which must be in the major (defined broadly), 12 of which must be at the 600 level or above; up to 6 graduate credits can be transferred from previous course work from UMass or another university; Successful completion of a comprehensive exam based upon the student’s academic training in environmental conservation, encompassing three “core” topic areas (environmental science, quantitative science, and human dimensions) in addition to the required ECo core courses; and Successful final exam conducted by the committee. The MS Thesis Degree Prerequisites . Candidates for an MS thesis degree in this concentration will be admitted on the basis of their academic training, work experience, and letters of recommendation. At a minimum, candidates will be expected to possess a Bachelor’s degree in: MS thesis degree students in this concentration are expected to meet all of the requirements for an MS degree in ECo, as outlined in the student handbook, including the following: Core courses (see above): 7 credits. Core topic area courses: 17 credits in the major field (defined broadly), 8 of which must be at the 600 level or above, including a minimum of one 500-level or above 3- 4 credit course in each core topic area (see above). Note, students may take courses other than those listed above to fulfill the core topic area requirements, such as special topics courses that are offered irregularly, if they are approved by the students advisory committee. Note, up to 6 graduate credits can be transferred from previous course work from UMass or another university to fulfill these requirements. Thesis: 6 credits. All students in the MS thesis degree option are required to complete a thesis based on independent research as approved by the student's advisory committee. Successful completion of a comprehensive exam based upon the student’s academic training in environmental conservation, encompassing three “core” topic areas (core science, quantitative science, and human dimensions) in addition to the required ECo core courses. Successful final defense of the thesis. A minimum of one publishable-quality scientific paper resulting from the thesis research project. The PhD Degree Candidates for a PhD degree in this concentration will be admitted on the basis of their academic training, work experience, and letters of recommendation as evaluated by the faculty sponsor. At a minimum, candidates will be expected to possess: a Bachelor’s degree in: a natural resources field or environmental sciences; or  mathematics, statistics, or policy with some coursework in biological and physical sciences, or experience working as a natural resource professional. *Note, students wishing to pursue a PhD with only a BS degree can choose to obtain a MS degree on the way to completion of Ph.D. degree requirements. MS is not a requirement. Students in this concentration are expected to meet all of the requirements for a PhD degree in ECo, as outlined in the student handbook, including the following: A minimum of 10 dissertation credits is required, based on a research project specific to this concentration and approved by the student's advisory committee; no other course credits are required other than those determined by the student’s advisory committee. Complete two consecutive, full time semester residency Successful completion of a comprehensive exam based on the three “core” topic areas (environmental science, quantitative science, and human dimensions). Successful final defense of the dissertation. A minimum of three publication-quality dissertation chapters. Resources & Facilities Two University forests (totaling 2,000 acres), the 800-acre Swift River Wildlife Management Area of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the 81,000-acre Quabbin Reservation of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation offer unique field study areas close to campus. The University of Massachusetts also maintains the Nantucket Field Station and the Marine Station at Gloucester. The Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center in Turners Falls offers excellent, modern facilities for both lab and field study of migratory fish behavior, ecology and physiology. Cooperation with the National Marine Fisheries Service allows graduate students to participate in research cruises in the Northwest Atlantic, as well as use facilities at the NMFS Woods Hole Laboratory. As members of the Five College School of Marine Science Program, students have access to research laboratories at Woods Hole and Waquoit Bay on Cape Cod. Further, concentration faculty conduct research in a variety of sites outside Massachusetts, including overseas. Matriculation & Financial Aid This program typically takes a full-time MS professional degree student 2-4 semesters to complete, a full-time MS thesis degree student 3-5 semesters to complete, and a full-time PhD student 8-10 semesters to complete, including the completion of a practicum/thesis/dissertation. However, some students may be able to complete the degree in less time and some take longer depending on their academic preparedness and the dictates of the practicum or thesis/dissertation research project. Funding opportunities are limited, yet financial assistance is provided to our MS thesis and PhD students through teaching or research assistantships (at Graduate Employee Organization bargained wage rates), University fellowships, or hourly wages. Tuition is waived during semesters in which at least a 10-hour assistantship or fellowship is awarded, but the student is responsible for most fees. Research assistantships are available through faculty members who have grant-supported research, and many faculty only accept students if they are able to provide grant-supported assistantships. Limited University and Departmental fellowships are awarded by the Graduate School or ECo Graduate Program in open competition. Funding opportunities are more limited for students in the MS professional degree option. Some teaching assistantships and University fellowships may be available, or internship institutions may be able to provide some assistance, but most professional degree students are self-funded. Again, tuition is waived during semesters in which at least a 10-hour assistantship or fellowship is awarded (or the equivalent from an internship employer), but the student is responsible for most fees. Concentration Coordinator & Faculty Affiliates The following on-campus faculty (both regular and adjuncts) and professional staff, including the Graduate Concentration Coordinator, are principally affiliated with this concentration and regularly serve in the role of the student’s advisory committee chair or member and instructor for core courses; other faculty and staff are occasionally involved in this concentration. See Departmental website for information about the faculty and staff ( http://eco.umass.edu/index.php/people/ ). Graduate Concentration Coordinator: Timothy Randhir Dept. of Environmental Conservation 160 Holdsworth Way Amherst, MA 01003-4210 Tel: 413-545-3969 Email: [email protected] Principal Faculty Affiliates: Ann Averill ([email protected]) Bethany Bradley ([email protected]) Brett Butler ([email protected]) Brian Cheng ([email protected]) Andy Danylchuk ([email protected]) Stephen DeStefano ([email protected]) Joe Elkinton ([email protected]) John Finn ([email protected]) Todd Fuller ([email protected]) Evan Grant ([email protected]) Curt Griffin ([email protected]) Alexander Haro ([email protected]) Scott Jackson ([email protected]) Adrian Jordaan ([email protected]) Katherine Kahl ([email protected]) David King ([email protected]) Lisa Komoroske ([email protected]) Boyd Kynard ([email protected]) Susannah Lerman ([email protected]) Ben Letcher ([email protected]) Steven McCormick ([email protected]) Kevin McGarigal ([email protected]) Toni Lyn Morelli  ([email protected]) Keith Nislow ([email protected]) Timothy Randhir ([email protected]) Allison Roy ([email protected]) Ahmed A. H. Siddig ([email protected]) Paul Sievert ([email protected]) Michelle Staudinger ([email protected]) Roy Van Driesche ([email protected]) Paige Warren ([email protected]) University of Massachusetts 160 Holdsworth Way Amherst, MA 01003-9285 Map 1 (413) 545-2665 Marine Biology College of the Environment University of Washington Marine research during a summer at FHL By lauren grady, uw marine biology ’25. This summer, I have had the opportunity to participate in FHL 468B: Marine Conservation Ecology (MCE) at Friday Harbor Laboratories . MCE is a research and fieldwork-based class that focuses on invertebrate biodiversity, avian biology, and the interplay between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The first two weeks of the class were spent waking up bright and early to explore various places around San Juan Island. Trekking through (and sometimes getting stuck in) the mud in search of ghost shrimp and lugworms in False Bay, digging for gaper clams at Argyle Lagoon, traversing the barnacle-ridden rocks of Cattle Point for sea slugs, flipping tires along the FHL floating docks, outside lectures along the Fire Trail on campus, and so much more. One of the highlights of our time thus far has been going out on the Kittiwake – FHL’s main research vessel – to do a bottom trawl. During the trawl, we found a plethora of spot prawns, sea urchins, rat fish, rose stars, sun stars, sponges, barnacles, and flatfish, among many other curious creatures. Now that we have finished our first few weeks of field trips, invertebrate and avian diversity lectures, and two practicals, we are gearing up for the final two weeks of research projects. For my project, I intend to compare the predation rate and dietary preferences of the ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) and the leather sea star (Dermasterias imbricata) and use my findings to explain potential changes in intertidal community structure and top-down control. I also hope to explore any negative interactions between ochre and leather stars and what that means in terms of predation success. Despite only having been at FHL since June 10, the amount of information I have learned in MCE is vast. Being able to practice identification out in the field and explore so many beautiful places has been such a privilege, and I look forward to finishing and presenting my research project in the remaining two weeks of the course! 261 COMMENTS Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Ecology < University of Miami 70. 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 ... Marine Biology (MB) Information for the Marine Biology PhD program and Master's degree programs. The program offers two tracks, Marine Biology and Marine Chemical Biology: Marine Biology (MB) is the study of marine organisms and their relationship with the physical and chemical dynamics of the marine environment. Faculty expertise encompasses several major areas ... Marine Biology (Ph.D.) 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 s - Program of Study, Graduate, Doctor of Philosophy Marine Biology and Ecology| University of Miami Rosenstiel School of E nhancing our understanding of marine systems requires research, the education of undergraduates and training of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. W e strive to provide our students with the tools, training and opportunities to pursue cross-disciplinary research and develop integrative thinking that will impact our understanding of ... Ph.D. in Marine Science and Conservation 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. Marine Biology PhD Projects PhD in Marine Biology funding options . The research council responsible for funding Marine Biology PhDs in the UK is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). They provide fully-funded studentships including a stipend for living costs, a consumables budget for bench fees and a tuition fee waiver. Marine Biology and Ecology The Marine Biology and Ecology academic program focuses on a wide range of field, laboratory, and theoretical coursework in a range of research areas, such as coral reef studies, biological oceanography, and marine biology, fisheries biology, and the biology and behavior of marine animals. MBE faculty, students, and their many international ... Doctoral Programs 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. ... Marine Biology; The interdisciplinary nature of research in marine and earth sciences is emphasized; students are ... Integrative, Comparative & Marine Biology, Ph.D. 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. Learn more Marine and Environmental Sciences Northeastern's PhD program in Marine and Environmental Sciences trains high-caliber and independent scientists whose research addresses fundamental and applied marine and environmental science questions at local, regional, national, and global scales. Our students will apply their research to address issues of relevance to society and the ... Marine Biology and Oceanography Graduate Programs About This List. Explore marine biology and oceanography graduate programs and graduate schools offering marine biology and oceanography degrees. Compare graduate marine biology and oceanography programs with government statistics and graduate student reviews. Find the best marine biology and oceanography graduate schools for you. Marine Biology (Ph.D.) 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 ... Marine and Environmental Sciences, PhD The PhD in Marine and Environmental Sciences (MES) program provides students with advanced course work and training in the concentration areas of marine sciences, geosciences, sustainability sciences, and ecology and evolutionary biology. Substitutions may be made with approval of graduate committee. Substitutions may be made with approval of ... Marine Biology Degree Programs In The U.S. (by State) ~ MarineBio Marine Biology Degree Programs In The U.S. (by State) ~ MarineBio Conservation Society. 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. Marine Biology, MS, PhD Marine Biology is an exciting area of graduate study at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The Marine Biology Program is designed for students with an interest in one or several sub-disciplines of marine biology who wish to pursue careers in higher education, government, or private industry. To see the full degree plan, visit the course catalog. 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 ... Doctor of Philosophy Degree Foundation Building. To ensure that students have the fundamentals of the disciplines of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, students are required to take EEMB 508 and EEMB 509 in the fall and winter of their first year. UCSB is a highly interdisciplinary campus, and students are encouraged to take advantage of graduate level courses and seminars in EEMB and in other departments to further ... Marine Biology, M.S. & Ph.D. Marine Biology, M.S. & Ph.D. The Marine Biology graduate program provides training in the marine biological sciences and draws on the expertise from faculty members in multiple marine and coastal-related fields at TAMUG and TAMU. Spotlight Link 1 MARB Degree; Spotlight Link 2 MARB Degree Plans; Spotlight Link 3 Career Opportunities Graduate Study in Marine Biology The Marine Biology program offers excellent opportunities to pursue graduate research in areas such as the evolution, development, and sensory biology of marine organisms, microbiology, ichthyology, and marine conservation science. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the research interests of our faculty and then directly contact ... Program: Marine Biology The program provides students with a broad background and overview of the fields comprising marine biology and makes use of the diverse interests of the marine biology faculty within the department. As is generally the case, the Ph.D. program is primarily a research degree. As such, it is intended to serve students with interests in conducting ... Marine Science in United States: 2024 PhD's Guide Studying Marine Science in United States is a great choice, as there are 18 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal. Over 957,000 international students choose United States for their studies, which suggests you'll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world. PhD in Oceanography/Marine Biology A Master's degree in Biological Oceanography, Biology, Marine Biology, or related science is preferred. Acceptance into the program is effectively provisional for all. The accepted student is a "pre-candidate" until later defense of a research proposal and successful passing of comprehensive exams. Master of Science in Marine Biology 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. Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology Environmental Conservation Graduate Program—Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology Concentration This concentration leads to both Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Environmental Conservation (ECo) and is designed for students who want scientific training in the multi-disciplinary field of wildlife, fish and conservation biology. Marine research during a summer at FHL Holding a sea urchin during the Week 2 trawling field trip out on the Kittiwake. This summer, I have had the opportunity to participate in FHL 468B: Marine Conservation Ecology (MCE) at Friday Harbor Laboratories. MCE is a research and fieldwork-based class that focuses on invertebrate biodiversity, avian biology, and the interplay between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis