masters vs phd in marine biology

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.

Marine Biology Graduate Program

Creating future leaders in marine science, phd students.

This page and the academic progress flow chart may not apply to all MBIO students. Current students are asked to refere to co-hort relevant resources on the MBIO intranet.

Academic Progress Flow Chart

- Interim Committee Meeting - MBIO 603*

- Annual Progress Report due Sept. 1 - Finalize 5-member PhD Committee and submit roster to MBGP - Write Proposal

- Hold Committee Meeting and submit report to MBGP - Continue to write/revise proposal

- Submit Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1 - By end of this semester, set date for your Comprehensive Exam (must be taken before end of 6th semester, i.e., spring) - Committee Meeting: Usually to discuss dissertation proposal - Make a public presentation sometime this academic year

- Take and Pass Comp Exam - Proposal Approved by Committee - File Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy

- Submit Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1 to MBGP and committee - Enroll in MBIO 800 - Hold Committee Meeting and report results to MBGP - Write Dissertation - Make a public presentation of your research this academic year

- Enroll in MBIO 800 - File an Application for Degree with Graduate Division - Submit Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1 to MBGP and committee - Make a public presentation sometime this academic year - Committee Meeting - Set the date of your defense in collaboration with committee and MBGP (must be announced on the University calendar) - Defend your dissertation through public presentation announced to all MBGP faculty and students - File Form 3 - Dissertation Evaluation - Finalize Dissertation - File Form 4 - Dissertation Submission - Upload dissertation - Submit Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) certificate - Complete MBGPʻs Exit Survey (and optional exit interview) - Graduate!

Program Requirements

These are required of all PhD students who are admitted into the Program.

• Complete Form 1 (Pre-Candidacy Progress) By the end of the first week of classes, students should meet with their interim committee and discuss the student's preparation and path forward. (Fall 2021 cohort members: The Program completed Form 1 on your behalf)
• * MBIO 603 and MBIO 604 All students entering the program are required to enroll in and successfully complete the MBIO 603 and 604 courses in their first year of study. (Fall 2021 cohort members took a combined 603-604 as part of the August course; they do not need to take 603 and 604 separately)
• Other required courses: Students who enter the PhD program without a completed life-science masters will have to take certain Content courses and a Statistics course.
• Teaching Experience: Teaching experience is required of all PhD students and usually takes the form of a TAship of at least one semester.
• Exit Interview: All students are required to submit a written exit survey with the option to meet with the Directors. Request the link to the survey from the Program Coordinator during their semester of graduation.

Important Deadlines

PhD students should adhere to these dates & deadlines to ensure successful progress.

• Form Dissertation Committee The 5-member roster must be repoerted to MBGP by the end of the 3rd semester. At least 3 members must be MBGP graduate faculty (2 must be Regular/Cooperating MBGP graduate faculty, and the third may be Regular, Cooperating, or Affiliate Graduate Faculty).
• Oral Comprehensive Exam: Your exam must be SCHEDULED by the end of the 5th semester and shared with the Program Coordinator. The exam must be taken and passed by the end of the 6th semester.
• Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy Upon passing your exam and having your dissertation topic approved, submit a completed and signed Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy. This is required to register for MBIO 800 and advance to candidacy.
• Register for MBIO 800 All PhD students MUST register for at least one credit of Dissertation 800 during the final semester of their graduate study.
• Form 3 - Dissertation Evaluation Students must successfully defend their dissertation in an oral defense open to the public and announced to all MBGP faculty and students, and have this online form approved by their committee, the co-Directors, and Graduate Division.
• Submit the SED Certificate of Completion Complete the form online when you have submitted your dissertation.
• Form 4 - Dissertation Submission A final, approved version of your dissertation must be uploaded to ETD Proquest and this online form completed

Annual Requirements

All students must meet the following requirements each year.

• Annual Progress Report Progress reports are due every year by September 1. Email your report and CV to your committee.
• Committee Meeting and Report Students must meet with their committee at least once every year. Submit a signed summary report of your meeting to the program coordinator as soon as possible after each meeting (but no later than May 15).
• Graduate Seminar: Starting with the Fall 2020 cohort, at least one seminar must be taken every academic year.
• Continuous Enrollment: Students must be continuously enrolled in at least 1 credit per semester (excluding summer). International students must be enrolled full-time in order to maintain visa status. GAs require at least 6 credits during each semester that the award is effective. Some financial aid awards require a minimum of 8 credits per semester of award.
• Research Presentation: After the 4th semester, all students are required to make an annual public presentation on their thesis or dissertation research.

Additional Links

MBGP Resources

• MBGP Student Handbook 17-19 Student Handbook for student cohorts entering in Fall 2017-Fall 2019.
• MBGP Student Handbook 20-22 Student Handbook for student cohorts entering in Fall 2020 and after
• MBGP Catalog

UH Manoa Resources

• International Students
• Graduate Student Enrollment Requirements
• Info for Graduate Assistants
• Academic Calendar
• Class Schedule
• STAR Student Login
• MyUH Portal
• MBGP Intranet

Graduate Division

• Admission to Graduate School
• Current MBGP Graduate Students
• Important Forms

More Resources

• College of Natural Sciences (CNS)
• School of Life Sciences (SoLS)
• School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST)
• Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB)
• University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

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.

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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.

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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.

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By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving 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
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What They Do

• Engineering
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What They're Skilled At

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Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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

Admission Requirements

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

Curriculum Requirements

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

Minimum of 18 course credits and 12 dissertation credits.

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

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

Sample Plan of Study

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

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

Student Learning Outcomes

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

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• Biological Sciences (BIOL)

Marine Biology (Ph.D.)

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

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

Ph.D. Degree Requirements

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

Number of Credits Required

There is no specific credit requirement for the Ph.D., though students must take required core courses and meet competency requirements. The Biological Sciences Program specifies 2 credits’ worth of required coursework ( BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar ); most students use 6 more credits to satisfy the competency requirement in experimental design/analysis ( BIOL 811 Experimental Design & Analysis or ANFS 933 Design, Analysis, and Interpretation of Experiments , 4 credits) and recommended coursework in writing/communication ( BIOL 902 Writing and Publishing Science or BIOL 950 Scientific Communication , 2 credits). Other graduate coursework approved by the student’s committee can substitute for any of these courses except BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar .

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

Required Courses, Competencies, and Electives

All students in the Biological Sciences Graduate Program are required to take Introductory Graduate Seminar ( BIOL 901 ) and fulfill all applicable competency requirements (these may vary by option). Those with teaching assistantships (TAs) must enroll in College Teaching ( LSA 900 ) before or concurrent with their first teaching assignment.

• Core Course. Introductory Graduate Seminar ( BIOL 901 ). This first-­semester course focuses on key information and skills for a successful transition into the graduate program, familiarizing students with program requirements and faculty and providing an opportunity to meet others in their cohort.
• Competency in experimental design and analysis. This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course. Two advanced courses in experimental design and analysis are offered, normally in alternate years. The first is Applied Biostatistics II ( BIOL 811 ), and the second is Design, Analysis and Interpretation of Experiments ( ANFS 933 ). Either course, or an equivalent approved by the student’s advisor and committee (e.g. NR 909 Analysis of Ecological Communities and Complex Data ), can be used to fulfill this competency requirement.

Electives. Students will work with their advisor and committee to identify additional courses appropriate for their area of specialization and their career objectives. Recommendations often include coursework in professional writing and communication: Scientific Writing ( BIOL 902 ) is taught fall semester, and open to students at any stage of the program. Scientific Communication ( BIOL 950 ) is usually taught in spring. A course in Grant Writing ( NR 905 ) is offered by the Department of Natural Resources.

Additional Information/Requirements

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

A summary degree requirements is available at https://colsa.unh.edu/biological-sciences/program/phd/biological-sciences-marine-biology , along with the program’s graduate handbook, which includes expectations, guidelines, and detailed policies.

• Students will demonstrate expertise in quantitative skills including (a) basic math and statistics; (b) spreadsheet software; (c) graphical presentation of quantitative data.
• Students will demonstrate writing skills that enable them to prepare a scientific research paper in standard format for their field.
• Students will demonstrate competency in experimental design, including the ability to articulate a testable hypothesis and design an appropriate experiment to test it.
• Students will demonstrate communication skills including the ability to clearly explain scientific information to both professional and general audiences.
• Students will demonstrate broad understanding of fundamental areas of biology, especially areas relevant to their research project.

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Marine Biology and Oceanography Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 34 results

Nicholas School of the Environment

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.86 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: Thus far, my academic experience has been great. I have had access to academic advising sessions and have been able to successfully enroll in my desired classes. An area of improvement would be the required diagnostic exams in calculus and statistics, which cannot be waived even with the successful completion of the undergraduate coursework. ... Read 7 reviews

Duke University ,

Graduate School ,

DURHAM, NC ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Thus far, my academic experience has been great. I have had access to academic advising sessions and have been able to successfully enroll in my desired classes. An area of improvement would be the... .

Read 7 reviews.

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Northeastern University College of Science

Boston, MA •

Northeastern University •

Northeastern University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

School of Marine Sciences - William & Mary

Gloucester Point, VA •

William & Mary •

Blue checkmark.

William & Mary ,

GLOUCESTER POINT, VA ,

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Athens, GA •

University of Georgia •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Current Doctoral student: Overall it is a pretty good program at a school that is really becoming an academic powerhouse. Being at the flagship school of the state helps with certain benefits and great networking opportunities. ... Read 1 review

University of Georgia ,

ATHENS, GA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says Overall it is a pretty good program at a school that is really becoming an academic powerhouse. Being at the flagship school of the state helps with certain benefits and great networking... .

Read 1 reviews.

Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

Miami, FL •

University of Miami •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: I love RSMAS! The professors and students are wonderful and there are always opportunities to get into the field and learn! ... Read 5 reviews

University of Miami ,

MIAMI, FL ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I love RSMAS! The professors and students are wonderful and there are always opportunities to get into the field and learn! .

Read 5 reviews.

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College of Letters and Science - UC Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA •

University of California - Santa Barbara •

University of California - Santa Barbara ,

SANTA BARBARA, CA ,

College of Geosciences - Texas A&M University

College Station, TX •

Texas A&M University •

Texas A&M University ,

COLLEGE STATION, TX ,

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

La Jolla, CA •

University of California - San Diego •

University of California - San Diego ,

LA JOLLA, CA ,

College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment - University of Delaware

Newark, DE •

University of Delaware •

University of Delaware ,

NEWARK, DE ,

College of Arts and Sciences - University of San Diego

San Diego, CA •

University of San Diego •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: I have taken a tour of the College of Arts when I was actually supposed to take a tour of the Law School Program building. USD College of Arts and Sciences maintains creativity and a diversity of professors with different perspectives, while still maintaining a professional environment and give student the option to practice their Catholic faith on campus. Having mass where I attend school is such an important thing for me and played on the many factors that assisted me in decided to accept the graduate program offer from the University of San Diego. ... Read 2 reviews

University of San Diego ,

SAN DIEGO, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have taken a tour of the College of Arts when I was actually supposed to take a tour of the Law School Program building. USD College of Arts and Sciences maintains creativity and a diversity of... .

Read 2 reviews.

College of Arts and Sciences - The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL •

The University of Alabama •

The University of Alabama ,

TUSCALOOSA, AL ,

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College of Arts and Sciences - University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC •

University of South Carolina •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Current Master's student: My academic program has given me many opportunities to become a social worker post-graduation. The College of Social Work is great. ... Read 2 reviews

University of South Carolina ,

COLUMBIA, SC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says My academic program has given me many opportunities to become a social worker post-graduation. The College of Social Work is great. .

College of Engineering and Science - Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL •

Florida Institute of Technology •

Florida Institute of Technology ,

MELBOURNE, FL ,

College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences - University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD •

University of Maryland, Baltimore County •

University of Maryland, Baltimore County ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

Kennedy College of Sciences

Lowell, MA •

University of Massachusetts Lowell •

University of Massachusetts Lowell ,

LOWELL, MA ,

Halmos College of Arts & Sciences at Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL •

Nova Southeastern University •

Master's Student: So far it’s been great. My advisor has been very supportive and there are endless opportunities to volunteer or assist others in their ongoing projects. I’ve recently started my AAUS for scientific diving and am about to start my field work for my thesis research. ... Read 2 reviews

Nova Southeastern University ,

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far it’s been great. My advisor has been very supportive and there are endless opportunities to volunteer or assist others in their ongoing projects. I’ve recently started my AAUS for scientific... .

College of Charleston School of Sciences and Mathematics

Charleston, SC •

College of Charleston •

College of Charleston ,

CHARLESTON, SC ,

College of Arts and Sciences - University of North Carolina - Wilmington

Wilmington, NC •

University of North Carolina - Wilmington •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: As a transfer student from Cape Fear Community College, I received my Bachelor's of Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. My overall experience as a transfer student was very good. ... Read 3 reviews

University of North Carolina - Wilmington ,

WILMINGTON, NC ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says As a transfer student from Cape Fear Community College, I received my Bachelor's of Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. My overall experience as a transfer student was very good. .

Read 3 reviews.

Texas State University College of Science and Engineering

San Marcos, TX •

Texas State University •

Texas State University ,

SAN MARCOS, TX ,

College of Arts and Sciences - University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS •

University of Southern Mississippi •

Other: I am currently a faculty member. I serve as the director for the Army ROTC Department. I decided to enroll at the university of Southern Mississippi because of my relationship with the University. I am still active and serve both the University and the United States Army. I will being enrollment this semester to begin in the Summer of 2024. ... Read 1 review

University of Southern Mississippi ,

HATTIESBURG, MS ,

Featured Review: Other says I am currently a faculty member. I serve as the director for the Army ROTC Department. I decided to enroll at the university of Southern Mississippi because of my relationship with the University. I... .

College of Science and Mathematics - Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ •

Montclair State University •

Montclair State University ,

MONTCLAIR, NJ ,

Marine Science Research Institute - Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL •

Jacksonville University •

Jacksonville University ,

JACKSONVILLE, FL ,

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology - University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI •

University of Hawaii at Manoa •

University of Hawaii at Manoa ,

HONOLULU, HI ,

Graduate School of Oceanography - University of Rhode Island

Narragansett, RI •

University of Rhode Island •

University of Rhode Island ,

NARRAGANSETT, RI ,

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• MARB Degree
• MARB Degree Plans
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• 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.

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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 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).

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.

• Opportunities
• Support Oceans At MIT

Oceans at MIT

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• Undergraduate Opportunities at WHOI

MIT-WHOI Joint Program

• Graduate Study at MIT

PAOC Graduate Student, Holly Dail, talks about her work

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The Postdoc, the Elephant Seal and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

Alison Criscitiello: A Passion for Life on Ice

MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science & Engineering

Considered one of the top two marine science programs in the world, the MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Joint Program in Oceanography attracts students who believe that an improved understanding of the oceans—and the interactions of the oceans with the atmosphere, land, and human civilization—is essential to inform policies that will ensure a better quality of life for present and future generations.

Together, the two institutions have created one of the largest oceanographic facilities in the world, offering joint doctoral and professional degrees in oceanography and applied ocean science and engineering. Graduate study in oceanography encompasses virtually all the basic sciences as they apply to the marine environment: physics, chemistry, geochemistry, geology, geophysics, and biology. In partnership with EAPS, WHOI offers degrees in chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, and marine geology and geophysics.

The Joint Program’s world-class field research capabilities provide students with unparalleled opportunities to conduct their work at sea. WHOI supports one of the largest research fleets in the United States—a fleet that includes Atlantis , one of the nation’s newest research vessels, and  Alvin , a deep-sea submersible.

• Applied Ocean Science and Engineering
• Biological Oceanography
• Chemical Oceanography
• Marine Geology and Geophysics
• Physical Oceanography

Program Director: Prof. Ed Boyle, Director Degrees Offered: S.M., Sc. D., Ph.D.

• Graduate Admissions Information
• The MIT/WHOI Joint Program

Marine and Coastal Science—Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology

College of Biological Sciences

• Bachelor of Science

Do you want to explore science in an applied, hands-on way? Marine scientists apply scientific skills in the natural and physical sciences to protect ocean and coastal environments and solve modern, global problems. Our oceans account for more than 96 percent of the world’s water, and few of the world’s coastlines are beyond the influence of human pressures.  The marine ecology and organismal biology  emphasis concentrates on physiological adaptations to the marine environment and the biology of marine species from the molecular level to entire populations.

Major Requirements

Courses, fieldwork and research opportunities encourage students to think collaboratively and draw upon globally-recognized experts from a wide variety of disciplines as well as the resources of UC Davis' Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute and Bodega Marine Laboratory. Coursework in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and earth sciences lays the foundation for core curriculum in marine science. The marine ecology and organismal biology  emphasis provides mastery through coursework covering the ecological processes that determine the distribution and abundance of marine organisms as well as the patterns and mechanisms of evolution in the ocean. The major concludes with a capstone research course.

Contact Information

• Aquaculture Specialist
• Aquarium Operations Management
• Coastal Geologist
• Ecotoxicologist
• Environmental Chemist
• Fisheries Biologist
• Marine Biologist/Ecologist
• Ocean/Coastal Policy Coordinator
• Oceanographer
• Watershed Planner

Graduate Study

• Marine biology
• Environmental sciences
• International studies
• Marine biology and biological oceanography

Alumni Employers

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Antea Group
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
• UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography
• UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab

Related Degrees

Animal Science

Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity

Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology

Internship opportunities

Explore internships and jobs on campus and beyond.

Your course roadmap

Find the detailed course requirements for your program and map out your path to graduation.

The faculty you will work with

Our undergraduates work directly with our faculty through research projects and labs.

Global learning programs

Expand your horizons by studying abroad or pursuing global learning on campus.

Undergraduate research

Get hands on with your interests. Participate in one of our hundreds of research opportunities.

What can I do with my marine and coastal science major?

Learn how to connect your marine and coastal science major to career opportunities.

School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

• College of the Environment
• University of Washington

MS and PhD in Aquatic and Fisheries Science

Graduate degrees.

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) offers two graduate degrees with an optional additional credential in data sciences:

Master of Science in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (MS)

The following courses are required for all students in the SAFS graduate program.

• QSCI 482 , Statistical Inference in Applied Research, 5 credits
• FISH Current Topics aka “5-TEENS” (FISH 510-514), minimum of 2 courses/4 credits , Current Topics series, 2-5 credits
• FISH 521 , Research Proposal Writing, 4 credits
• FISH 522 , Hot Topics in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences 2 credits

SAFS M.S. students need a minimum of 45 credits to graduate, which will include a combination of courses, seminars, and thesis credits.

More information: https://fish.uw.edu/students/advising/forms-guidelines-handbooks/

UW Graduate School Degree Policies & Procedures: https://grad.uw.edu/policies-procedures/

Doctor of Philosophy in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (PhD)

SAFS PhD students need a minimum of 90 credits to graduate, which will include a combination of courses, seminars, and thesis credits.

Data Science Option in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences Data Science Option (SAFS DSO) curriculum at the Master’s (M.S.) and Doctorate (Ph. D.) levels is designed to provide the breadth and depth of knowledge needed for a successful career at the interface of applied aquatic sciences and data science. The primary learning outcome for the SAFS DSO is for students to have professional working proficiency – gained through coursework – in data management, data visualization, software engineering (data focused), and statistical modeling.

Students complete courses from three out of four of the following areas. Each area lists current courses offered within SAFS and other departments on the UW Seattle campus that will satisfy the requirement in that area.

A minimum of 11 credits is required as follows

• 9 credits from courses in 3 of 4 topic areas below
• 2 credits of eScience seminar – minimum 2 quarters, 1 credit each

The 11 total credits for the DSO may be counted toward the minimum of 45 credits required for the SAFS MS degree or the 90 credits for the SAFS PhD degree. The 11+ data science option credits are not explicit requirements of the standard SAFS MS or PhD program.

DATA SCIENCE TOPIC AREAS:

Software Development for Data Science

• FISH 549 (3cr) Introduction to Environmental Data Science ( FISH 497A, WIN2021 will also apply )
• CSE 583 (4cr) Software Development for Data Scientists
• CHEM E 546 (3cr) Software Engineering for Molecular Data Scientists
• AMATH 583 (5cr) High Performance Scientific Computing
• M E 574 (3cr) Introduction to Applied Parallel Computing for Engineers

Data Management and/or Data Visualization

• FISH 554 (2cr) Beautiful Graphics in R
• FISH 546 (3cr) Bioinformatics for Environmental Sciences
• CSE 412 (4cr) Introduction to Data Visualization
• CSE 414 (4cr) Introduction to Database Systems
• CSE 544 (4cr) Principles of Database Systems
• HCDE 411/511 (4cr) Information Visualization

Department-Specific Course Options Related to Data Science

• FISH 558 (5cr) Decision Analysis in Natural Resource Management
• FISH 559 (5cr) Numerical Computing for the Natural Resources
• FISH 576 (2-5cr) Applied Stock Assessment I
• FISH 577 (2-5cr) Applied Stock Assessment II
• GENOME 569 (1.5cr) Bioinformatics Workflows for High-Throughput Sequencing Experiment

Advanced Statistics and/or Statistical Modeling

• FISH 458 (5cr) Advanced Ecological Modeling
• FISH 556 (5cr) Spatio-temporal Models for Ecologists
• FISH 560 (4cr) Applied Multivariate Statistics for Ecologists
• QERM 514 (4cr) Analysis of Ecological and Environmental Data I
• FISH 550 (4cr) Applied Time Series Analysis
• FISH 551 (4cr) Data and Resource-limited Methods in Fisheries Management
• FISH 555 (4cr) Age-Structured Models in Fisheries Stock Assessment
• FISH 557 (4cr) Demographic Estimation & Modeling
• ATM S 552 (3cr) Objective Analysis
• AMATH 582 (5cr) Computational Methods for Data Analysis
• AMATH 563 (5cr) Inferring Structure of Complex Systems
• AMATH 515 (5cr) Optimization: Fundamentals and Applications
• CSE/STAT 416 (4cr) Introduction to Machine Learning
• STAT 435 (4cr) Introduction to Statistical Machine Learning
• CSE 546 (4cr) Machine Learning
• STAT 535 (3cr) Statistical Learning: Modeling, Prediction, and Computing
• M E/E E 578 (4cr) Convex Optimization
• M E 599 (1-5cr) Special Topics: Machine Learning Control
• CSE 599 (1-5cr) Special Topics: Deep Reinforcement Learning
• Genome 559 (3cr) Introduction to Statistical and Computational Genomics

Research-Focussed Program

Students often begin their research project in the first quarter. Required coursework is minimal to allow for a self-designed plan of study tailored to support the research project. Most MS students complete the program with at least one publication and most PhD students graduate with multiple publications. 

Faculty Adviser

Faculty review all applicants to the graduate program and offer admission to work in their lab. On occasion, an applicant might receive an offer of admission to two different labs and would therefore get to choose. Faculty track student progress and provide mentorship. The adviser assists the student in planning initial coursework and may aid the development of a research program. The faculty adviser usually becomes the chairperson of the student’s supervisory committee or may assist in finding another appropriate faculty member who can supervise the student’s research.

Our current admissions cycle is for an Autumn Quarter start, and we begin accepting applications each year on September 1. The application submission deadline is November 15 for both domestic and international applicants.

Applicants are encouraged to contact potential advisers in the Fall, and definitely no later than February. You can review the online faculty profiles to determine whether your research background, interests, and objectives fit with one (or more) of the SAFS faculty and contact them accordingly. You do not need to have a specific research project in mind when you apply. However, you should have a clear idea of the type of research that you’d like to pursue and which SAFS faculty members are best suited to supervise your prospective research.

Please learn more about the admission process.

View more information about the Graduate School’s admissions policies and procedures at UW Office of Graduate Admissions . Admission and enrollment statistics can be found at Graduate School Statistics and Reports .

Funding is a critical aspect of admission. All of our graduate students are funded through four possible avenues: 1. research or teaching assistantships, 2. employer support, 3. other forms of aid (e.g., governmental sponsorship) or 4. SAFS fellowships.  Please learn more about how graduate students are funded in our program.

Degree Options

We hold MS and PhD students to the same standards – both are valuable; therefore, we have a unique structure allowing students that do not already hold a masters to seamlessly expand their thesis to a PhD with committee support. If you do not already hold a master’s by the time you begin the program, we ask that you apply through the UW Graduate School’s MS application portal but note on your application your intent to complete a PhD. 

Marine Science & Conservation (MSC)

Program Overview

The PhD in Marine Science & Conservation (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.

• View faculty who mentor in the MSC program

Where You'll Study

The bulk of a student's time will be spent at the  Duke Marine Lab  in Beaufort, N.C. Doctoral students in Marine Science & Conservation typically spend one-two semesters taking graduate classes at Duke’s main campus before moving to the  Duke Marine Lab  to complete their research, although residence in Durham is not required. Some sources of funding are contingent upon having an advisor from the Marine Lab's resident faculty.

Requirements

The Division in Marine Science & Conservation at the Nicholas School of the Environment administers its own PhD program. All PhD students in the MSC program fulfill requirements in four areas: professional development, interdisciplinary seminar, theory and methods, and research seminars. The course work amounts to 8 graded and 2 non-graded units of study.

Course Requirements - For students who matriculated 2017 or earlier

Please note the requirements listed immediately below apply to students who matriculated 2017 or earlier. If you matriculated 2018 onwards, please expand the section below to view requirements.

Interdisciplinary

• ENV 886A Current Topics in Marine Conservation – Second year seminar (2 units, graded)

Social Science Choose (1):

• ENV 860SA Political Ecology (3 units, graded), or
• ENV 887A Policy Analysis of the Commons (3 units, graded)

Natural Science Choose (1):

• ENV 876A Data and Time Series Analysis (3 units, graded), or
• BIO/ENV 773LA Marine Ecology (3 units, graded)

Professional Development

• ENV 849A. Professional Development. Alternating topics, taken twice (1 unit, P/F)

Research Seminar

• Students in years 2-4 will present a 15-minute talk on the status of their research each year. Ungraded.

Other Requirements

In addition to MSC and other course work, MSC students are required to 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.

All students are required to serve as a TA at least once (i.e., one semester) during their PhD tenure as part of the MSC PhD training.

Students should discuss other course options and training needs with their advisor.

Course Requirements - For students who matriculated 2018 onwards

Please note the requirements below apply to students who matriculated 2018 onwards. If you matriculated 2017 or earlier, please refer to the section above for requirements.

• ENV 886 Current Topics in Marine Conservation – First year seminar (2 units, graded)

Choose (1):

• ENV 865A College Teaching & Course Design (2 units, graded), or
• ENV849A Proposal Preparation and Evaluation (2 units, graded)

FeATURES · 01 / 03

Using molecular techniques to study oyster reef communities.

Laura Givens, a PhD candidate in the Duke University Program in Marine Science and Conservation, uses cutting edge molecular techniques to study oyster reef communities at the Duke Marine Lab.

Watch Video

FeATURES · 02 / 03

Anjali boyd: elevating voices.

What motivates the next generation of environmental leaders? For doctoral student Anjali Boyd, it’s the drive to elevate the voices of youth, women and people of color in environmental decision making and bring broader perspectives to conservation.

FeATURES · 03 / 03

Finding the gaps in plastic pollution prevention.

Zoie Diana MEM'16 talks about returning to Duke to pursue a PhD, and her research on gaps in plastic pollution mitigation efforts across sectors such as biology, policy, law and industry.

Admissions Criteria

Applicants to the PhD in MSC will be assessed by faculty in the Division of Marine Science and Conservation. The faculty will evaluate application materials using the criteria listed below before providing recommendations to the Graduate School of Duke University. 

• Research and/or other relevant work experience, including publications
• Contribution to diversity and inclusion
• Intellectual fit
• Personal statement
• Recommendation letters
• Prior education (degrees and coursework)
• Prior academic performance
• Commitment to society

How to Apply

Before applying to the MSC Doctoral program it is  critical to identify one or a few professors  you would like to work with who can discuss program options and direct you to the appropriate program. No student will be admitted, no matter how good his or her credentials, unless a member of the faculty has the interest and ability to mentor (and in some cases fund) the student. For further information, contact Jim Hench , the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), Rachel Lo Piccolo , the assistant to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGSA), or  one of the professors who mentor in the MSC program .

Applications are entirely through  Duke’s Graduate School . The  Doctoral program application is available online .

See the  Duke Graduate School  and follow the links above for the specific PhD programs for details about admission and degree requirements.

For Current & Admitted Students

Please consult the  Graduate School website  for most information. We cannot recapitulate all of the information from the graduate school here; it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with this website, and consult it as needed. However, some key information is listed below. We (the DGS and DGSA) are happy to help clarify any questions that arise.

​Preliminary Exam/Thesis Process

The certification meeting.

The certification meeting is an in-person meeting of the student and the proposed thesis committee. It should typically occur in the second year of study. The purpose of the certification meeting is to officially form the thesis committee. This meeting must occur at least 30 days prior to the prelim. Please check the  Graduate School website  for the specific paperwork that you need to submit and requirements for thesis committee composition; in addition, please fill out a MSC specific certification meeting form have it signed, and turn it in to the DGSA. Additional paperwork is typically required ahead of time in order to include committee members who are not full Duke faculty.

The “prelim”

The preliminary exam is an examination that lasts up to (but no more than) 3 hours and is intended to test the students’ preparation to carry out dissertation research. It should occur at the end of the second year or beginning of the third year, and must occur by the end of the 3rd year, unless an exception is requested of and granted by the Graduate School. The format of the exam varies from research group to research group within MSC, but is generally an oral examination (and written for social science track students) that includes evaluation of the students’ general intellectual preparation (ie, broad knowledge of the field of study) as well as evaluation of a written PhD research proposal sent by the student to the committee at least two weeks prior to the prelim. The prelim is conducted by the PhD thesis committee, and all committee members must be present. Note that the rules governing this exam are set by the Graduate School. After passing this exam, students are officially “PhD candidates.” Please check the  Graduate School website  for the specific paperwork that you need to submit. Additional paperwork is required ahead of time in order to have remote participation. A short description of the prelim is  here .

Annual meetings

You should have a meeting with your thesis committee at least once per year after passing your prelim. If this does not occur, you and your advisor will need to explain why.

The defense and thesis

You are ready to defend! This should normally occur by the end of your 5th year. The defense includes a public presentation (normally no more than an hour including questions) and a closed examination, conducted by the PhD thesis committee. (note that the rules governing this exam are set by the Graduate School). Please check the  Graduate School website  for the specific paperwork that you need to submit.

PhD students are funded from various sources that likely will change during the course of their program. Funding sources include (and are not limited to): Research Assistantships funded by their mentor’s research funding, Teaching Assistantships, Students own research grants or fellowships or internal fellowships. 

When students’ or mentors’ research or fellowship is partial and must be supplemented by NSOE, additional TA service may be required. Students in good standing and making good academic progress will have access to 5 years of funding from Duke from the date of matriculation, even if you and your advisor are unable to obtain other forms of funding (grants, fellowships, etc). However, note that obtaining outside funding during the 5 years does not extend the 5-year timeline.

Please note that additional  funding is available from The Graduate School at Duke , as are other forms of support such as  child care subsidies . Applying for grant is a very useful experience, and if you get one, it will be good for both you and your mentor!

Annual evaluations

Per Graduate School rules, you must fill out an annual self-evaluation at the end of the academic year. We will contact you to request this form.

Travel and conference funding

A once-a-year conference travel award is available for five years to enrolled MSC PhD students ($500 annually; contact the DGSA for details). Additionally, for students who have passed their preliminary exams, additional Graduate School travel and conference funding is available. In both cases you must apply ahead of time for the funding.

Committee travel funding

Due to our remote location of Beaufort, N.C., $750 is allotted for committee member travel for each student’s preliminary and defense exams.

'PhDeep': Demystifying PhD Life at Duke

In the PhDeep series of the Seas the Day podcast , we hope to inform and inspire audiences as we talk to doctoral students about their experiences raising families, doing community outreach, and missing home while pursuing one of the highest achievement of their lives.

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