Oceanography, M.S.

The master of science degree in oceanography can be earned in one of five areas of specialization: biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography, or coastal zone management. All specializations require the core course curriculum described below with the addition of suggested electives for respective specializations, or other courses as recommended by the student’s advisor. The specialization will be reflected in the collection of successfully completed courses listed in the transcript. The successful student is well prepared for a challenging professional career or for continuing with graduate studies.

Admission Requirements

General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented under Graduate Academic Information .

Students may be admitted during any semester, with rolling admissions allowing consideration for subsequent semesters. Students with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation (up to 12 credit hours) may take deficiencies and courses for graduate credit concurrently.

Letters of recommendation, a résumé, GRE General Test scores and a statement of objectives are required. Although not required for admission, an on-campus interview is recommended.

It is preferred that applicants have an undergraduate major in one of the physical or life sciences with a background that includes computer science, mathematics through calculus and at least one year each of college biology, chemistry and physics. The biological background should include invertebrate zoology. ln special circumstances, applicants may be admitted from other discipline backgrounds, but deficiency courses in chemistry, mathematics, biology or other topics may be required by the graduate advisor. 

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in oceanography requires the successful completion of 30 credit hours, including formal coursework, presentation of a graduate thesis seminar, and preparation and oral defense of a thesis. The thesis involves the completion of original research of publishable quality. The coursework shall include both required and specialization credits based on an approved program plan developed in conjunction with the faculty advisor. Included in the total are 12 credits of core courses or their equivalents, plus 18 credits of specialization and/or elective courses which, for the thesis option, includes six credit hours of thesis research under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. Equivalent coursework may be substituted for required core courses as recommended by the student’s advisor, approved by the program chair, and indicated on the program plan. Students are required to attend the graduate seminar. Suggested electives for each potential specialization are listed below. Thesis or internship registration must be continuous from the initial registration until graduation. A nonthesis track is an option at the discretion of the advisor. The nonthesis track requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of coursework and a final program examination. The final program examination for the nonthesis track is comprised of both written and oral components.