Doctor of Philosophy in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences

The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students to independently identify and attack oceanographic and atmospheric problems. It builds on a series of core required courses (taken by both PhD and M.S. students), and allows students to create their own course of advanced study, helping them to become effective, independent problem solvers. The Ph.D. in Marine and Atmospheric Sciences prepares students to compete effectively for academic positions, direct research programs at government or private laboratories, and direct research and assessment programs at non-governmental organizations. A M.S. degree is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program. Most students take 5 to 6 years to complete their Ph.D.

A. Completion of a B.A. or B.S. with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B),

B. Acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test,

C. Acceptable scores on the TOEFL (paper: 600, computer: 230, iBT: 90) or IELTS (6.5) for foreign students,

E. Three letters of recommendation,

F. Official transcript(s),

All applications should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School.

For admission to the M.A. program, students must have completed at least 4 semester college courses in math or science, including at least one course in biology.

There are two tracks in the M.S. and Ph.D. programsone in Marine Sciences and one in Atmospheric Sciences. Students should indicate which track they wish to pursue on their applications.

For admission to either the M.S. or Ph.D. graduate programs in Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, the following are normally required:

A. B.A. or B.S. degree in atmospheric sciences, biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics, or other suitable science discipline, the course work equivalent to obtain such a degree,

B. Two semesters of coursework in mathematics through calculus, physics, and chemistry, and as appropriate to specialization area, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, or math, with advanced work in at least one of these disciplines,

In their personal statements, all students should state why they wish to enter the specific SoMAS graduate program and what career they hope to embark upon. In addition, M.S. and Ph.D. students should provide an indication of both the specific research areas they would like to address and potential faculty advisors. Obtaining a position in specific research laboratories is very competitive, so applicants are encouraged to contact potential advisors prior to submitting their application. An applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 point scale.