Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography

Our M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs in Oceanography offer a unique opportunity to apply an interdisciplinary approach to the physics, chemistry, geology, and biology of marine systems on regional and global scales. Our department includes 22 faculty supervising 43 graduate students (28 Ph.D. and 15 M.S.). The department is dedicated to the success of its graduate students, enrolled students are provided financial support through research or teaching assistantships, both of which include a tuition waiver and option of medical benefits.

Applicants are expected to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field, or a bachelor's degree and a background including at least one year of college-level physics, biology, and chemistry as well as math through calculus, with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the combined science courses. Admission is very competitive and successful applicants to Marine Sciences typically have GPAs considerably higher than the minimum, usually greater than 3.5 in the last four academic semesters. Students are accepted to the program based on merit and available funding. Applicants who are not a native speakers of English are required to submit evidence of proficiency in the English language.

Personal statement of purpose – (2 pages, single spaced) – Your personal statement of purpose is an important component of your application: it is an opportunity for you to clearly explain why you are pursuing an advanced degree, how you've prepared for graduate-level education, and how UConn's Oceanography Graduate Program will support achieving your career goals. The objective is to provide as complete a picture of you as an individual as possible, including and highlighting information that goes beyond your transcripts or CV. Details of your learning experiences are much more valuable than vague generalizations. The admissions committee and potential faculty advisor(s) will review your essay to evaluate your academic writing skills, preparedness to conduct graduate-level research, and overall potential for success in our program. In your statement, be sure to:

identify your research interests and describe how they align with those of potential faculty advisor(s),
describe relevant professional training or research experience(s) and how they have prepared or motivated you to pursue a graduate degree (examples include undergraduate research projects, academic awards/honors/scholarships, internships, publications, or conference presentations).
explain how completing UConn's graduate program in Oceanography will help you achieve your career goals.
Three letters of recommendation – recommenders should be selected carefully. When possible, have at least one letter from someone who has seen you work in a field or laboratory research atmosphere (e.g., an advisor for an undergraduate research project). Individuals providing a letter of reference should provide candid evaluations of your scientific aptitude, training, motivation, teaching talent, and ability to express yourself orally and in technical writing.

A cumulative GPA for their most recent degree of 3.0 or higher for the entire degree
Minimum overall scores of 79 (Internet-based test – iBT/ iBT Home Edition), 550 (Old Paper-based test – PBT) or 22/30 on each of the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections (''New'' Paper-based test- PBT) or higher on the TOEFL test. (TOEFL Essentials is not accepted.)
Personal Statement
A minimum overall score of 6.5 or higher on the IELTS Academic Test
A minimum overall score of 53 or higher on the PTE Test.