PhD Ocean Futures at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in ocean futures offers advanced doctoral training focused on comprehensively understanding intricate processes that govern the planet's global ocean, including threats to ecosystems and the human populations it supports. You have the opportunity to learn from and work with leading scientists and conduct use-inspired research that works toward culturally appropriate solutions for local to global stewardship for the future ocean.

What you will study

84 credit hours, an oral comprehensive exam, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (6 credit hours) SEA 501 Exploring Ocean Futures (3) SEA 585 Graduate Ocean Futures Workshop (3) Electives (54 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) SEA 792 Research (12) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) SEA 799 Dissertation (12) Additional Curriculum Information Students complete 54 credit hours of electives, nine of which are 500- and 600-level SEA courses and three of which are quantitative and modeling coursework.

Career pathways

With the increasing recognition that global oceans and coastal communities play a critical role in protecting future human and planetary well-being, graduates of the program find employment in universities, industry, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations that require a marine science background and relevant research experience.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biological sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental studies, geography, marine science, natural resource management, oceanography, sustainability, urban planning, geography or a related discipline or related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 credit hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts personal statement professional resume three letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Admission Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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