PhD Marine Science at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Deepen your knowledge base of marine science in a research-intensive program that prepares you to lead scientific inquiry in a university, government or corporate research setting. Join a department well-grounded in research. Ph.D.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment | Duration: 12 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Ph.D. candidates design and execute a research project to make novel contributions to their field. They take courses covering advanced biological, chemical, geological oceanography and physical oceanography.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Environmental Consultant, University Professor, Marine Biologist, Research Scientist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Applicants for a graduate degree in the School of Earth Ocean and Environment must have a baccalaureate degree from an approved and accredited college or university. Requirements for admission to all programs within the School of Earth Ocean and Environment conform with the general regulations of The Graduate School. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test according to The Graduate School guidelines. Programs Master of Earth and Environmental Resources Management, M.E.E.R.M. Geological Sciences, M.S. Geological Sciences, Ph.D. Marine Science, M.S. Marine Science, Ph.D. Applications Requirements Requirements that are common to all programs: 1. Completion of an online Graduate School application; 2. A resume/CV 3. Transcripts from all institutions attended. 4. Three letters of recommendation from...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

Explore more study programmes

Engineering