M.S. Marine Science at University of South Florida

Programme overview

The M.S. in Marine Science focuses on marine ecosystems, organisms and the physical and chemical processes of the ocean. Six concentrations (Biological, Chemical, Geological and Physical Oceanography, Hydrography, Marine Resource Assessment) plus cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary options let students refine their expertise.

Faculty: College of Marine Science | Department: Dean's Office | Duration: 32 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tampa, FL, United States

What you will study

12 credits of core (Biological, Chemical, Geological and Physical Oceanography), 14 credits in a concentration or cross-/interdisciplinary option chosen with the major professor, and a 6-credit thesis with defense. The thesis defense replaces the comprehensive exam.

Career pathways

Positions in academia, industry, government agencies and non-governmental organizations at local to international levels.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Meet USF university admission and English proficiency requirements. Bachelor's degree or equivalent (preferably biology, chemistry, geology, physics or math) and/or two semesters each of biology, chemistry and physics, one semester each of geology and calculus, and 15-18 credit hours of upper-level biology, chemistry, geology or physics (two semesters of statistics preferred for Marine Resource Assessment). GRE optional. Commitment of a Marine Science faculty member to serve as major professor. Required materials: research interest essay, professional goals essay, resume or CV, three letters of recommendation.

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.

Master's and Educational Specialist admission is offered for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Final university deadlines for master's and Educational Specialist programmes: June 1 for Fall, October 15 for Spring, February 15 for Summer. Programme-specific priority deadlines apply for funding and consideration; priority applications receive maximum consideration and later applications are considered on a space-available basis.

The nonrefundable graduate degree-seeking application fee is $30, paid through the Online Graduate Application site; international applicants may pay by electronic fund transfer from international banks. Test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.) are required only if the programme requires them.

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