Ph.D. Marine Science at University of South Florida

Programme overview

The Ph.D. in Marine Science continues the study of marine ecosystems, organisms and ocean physical and chemical processes, with six concentrations (Biological, Chemical, Geological and Physical Oceanography, Hydrography, Marine Resource Assessment) and cross-/interdisciplinary options.

Faculty: College of Marine Science | Department: Dean's Office | Duration: 90 credit hours beyond the bachelor's; 60 credit hours beyond the master's | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tampa, FL, United States

What you will study

12 credits of core (Biological, Chemical, Geological and Physical Oceanography), at least 14 credits in a concentration or cross-/interdisciplinary option, electives/research (18 credits post-master's, 48 post-bachelor's) and at least 16 dissertation credits. Requires a written and oral qualifying exam and a dissertation defense before a committee including a member from outside the college.

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 science (two semesters of statistics preferred for Marine Resource Assessment). GRE optional. Commitment of a Marine Science faculty member as major professor. Required materials: research interest statement, professional goals statement, 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.

Doctoral admission is offered for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Final university deadlines for doctoral programmes: February 15 for Fall, October 15 for Spring, February 15 for Summer. Programme-specific priority deadlines apply for funding and consideration.

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