Ocean Sciences (PhD) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The PhD in Ocean Sciences requires 60 units, including at least 27 units of formal coursework, a screening before the 25th unit, written and oral qualifying examinations and a dissertation based on original investigation of an ocean sciences problem.

Department: Graduate Program in Ocean Sciences | Duration: 60 units minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Two core courses are required (OS 512 and OS 582). No more than 15 units of 400-level coursework may count, and up to 30 units may transfer from an accredited graduate school. Students maintain a 3.0 GPA, form a five-member qualifying committee drawn from more than one department, and register for OS 794 Dissertation after admission to candidacy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

USC Graduate School (all graduate programmes): a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university. International applicants whose first language is not English demonstrate English proficiency; for PhD applicants, ISE-exam exemption scores are TOEFL iBT 100 with no less than 20 on each section (exams taken before 21 January 2026), IELTS Academic 7 with no less than 6 on each band, or PTE 68 with no less than 53 on each band. USC sets no university-wide minimum for admission and some departments set higher requirements.

Requirements published at program group level.

Duration: 60 units minimum

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