how long to get a phd in marine biology

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Marine Biology (Ph.D.)

Why pursue a P h .D. in marine biology at UNH?

Our marine biology Ph.D. program will help you a dvance your career a s you seek to understand and protect marine and estuarine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. F aculty in our program use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism and neurobiology, and study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. You’ll have the opportunity to focus on basic research or work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries . Our graduates now lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, and work in research.

Program highlights

Our location, faculty and laboratories makes UNH one of the best institutions from which to obtain a graduate degree in marine biology. Our faculty have expertise ranging from molecular biology to ecology and fisheries, and their research programs often span disciplines and use a variety of methods and technologies to address marine-related questions and issues. The main UNH campus in Durham is located about five miles from the Great Bay Estuary, home of the UNH Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, and 30 miles from the coastline and the UNH Coastal Marine Laboratory. Each of these laboratories supports a number of research vessels used by faculty, staff and students. Students can become certified research divers through our strong dive program. Finally, there are several state-of-the-art research resources on campus, including a DNA sequencing facility, an aquaculture laboratory, and various microscope and instrumentation centers.

Potential career areas

• Aquaculture
• Aquarium industry
• Environmental consulting
• Environmental protection and resource management
• Fisheries management and research
• Habitat restoration
• Marine/environmental outreach
• Marine policy
• Nonprofit organizations
• Research diving

Contact Information

Curriculum & Requirements

Program description.

The Marine Biology (MB) option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Some UNH faculty use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism, and neurobiology, while others study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Some faculty members focus primarily on basic research; others work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries; many combine the two. Students who have earned advanced degrees at UNH lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, or earn a living as researchers. In addition to on­-campus facilities, UNH owns the Coastal Marine Laboratory and the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory , and a range of research vessels. UNH has an excellent SCUBA diving program for students interested in becoming certified to dive as part of their research. The Marine Biology option is also affiliated with UNH’s School of Marine Sciences and Ocean Engineering .

Requirements for the Program

Ph.d. degree requirements.

Students work with their advisor and their Doctoral Guidance Committee to plan a program of study including the required core courses and competencies, and develop a viable research proposal. The Guidance Committee is normally established by the end of the first semester, and should meet by the end of the second semester. The student presents to the Guidance Committee a preliminary research proposal in which the soundness, originality, and feasibility of the planned research are clearly described. The Guidance Committee is responsible for approving the proposal, and also oversees the qualifying examination through which the student is admitted to doctoral candidacy. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee is established at this point. To earn the Ph.D. degree, students must complete an original dissertation project, present the results at a public seminar, pass an oral dissertation defense consisting of questions from members of the Dissertation Committee, and have the dissertation approved by the Dissertation Committee and accepted by the Graduate School.

Number of Credits Required

There is no specific credit requirement for the Ph.D., though students must take required core courses and meet competency requirements.

Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee, and approved by the UNH Graduate School.

Required Courses, Competencies, and Electives

All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are required to take:

1. BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar : first-semester course focuses on key information and skills for a successful transition into the graduate program, familiarizing students with program requirements and faculty and providing an opportunity to meet others in their cohort.

2. Two courses in contemporary techniques: Students must take two courses in this competency category, with one course needing to be quantitative. Students should consult their advisor or the graduate program coordinator to determine the courses that fulfill this category.

3. One course in writing/communication: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course. Recommendations often include coursework in professional writing and communication: BIOL 902 Writing and Publishing Science is taught fall semester, and open to students at any stage of the program. BIOL 950 Scientific Communication is usually taught in spring.

4. One marine-based course: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course that has a marine focus.

5. Field requirement: This requirement may be fulfilled by either taking a graduate-level course that has a significant field component as part of the course, or by conducting field research in support of the student's thesis research.

6. Ph.D. students will be required to be a Teaching Assistant for one semester, or demonstrate prior teaching experience.

Additional Information/Requirements

All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are expected to present their research in public seminars (including the UNH Graduate Research Conference), and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Core Knowledge: Demonstrate expert knowledge of the subdiscipline relevant to their research project and general knowledge of the broader discipline of marine biology.
• Critical Thinking: Critique, evaluate, and integrate qualitative and quantitative biological research and methods to develop original hypotheses.
• Research: Synthesize research methods and data analysis techniques to conduct an independent and original research project that contributes new knowledge to address a gap in the field.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate scientific information, concepts, theories, and methods to professional colleagues (specialists), invested parties, and the general public.
• Professionalism: Conduct research ethically and responsibly and intellectually engage with the broader scientific community. 

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall : January 15 (priority*); August 1 (final) *Applications completed by Jan. 15 will be given priority consideration for admission and financial support. Applications completed after Jan. 15 will be considered based on openings and funding.
• Spring : N/A
• Summer : N/A
• Special : N/A

Application fee: $65; Underrepresented U.S. minority applicants to this program may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please contact Dr. Dovev Levine ( [email protected] ) for more details

Campus : Durham

New England Regional : No

New England Regional : VT

Accelerated Masters Eligible : No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form . This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted , you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts : Please have your institution send the transcript directly to [email protected] . Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts : Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

• Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
• Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early if they wish to be considered for financial and priority consideration.

GRE Not Required:

The GRE (general or topical) is NOT REQUIRED for admission by any of the programs in the Department of Biological Sciences.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

Inquire with the Department about Research Interests

As part of your application process, we recommend touching base with the academic department or specific faculty about your research interests, fit with the department, and available space. You can  Submit an Extended Inquiry   and we will inform your desired academic program about your interest. By submitting an inquiry form, you are not guaranteed to hear back from specific faculty. This can be a helpful step before going through the full application process.

Explore Program Details

Faculty directory.

Applying Guide

If you are interested in a MS or PhD program within UNH’s Department of Biological Sciences (options of Integrative and Organismal Biology or Marine Biology), it is important to contact potential thesis mentors (professors) before applying to our program . You can find a directory of relevant mentors in the “FACULTY DIRECTORY.” It is never too early to contact potential thesis mentors, but we suggest contacting them between August and October of the year before you expect to start your degree (for example, contact a mentor in September 2020 if interested in applying by January 2021 for full consideration to begin as a graduate student in Fall 2021). However, you should never be afraid to reach out to a prospective mentor as graduate opportunities can open throughout the year.

How do you contact potential advisors? After identifying professors whose interest align with yours, send them an email to introduce yourself and your interests. This email should contain the following:

• A brief introduction of who you are and your current status
• Your interests broadly
• Why you are interested in this professor’s work and how it aligns with your own interests
• Attachments of CV or resume, and unofficial transcripts

Still intimidated? Use the text below labeled “Email Template” to help you contact a professor.

Can I contact more than one professor in the Department of Biological Sciences or at UNH? Absolutely! Graduate positions are very competitive, and often a professor can only take on one or two students each year (if any). Thus, it’s important to contact as many professors as possible, provided that their research aligns with your interests. You can let professors know who else you are contacting within the department or university when you contact them (see template below).

What if I don’t get a response? Try again! Professors are very busy, and can receive hundreds of emails a day. Sometimes this results in slow reply times, or simply emails getting missed or lost. Wait at least a week, and then try to send again. If after three tries you still do not get a response, this likely means the professor is not taking on any graduate students in the near future.

Other general tips and advice for applying to graduate school: Take time to think about why you want to go to graduate school and conduct research (and communicate this clearly when reaching out to prospective mentors). Before contacting prospective mentors, take some time to learn about their research (either via webpages, their publications, or other resources). Get help from advisors, your university career centers, and others for updating your resume or CV, ensuring that you highlight any research or scientific experiences, important courses taken, skills, and awards received.

Email Template

If you are potentially interested in working with one or more professors towards a MS or PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of New Hampshire, you can use this template email to introduce yourself to these potential advisors.

Please note that you should contact each professor individually (it’s okay to contact more than one faculty member in our department!); individualize your responses to each professor, particularly paragraphs #2 and #3). Also know that this is simply a template; prospective students do not need to follow these instructions exactly when reaching out to prospective mentors. We just hope this helps you get started and give you confidence in contacting faculty!

Dear Dr. [insert professor’s full name here]:

Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself! State your name, educational status and history (including GPA and major and/or degree. If you have graduated, include when you graduated and your current position.), and what semester and year you are aiming to start your graduate studies.

Paragraph 2: Discuss your relevant qualifications and experience that make you an ideal candidate for our graduate program. This may include specific skills you have, research experiences, internships, publications or presentations, and relevant coursework.

Paragraph 3: Describe your specific interests within the field of Biological Sciences? How do these interests align with this professor’s work? What about this professor’s work excites you? Be specific when possible, demonstrating your own efforts to understand this professor’s research.

Thank you for your time in reading this email and your consideration. I have attached my [resume/CV; make sure to attach!] and unofficial transcripts [attach]. I would enjoy an opportunity to chat with you further about potential opportunities as a graduate student in your research group.

[Insert your full name here]

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Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology

About the Ph.D. in Marine Biology

The Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology at Texas A&M University is designed for those who aspire to conduct advanced, independent research in the marine biological sciences. This rigorous program combines formal coursework with extensive research opportunities, providing a robust foundation in the ecology and evolution of marine organisms and quantitative analysis.

Program Requirements

Key Features

Diverse curriculum.

Engage in a wide range of courses that cover essential marine biology topics, focusing on theoretical and practical aspects.

Independent Research

Conduct original, supervised research in marine biology, culminating in a dissertation that you will formally defend.

Expert Guidance

Work closely with renowned faculty members who are leaders in various marine and coastal science disciplines.

Why Choose This Program?

Advanced training.

Gain in-depth knowledge and specialized skills necessary for a successful career in marine biology.

Research Opportunities

Contribute to groundbreaking research that addresses critical issues in marine and coastal environments.

Career Preparation

Prepare for a future in academia, research institutions, environmental organizations, and other sectors that require expertise in marine biology.

Join the Aggie Family

Ready to be the next loudest, proudest fightin’ Texas Aggie? Find the application details and resources available to you at Aggie One Stop.

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Marine Biology (Ph.D.)

https://colsa.unh.edu/biological-sciences/program/phd/marine-biology

The Marine Biology (MB) option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Some UNH faculty use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism, and neurobiology, while others study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Some faculty members focus primarily on basic research; others work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries; many combine the two. Students who have earned advanced degrees at UNH lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, or earn a living as researchers. In addition to on­-campus facilities, UNH owns the Coastal Marine Laboratory and the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory , and a range of research vessels. UNH has an excellent SCUBA diving program for students interested in becoming certified to dive as part of their research. The Marine Biology option is also affiliated with UNH’s School of Marine Sciences and Ocean Engineering .

Ph.D. Degree Requirements

Students work with their advisor and their Doctoral Guidance Committee to plan a program of study including the required core courses and competencies, and develop a viable research proposal. The Guidance Committee is normally established by the end of the first semester, and should meet by the end of the second semester. The student presents to the Guidance Committee a preliminary research proposal in which the soundness, originality, and feasibility of the planned research are clearly described. The Guidance Committee is responsible for approving the proposal, and also oversees the qualifying examination through which the student is admitted to doctoral candidacy. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee is established at this point. To earn the Ph.D. degree, students must complete an original dissertation project, present the results at a public seminar, pass an oral dissertation defense consisting of questions from members of the Dissertation Committee, and have the dissertation approved by the Dissertation Committee and accepted by the Graduate School.

Number of Credits Required

There is no specific credit requirement for the Ph.D., though students must take required core courses and meet competency requirements.

Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee, and approved by the UNH Graduate School.

Required Courses, Competencies, and Electives

All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are required to take:

1. BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar : first-semester course focuses on key information and skills for a successful transition into the graduate program, familiarizing students with program requirements and faculty and providing an opportunity to meet others in their cohort.

2. Two courses in contemporary techniques: Students must take two courses in this competency category, with one course needing to be quantitative. Students should consult their advisor or the graduate program coordinator to determine the courses that fulfill this category.

3. One course in writing/communication: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course. Recommendations often include coursework in professional writing and communication: BIOL 902 Writing and Publishing Science is taught fall semester, and open to students at any stage of the program. BIOL 950 Scientific Communication is usually taught in spring.

4. One marine-based course: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course that has a marine focus.

5. Field requirement: This requirement may be fulfilled by either taking a graduate-level course that has a significant field component as part of the course, or by conducting field research in support of the student's thesis research.

6. Ph.D. students will be required to be a Teaching Assistant for one semester, or demonstrate prior teaching experience.

Additional Information/Requirements

All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are expected to present their research in public seminars (including the UNH Graduate Research Conference), and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.

• Core Knowledge: Demonstrate expert knowledge of the subdiscipline relevant to their research project and general knowledge of the broader discipline of marine biology.
• Critical Thinking: Critique, evaluate, and integrate qualitative and quantitative biological research and methods to develop original hypotheses.
• Research: Synthesize research methods and data analysis techniques to conduct an independent and original research project that contributes new knowledge to address a gap in the field.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate scientific information, concepts, theories, and methods to professional colleagues (specialists), invested parties, and the general public.
• Professionalism: Conduct research ethically and responsibly and intellectually engage with the broader scientific community. 

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The Marine Biology and Ecology (MBE) graduate program focuses on a wide range of field, laboratory, and theoretical coursework in research areas such as coral reef studies, biological oceanography, and marine biology, fisheries biology, and the biology and behavior of marine animals. MBE Ph.D. students can choose from a diversity of research areas and coursework that provide a broad educational perspective. 

Admission Requirements

Most successful applicants have a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences including a strong foundation in physical sciences (chemistry, physics, calculus) and basic biological sciences. However, applicants with a diversity of other degrees also are successful. Courses in marine biology and oceanography are not necessary for entrance into the program. Applicants should contact specific faculty to discuss mutual research interests. The GRE score is not required for admission. Applicants whose first language is not English must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550. All application requirements are available  here .

Curriculum Requirements

Each student will design a customized curriculum based on their research focus with advisor approval.

Minimum of 18 course credits and 12 dissertation credits.

No core courses are required. Students choose courses with the advice of their committee. 

• At the end of the second year, a written qualifying examination is required of all Ph.D. students that focuses on the subject matter needed to complete the research proposed for the dissertation.
• The purpose of the qualifying examination is to demonstrate that the MBE doctoral student has the necessary understanding and expertise in research and related fields to complete the dissertation research. The topic areas should be agreed upon by the student, chair, and the dissertation committee soon after the proposal defense. The student is strongly encouraged to discuss the specific topics with each member of the dissertation committee, well in advance of the examination, to clarify the expected questions. The committee is encouraged to provide specific reading or areas of knowledge they will test the student on.
• The qualifying exam is 4 - 5 partial days (4 hours per day) on questions written by their committee. It is the advisor’s responsibility to provide the test and to have the student’s committee grade it in a timely manner. The scheduling of the exam sessions is the responsibility of the student's advisor, but in all cases the written portion of the examination shall be completed within one week.
• An additional oral qualifying examination may be required by the student's committee, but may not serve as a substitute for the written examination, which is a Graduate School requirement.
• The decision of passing or failing the qualifying examination rests with the dissertation committee. The qualifying examination (written and, if required, oral) must be successfully completed, as documented by the dissertation committee, before the student can be admitted to candidacy.
• In the event of a failure, a student may be re-examined once upon the recommendation of the student's committee in consultation with the academic committee. If permitted, the reexamination must be given before the end of the following semester.
• Attendance to the MBE seminars is required every semester. 
• Students entering the MBE Ph.D. program with a Master's degree begin to give seminars in their first year.
• Ph.D. students are expected to be a Teaching Assistant (TA) for two courses while pursuing their degree.
• The mandatory TA program will include training of new TAs, evaluation of their performance, and recognition of excellence. The goal is to make the experience as valuable as possible for the TA, the faculty, and the students taking our courses.
• A training session and two teaching opportunities are offered as courses in educational training (RSM 771, RSM 772, RSM 773). Students will be registered accordingly.
• Specific requirements for TAs are outlined in the Rosenstiel School Student Handbook.

Sample Plan of Study

The mission of the Marine Biology and Ecology (MBE) Ph.D. program is to train the next generation of scientists in the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of biology of the oceanic environment. Through coursework and independent research, we strive to prepare our students for positions in academia, government, or industry in jobs that leverage their skills in critical thinking, current technical knowledge such as statistical analysis and modeling, and understanding of the global marine environment. Our program commits to inspire graduates to continued scholarship, service, and innovation in an environment that is inclusive and diverse.

The goal is for Ph.D. students to demonstrate mastery of the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of biology of the oceanic environment, and commitment to scholarship, service, and innovation in an environment that is inclusive and diverse.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate a broad understanding of marine and atmospheric science and an awareness of how scientific research in their topical areas bears on current human and societal issues.
• Students will be able to critically evaluate scientific literature, review previous knowledge on a topic, formulate testable hypotheses, and skillfully use available data and tools to advance knowledge in a topical area. They will be able to conduct high-quality, doctoral research as evidenced by their dissertation research.
• Students will demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills, and be able to effectively communicate scientific information to a peer audience.

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Marine Biology (MB)

Interested in applying to our MS or PhD programs? Register for an upcoming information session.

Information for the Marine Biology PhD program and Master's degree programs

The program offers two tracks, Marine Biology and Marine Chemical Biology:

Marine Biology  (MB) is the study of marine organisms and their relationship with the physical and chemical dynamics of the marine environment. Faculty expertise encompasses several major areas of modern biology including evolutionary, ecological, organismic, physiological, biochemical, and genetic processes of marine animals and microorganisms.

Examples of current research activities include:

• Marine microbiology
• Algae biofuels and biotechnology
• Genomics, metagenomics, and bioinformatics
• Cell and developmental biology
• Physiology and biochemistry of marine animals
• Biomechanics and biomaterials
• Ecotoxicology
• Photobiology
• Parasitology
• Animal behavior and behavioral ecology
• Deep-sea biology
• Phylogeny and taxonomy of marine animals
• Biogeography or marine populations
• Evolutionary genomics and molecular ecology of marine organisms
• Biodiversity, ecology, and conservation of marine ecosystems

Studies ranging from spatial ecology of coral reef ecosystems to the role of the marine microbiome in food web dynamics are being investigated in over thirty independent research laboratories. 

Marine Chemical Biology (MCB) is an interfacial discipline combining the fields of chemistry and biology to study and manipulate biological systems with the use of chemical, biochemical and genetic techniques and tools. Currently most of the investigations in the MCB track are focused on the discovery and application of marine microbial natural products and the study of biochemical processes utilized to create these unique molecules.

Marine natural products are amongst some of the most structurally novel in the natural world, and their chemical description is critical to developing their full biomedical and biotechnological value as well as exploring their functional roles in our natural world. Understanding the biosynthesis of these marine natural products by a combination of organic chemistry and recombinant biology approaches lays the foundation for the discovery and application of novel biosynthetic enzymes and the rational metabolic engineering of designer molecules. Some of these metabolites may have utility as biological reagents, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, biofuels, or other commodity chemicals. Innovative analytical methods are also being utilized to probe the sites of natural products’ biosynthesis in complex associations of marine species, including those involved in symbiotic relationships.

Potential advisors for prospective applicants

Prospective PhD and MS applicants should reach out to all potential advisors based on research interests to ascertain whether they are encouraged to apply. Additionally, PhD program applicants should be aware that funding for PhD students is usually supplied by individual advisors and that such funding is often very limited; hence, securing outside fellowships (e.g., the NSF GRFP) greatly increases the chance of admission.  See here for more information concerning funding.

Educational Requirements for Admission

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the PhD program listed  here , a major in one of the biological sciences (or equivalent), with basic course work in botany, microbiology, or zoology, as well as two years of chemistry, including organic chemistry, is required.  

Training in one or more of the following areas is strongly recommended: cellular biology, molecular biology, comparative physiology, genetics, developmental biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, microbiology, and/or botany.

MB Applicant evaluation criteria

Factors that are used to evaluate applicants include, but are not limited to, (1) Academic preparation; (2) Scholarly potential; (3) Diversity, equity, and inclusion contributions; (4) Alignment with the program (i.e., fit with the laboratories of prospective advisors); (5) Realistic self-appraisal; and (6) Long-term goals.

If an OBP applicant decides to submit the entirely optional general GRE scores, those scores will be used similarly to the GPA, alongside the applicant’s other materials to inform the holistic assessment of the applicant’s “scholarly potential.”

We reemphasize that a requirement for the acceptance of even excellent applicants is the interest and ability of the prospective main advisor(s) to take on the student; the ability of even an interested advisor to admit is ultimately contingent on the availability of funding, whether from internal or external sources.

Programs of Study for PhD

Students admitted to Ocean Bioscience Program (OBP) are assigned an advisor, who is a chair of the three-person guidance committee. Students are assigned to a curricular group based on their interests. Although students may change curricular groups near the beginning of the year, they must commit to a curricular group early on because this determines which departmental exam they will take. During the year, students may be supported in a variety of ways. After the first year, the guidance committee is dissolved and the research advisor, and eventually the dissertation committee, provide guidance.

Marine Biology Curriculum:

Graduate students are expected to gain research experience in one or more laboratories during their first year.

Graduate students are required to complete SIO core courses including SIO 210, Physical Oceanography, SIO 260, Marine Chemistry, and SIO 280, Biological Oceanography.  In addition, students are also expected to enroll in SIOB 297 Marine Biology Seminar, the weekly marine biology seminar series, every quarter.   In the spring term of their first year at SIO, students will take a departmental exam consisting of a presentation of their first-year research in the form of a paper and short talk to the curricular group, followed by a meeting with their first-year advisory committee. MB Ph.D. students also must take at least two graduate-level marine organismal courses or labs. A partial list of courses that fulfill this requirement include: SIOB 271 Marine Zooplankton, SIOB 274 Natural History Below the Tides, SIOB 277 Deep Sea Biology, SIOB 281 Marine Physiology, SIOB 282 Phytoplankton Diversity, SIOB 283 Phycology: Marine Plant Biology, SIOB 284 Marine Invertebrates, SIOB 287A Marine Microbial Ecology, SIOB 293 Applications of Phylogenetics, SIOB 294 Biology of Fishes, and SIOB 296 Marine Tetrapods.

After their first year, students are expected to enroll and actively participate in at least one seminar course (SIO 278, 296, or equivalent) per year that will provide in-depth knowledge and reading in selected areas, as well as practice presenting scientific material.  Students frequently take additional SIO and UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences courses based on their research interests and general scientific education.

In addition to the seminar requirement discussed above, second-year students will present their research in a special Marine Biology mini-symposium, held in spring quarter; students in the second through fourth years are expected to participate in the research presentation class (SIO 291) each year. 

Marine Chemical Biology Curriculum:  

Graduate students are required to complete SIO core courses including SIO 210, Physical Oceanography, SIO 260, Marine Chemistry, and SIO 280, Biological Oceanography. In addition, students are required to enroll in SIOB 262 Marine Chemical Biology Seminar every quarter.  In the spring term of their first year at SIO, students will take a departmental exam consisting of a presentation of their first-year research in the form of a paper and short talk to the curricular group, followed by a meeting with their first-year guidance committee. 

Marine Chemical Biology graduate students are expected to gain research experience in one or more laboratories during their first year.  Additional courses that are recommended as electives in this Track, the exact composition of which will be decided by discussion between the student and the student’s first year guidance committee, include CHEM 257, Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, SIO 242A-B, Marine Biotechnology I and II, SIO 264, Special Topics in Marine Natural Products Chemistry, and at least one of the following two courses: CHEM 254, Mechanisms of Organic Reactions and/or CHEM 258, Applied Spectroscopy. These are typically taken over the first two years of study. Additional electives, seminar courses, and special topics courses in graduate science and oceanography are available.

Second-year students will present their research along with students in the Marine Biology mini-symposium which is held in spring quarter.

Program of Study for MS

Required course work-.

• SIOC 210. Physical Oceanography (4 units)
• SIOG 260. Marine Chemistry (4 units)
• SIOB 280. Biological Oceanography (4 units)
• MB M.S. students also must take at least two graduate-level marine organismal courses or labs. A partial list of courses that fulfill this requirement include: SIOB 271 Marine Zooplankton, SIOB 274 Natural History Below the Tides, SIOB 277 Deep Sea Biology, SIOB 281 Marine Physiology, SIOB 282 Phytoplankton Diversity, SIOB 283 Phycology: Marine Plant Biology, SIOB 284 Marine Invertebrates, SIOB 287A Marine Microbial Ecology, SIOB 293 Applications of Phylogenetics, SIOB 294 Biology of Fishes, and SIOB 296 Marine Tetrapods

Elective course work-

Students may fulfill the remaining units of required course work through elective course offerings that may be recommended by the guidance committee.

Marine Chemical Biology Curriculum:

• SIOG 260. Marine Chemistry (4 units)
• SIOB 280. Biological Oceanography (4 units)

Students may fulfill the remaining units of required course work through elective course offerings selected in consultation with the students’ guidance committee. Typical recommended electives are below:

• Chem 257. Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry (4 units)
• SIOG 232. Ethical and Professional Science (2 units) or equivalent
• SIOB 242 A-B. Marine Biotechnology I and II (8 units)
• SIOB 264. Special Topics in Marine Natural Products Chemistry (3 units)
• Select at least one of the following: Chem 254. Mechanisms of Organic Reactions (4 units) and/or Chem 258. Applied Spectroscopy (4 units)

Research in Marine Biology

Marine Biology Faculty and Researchers:

• Octavio Aburto
• Andrew Allen
• Lihini Aluwihare
• Dahiana Arcila
• Douglas Bartlett
• Tarik Benmarhnia
• Ricardo Betancur
• Jeff S. Bowman
• Ronald Burton
• Dimitri Deheyn
• Terry Gaasterland
• Bill Gerwick
• Jack Gilbert
• Amro Hamdoun
• Ryan Hechinger
• Paul Jensen
• Linda Kelly
• James Leichter
• April Lukowski
• Deirdre Lyons
• Bradley Moore
• Richard Norris
• Brian Palenik
• Paul Ponganis
• Kim Prather
• Stuart Sandin
• Brice Semmens
• Jennifer Smith
• George Sugihara
• Jennifer Taylor
• Martin Tresguerres
• Lisa Zeigler

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Texas A&M University Catalogs

Doctor of philosophy in marine biology.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Marine Biology focuses on independently supervised research complemented by formal coursework. Essential components of the program include a diverse curriculum focusing on ecology and evolution of marine organisms and quantitative analysis; and original, supervised scholarly research in marine biology, to be written and formally defended as a dissertation.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

Program Requirements

• Student's Advisory Committee

Degree Plan

Transfer of credit, research proposal, preliminary examination, preliminary examination format, preliminary examination scheduling, preliminary examination grading, failure of the preliminary examination, retake of failed preliminary examination, final examination, final examination grading, dissertation, student’s advisory committee.

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of their major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of  no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty  representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and  at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department . The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.

The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for up to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign  en masse . The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education and degree objectives. The committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a proposed degree plan and outline a research problem which, when completed, as indicated by the dissertation (or its equivalent for the degree of Doctor of Education or the degree of Doctor of Engineering), will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.

This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website  http://ogsdpss.tamu.edu . A minimum of 60 hours is required on the degree plan for the Doctor of Philosophy for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student who has completed a DDS/DMD, DVM or a MD at a U.S. institution is also required to complete a minimum of 60 hours. A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree will be required to complete a 90-hour degree plan. Completion of a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD degree at a foreign institution requires completion of a minimum of 90 hours for the Doctor of Philosophy. A field of study may be primarily in one department or in a combination of departments. A degree plan must carry a reasonable amount of 691 (research). A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Additional coursework may be added by petition to the approved degree plan by the student’s advisory committee if it is deemed necessary to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Approval to enroll in any professional course (900-level) should be obtained from the head of the department (or Chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.

No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

For non-distance degree programs, no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs. 

Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable. Coursework  in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.

As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the dissertation research proposal should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student’s advisory committee, the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Request for the Final Examination.

Compliance issues must be addressed if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards and recombinant DNA. A student involved in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety at (979) 458-1467 to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities. Additional information can also be obtained on the website  http:// rcb.tamu.edu .

Examinations

The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and their advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.

The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.

The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:

a.     a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;

b.     an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;

c.     an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.

The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.

The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.

Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.

Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.

If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:

a.     offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.

b.     assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.

c.     forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.

Students are eligible for to schedule the preliminary examination in the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) if they meet the following list of eligibility requirements:

Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.

An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.

Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.

Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.

At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.

Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.

If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee.  A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their preliminary exam.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.

If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS. The approval of the designated department approver is also required on the request.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the Fall 2023 semester will expire at the end of the Fall 2027 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the Summer and Fall 2023 semesters will expire at the end of the Summer 2027 semester.

First Failure

Upon approval of a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), and approval of the Department and Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed a preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s department head or designee, intercollegiate faculty, or graduate advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding their scholastic deficiency.

Second Failure

Upon failing the preliminary exam twice in a doctoral program, a student is no longer eligible to continue to pursue the PhD in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the department as a result of the second failure of the preliminary examination.

Adequate time must be given to permit a student to address inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate to the student, in writing, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest.  When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam.  The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.

Candidates for the doctoral degrees must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the  Graduate and Professional School Calendar  each semester. A doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.

No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.

Refer to the  Admission to Candidacy  section of the graduate catalog for candidacy requirements.

A request to schedule the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.

The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. Only one committee member substitution is allowed with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School. If the substitution is for the sole external member of the advisory committee - with an appointment to a department other than the student's major department - then the substitute must also be external to the student's major department. In extenuating circumstances, with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School, an exception to this requirement may be granted.

The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document.  Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School will be automatically notified via ARCS of any cancellations.

A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their final exam. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS.

The dissertation,  which must be a candidate's original work demonstrates the ability to perform independent research . Whereas acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. Dissertation formatting must be acceptable to the Graduate and Professional School as outlined in the Guidelines for Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study.

After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department (or chair of intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), a student must submit the dissertation in electronic format as a single PDF file to https://etd.tamu.edu/ . Additionally, a dissertation approval form with original signatures must be received by the Graduate and Professional School through the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS). Both the PDF file and the completed ARCS approval form must be received by the deadline.

Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the  Graduate and Professional School website .

Each student who submits a document for review is assessed a one-time thesis/dissertation processing fee through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.

A dissertation that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head or chair of the intercollegiate faculty . The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process to graduate.

Additional Requirements

Continuous registration, admission to candidacy.

• 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degree

Application for Degree

A student who enters the doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree must spend one academic year plus one semester in resident study at Texas A&M University. A student who holds master’s degree when they enter doctoral degree program must spend one academic year in resident study. One academic year may include two adjacent regular semesters or one regular semester and one adjacent 10-week summer semester. The third semester is not required to be adjacent to the one year. Enrollment for each semester must be a minimum of 9 credit hours each to satisfy the residence requirement. A minimum of 1 credit hour must be in a non-distance education delivery mode. Semesters in which the student is enrolled in all distance education coursework will not count toward fulfillment of the residence requirement.

To satisfy the residence requirement, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester or 10-week summer semester in resident study at Texas A&M University for the required period. A student who enters a doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree may fulfill residence requirements in excess of one academic year (18 credit hours) by registration during summer sessions or by completion of a less-than-full course load (in this context a full course load is considered 9 credit hours per semester).

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of his/her employment to the Graduate and Professional School. An employee should submit verification of his/her employment at the time they submit the degree plan. See  Registration.

See  Residence Requirements .

All requirements for doctoral degrees must be completed within a period of ten consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.

A final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file must be cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one year of the semester in which the final exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a final exam taken and passed during the fall 2022 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A final exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2022 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.

A student in a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy who has completed all coursework on their degree plan other than 691 (research) are required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed. See  Continuous Registration Requirements .

To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:

• completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691 or 791.
• a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
• passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
• submitted an approved dissertation proposal,
• met the residence requirements. The final examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.

A student is required to possess a competent command of English. For English language proficiency requirements, see the Admissions section of this catalog. The doctoral (PhD) foreign language requirement at Texas A&M University is a departmental option, to be administered and monitored by the individual departments of academic instruction.

99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the  Tuition Calculator  at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Medical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neurosciences (College of Medicine)
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Sciences
• School Psychology

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

Marine Biology Graduate Program

Creating future leaders in marine science, phd students.

This page and the academic progress flow chart may not apply to all MBIO students. Current students are asked to refere to co-hort relevant resources on the MBIO intranet.

Academic Progress Flow Chart

- Interim Committee Meeting - MBIO 603*

- Annual Progress Report due Sept. 1 - Finalize 5-member PhD Committee and submit roster to MBGP - Write Proposal

- Hold Committee Meeting and submit report to MBGP - Continue to write/revise proposal

- Submit Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1 - By end of this semester, set date for your Comprehensive Exam (must be taken before end of 6th semester, i.e., spring) - Committee Meeting: Usually to discuss dissertation proposal - Make a public presentation sometime this academic year

- Take and Pass Comp Exam - Proposal Approved by Committee - File Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy

- Submit Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1 to MBGP and committee - Enroll in MBIO 800 - Hold Committee Meeting and report results to MBGP - Write Dissertation - Make a public presentation of your research this academic year

- Enroll in MBIO 800 - File an Application for Degree with Graduate Division - Submit Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1 to MBGP and committee - Make a public presentation sometime this academic year - Committee Meeting - Set the date of your defense in collaboration with committee and MBGP (must be announced on the University calendar) - Defend your dissertation through public presentation announced to all MBGP faculty and students - File Form 3 - Dissertation Evaluation - Finalize Dissertation - File Form 4 - Dissertation Submission - Upload dissertation - Submit Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) certificate - Complete MBGPʻs Exit Survey (and optional exit interview) - Graduate!

Program Requirements

These are required of all PhD students who are admitted into the Program.

• Complete Form 1 (Pre-Candidacy Progress) By the end of the first week of classes, students should meet with their interim committee and discuss the student's preparation and path forward. (Fall 2021 cohort members: The Program completed Form 1 on your behalf)
• * MBIO 603 and MBIO 604 All students entering the program are required to enroll in and successfully complete the MBIO 603 and 604 courses in their first year of study. (Fall 2021 cohort members took a combined 603-604 as part of the August course; they do not need to take 603 and 604 separately)
• Other required courses: Students who enter the PhD program without a completed life-science masters will have to take certain Content courses and a Statistics course.
• Teaching Experience: Teaching experience is required of all PhD students and usually takes the form of a TAship of at least one semester.
• Exit Interview: All students are required to submit a written exit survey with the option to meet with the Directors. Request the link to the survey from the Program Coordinator during their semester of graduation.

Important Deadlines

PhD students should adhere to these dates & deadlines to ensure successful progress.

• Form Dissertation Committee The 5-member roster must be repoerted to MBGP by the end of the 3rd semester. At least 3 members must be MBGP graduate faculty (2 must be Regular/Cooperating MBGP graduate faculty, and the third may be Regular, Cooperating, or Affiliate Graduate Faculty).
• Oral Comprehensive Exam: Your exam must be SCHEDULED by the end of the 5th semester and shared with the Program Coordinator. The exam must be taken and passed by the end of the 6th semester.
• Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy Upon passing your exam and having your dissertation topic approved, submit a completed and signed Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy. This is required to register for MBIO 800 and advance to candidacy.
• Register for MBIO 800 All PhD students MUST register for at least one credit of Dissertation 800 during the final semester of their graduate study.
• Form 3 - Dissertation Evaluation Students must successfully defend their dissertation in an oral defense open to the public and announced to all MBGP faculty and students, and have this online form approved by their committee, the co-Directors, and Graduate Division.
• Submit the SED Certificate of Completion Complete the form online when you have submitted your dissertation.
• Form 4 - Dissertation Submission A final, approved version of your dissertation must be uploaded to ETD Proquest and this online form completed

Annual Requirements

All students must meet the following requirements each year.

• Annual Progress Report Progress reports are due every year by September 1. Email your report and CV to your committee.
• Committee Meeting and Report Students must meet with their committee at least once every year. Submit a signed summary report of your meeting to the program coordinator as soon as possible after each meeting (but no later than May 15).
• Graduate Seminar: Starting with the Fall 2020 cohort, at least one seminar must be taken every academic year.
• Continuous Enrollment: Students must be continuously enrolled in at least 1 credit per semester (excluding summer). International students must be enrolled full-time in order to maintain visa status. GAs require at least 6 credits during each semester that the award is effective. Some financial aid awards require a minimum of 8 credits per semester of award.
• Research Presentation: After the 4th semester, all students are required to make an annual public presentation on their thesis or dissertation research.

Additional Links

MBGP Resources

• MBGP Student Handbook 17-19 Student Handbook for student cohorts entering in Fall 2017-Fall 2019.
• MBGP Student Handbook 20-22 Student Handbook for student cohorts entering in Fall 2020 and after
• MBGP Catalog

UH Manoa Resources

• International Students
• Graduate Student Enrollment Requirements
• Info for Graduate Assistants
• Academic Calendar
• Class Schedule
• STAR Student Login
• MyUH Portal
• MBGP Intranet

Graduate Division

• Admission to Graduate School
• Current MBGP Graduate Students
• Important Forms

More Resources

• College of Natural Sciences (CNS)
• School of Life Sciences (SoLS)
• School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST)
• Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB)
• University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

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	University of North Carolina Wilmington
	Sep 16, 2024   2019-2020 Graduate Catalogue     2019-2020 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Stephen Kinsey The Department of Biology and Marine Biology offers a program of study and research leading to the doctor of philosophy in marine biology. The program provides students with a broad background and overview of the fields comprising marine biology and makes use of the diverse interests of the marine biology faculty within the department. As is generally the case, the Ph.D. program is primarily a research degree. As such, it is intended to serve students with interests in conducting research in academia, industry, and government along with those who intend to become faculty in undergraduate teaching institutions, managers in technology-based industries and policy makers in government. Students will learn the process of identifying, defining and solving an original research problem. The program also includes a teaching practicum with classroom instruction in pedagogical techniques and technologies along with lecture experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Admission requirements Students will be admitted to the Ph.D. program by a majority vote of the Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC) of the Department of Biology and Marine Biology based on eligibility requirements and available resources. Under most circumstances, students admitted to the program will have met the following requirements. Received a M.S. degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited university OR, if entering with a B.S., completed all the requirements for the M.S. biology or marine biology degree at UNCW except submission of the bound thesis.* An overall graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 out of 4.0. A score on the Graduate Record Examination General Test with a target of the 65th percentile or better (average for the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections). A score of at least 550 on the paper test or 79 on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) of 6.5 or 7.0 to be eligible for a teaching assistantship, for applicants whose native language is not English. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the date the test is administered. *Under certain circumstances, a student may, with the support of his or her faculty advisor, choose to apply to the Ph.D. program before completion of the requirements for the M.S. biology or marine biology degree. Students who choose this path after their first year of core courses and research planning must complete a new application, including letters of recommendation, to enter the Ph.D. program. If accepted, these students would not take their M.S. oral preliminary exam, but would continue on with their study and take the Ph.D. candidacy exam in year three. Students who decide upon a Ph.D. later in their academic career, and who have, thus, already taken their preliminary oral exam, may apply to the Ph.D. program, again with the support of their advisor. Students who choose this path must complete a new application, including letters of recommendation, to enter the Ph.D. program. If accepted, these students may decide to bind a M.S. thesis, or simply continue on with their study and research and take the candidacy exam in year three. Documents to be submitted for admission: All applicants must submit: An application for graduate admission Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate) Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, analytical writing and subject test in biology) Three recommendations with accompanying letters by individuals in professionally relevant fields, one from the intended faculty mentor. Official score on the TOEFL (if applicable). TOEFL scores are good for two years from the date the test is administered. Current curriculum vitae Detailed summary of M.S. thesis research (maximum of three pages) Statement of interest for Ph.D. research (maximum of three pages) Reprints or copies of any publications (if applicable) Application and supporting documents must be submitted by the published deadline Degree Requirements (78 post-baccalaureate credit hours) The program requires 78 post-baccalaureate (48 post-M.S.) credit hours of graduate study. The maximum amount of credit that a Ph.D. student may count toward a doctorate from a master’s degree program is 30 credit hours. This applies whether the master’s degree was earned at UNCW or elsewhere. Six post-M.S. credit hours of credit may be transferred from another regionally accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to “B” or better and must be approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee. A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate study must be completed in residence. Each student must pass a Candidacy Exam that includes an oral examination based on the student’s dissertation prospectus. The Candidacy Exam should be taken before the beginning of the third year in the PhD program. The student must complete and defend a dissertation based on a research program approved by the student’s committee that results in an original, high quality, significant, and substantial body of research. All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years after admission to the Ph.D. program (i.e. post-M.S.). Additional requirements for the Ph.D. in marine biology Must have a master‘s degree or must complete courses and research requirements of a master‘s degree program as described above. Must complete the following courses: Graduate courses in Marine Biology (2-3 credit hours each; minimum of three different numbered courses required) (6) BIO 601 - Oceanography and Environmental Science Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 * BIO 602 - Ecology Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 BIO 603 - Physiology and Biochemistry Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 BIO 604 - Cellular and Molecular Biology Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 BIO 605 - Evolution and Diversity Credit Hours: 2 Or 3 *Required of all students. Prerequisite: BIO 564   or equivalent Additional required courses: BIO 690 - Seminar Credit Hours: 1 BIO 694 - Practicum in College Biology Teaching Credit Hours: 2 BIO 699 - Dissertation Credit Hours: 1 To 12 (12 credits required) *Required of all students. Prerequisite: BIO 564 - Biological Oceanography   or equivalent Elective Credit In addition to the above requirements, each student, in consultation with his/her dissertation committee, shall select a minimum of 24 hours of elective credit that may include graduate courses and research hours (graduate courses numbering 500-699). Uniting the Marine Biological Laboratory and the University of Chicago research and education experience for an unparalleled program. The newly established program between the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and the University of Chicago (UChicago) leverages the unique partnership between two leading research institutions and combines the best of both worlds – access to a collaborative and expansive research environment that spans the scales of biological discovery at the MBL in Woods Hole, MA and the first-class resources of the University of Chicago. The formal affiliation and collaboration between these institutions was established in 2013 and has resulted in synergies in research and teaching that now expand to the graduate community. Program Structure Current MBL/UChicago graduate student opportunities are available through UChicago’s  Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology (DRSB) Program  and the Integrative Biology (IB) Program  with additional options available in the near future. Candidates should apply directly to the DRSB or IB Program depending on their specific interests. If accepted, students will complete their initial course requirements at UChicago before joining the MBL for summer research rotations in laboratories of affiliated faculty. Students will complete their thesis research at the MBL, with committee meetings, retreat participation and other activities encouraged through regular visits to Chicago throughout the graduate program. Funding and Support Students will be guaranteed full tuition, health insurance and generous stipend support. In addition, room and board will be provided during the first summer rotation at the MBL. After joining an MBL lab, students will be provided with funds to travel to Chicago for committee meetings and other events. Finally, students in the program will be eligible for an additional research allowance to be used at their discretion for research support or to attend meetings. Funds will also be available to students in UChicago labs to spend time at the MBL to foster collaborative research. MBL Faculty Research Interests MBL scientists are engaged in cutting-edge research   dedicated to scientific discovery in fundamental biology. There is a robust cadre of investigators with year-round laboratories, who are joined by hundreds of students and visiting researchers over the course of each year, making the Woods Hole community a unique environment to study, conduct research and engage with scientists from all over the world. Faculty affiliated with the DSRB and IB Programs conduct research across disciplines including cell biology, developmental and regenerative biology, neuroscience, sensory physiology, and comparative evolution and genomics. To learn more about the training faculty see the research interests of  Karen Echeverri ,  Andrew Gillis , Jennifer Morgan ,  Nipam Patel ,  Joshua Rosenthal , and Zak Swartz . Caroline Albertin Assistant scientist, bell center. The Albertin lab studies how novelty arises over the course of evolution and embryogenesis using cephalopods as models. We employ diverse approaches, including comparative genomics, gene expression studies, and live imaging, with a focus on understanding (i) molecular patterning of cephalopod body plans, (ii) cellular and molecular events in cephalopod neurogenesis, (iii) the evolution of the cephalopod fate map and developmental program, and (iv) developing new molecular tools and approaches to enable research in cephalopods. About Carrie's work Karen Echeverri Associate scientist, bell center. The ability to regenerate complex tissue has fascinated scientists for a long time. The Echeverri lab is interested in the cell and molecular mechanisms driving regeneration. We study regeneration in axolotls; salamanders well known for their ability to functionally regenerate multiple body parts, including limbs, tail, heart, eyes and jaw and in addition can repair lesions in the brain and heal all wounds without forming scar tissue. My group uses cell and molecular tools combined with  in vivo  imaging and genomics approaches to decipher the key circuitry and cellular mechanisms that are essential to promote functional regeneration. About Karen's work Andrew Gillis Associate scientist, bay paul center. The Gillis Lab studies embryonic development of the skeletal, sensory, and neuroendocrine systems of vertebrate animals. Our work uses a comparative approach and a diverse array of emerging and established model organisms to reconstruct the origin and early evolution of the vertebrate body plan. Current lines of research include  1)  development, growth and repair of the vertebrate skeleton,  2)  serial homology and the origin of anatomical novelty, and  3)  the evolution of neuroendocrine cell type diversity. Jennifer Morgan Senior scientist, bell center. The Morgan lab uses the sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ) to elucidate mechanisms of nervous system degeneration and regeneration. Lampreys have a remarkable ability to regenerate axons and synapses after spinal injury, leading to functional recovery of swimming and other locomotor behaviors. We study these regenerative processes using transcriptomics, imaging, physiology and behavior. Moreover, lampreys possess a subset of giant synapses within the spinal cord that are amenable to acute molecular perturbations, allowing us to study synapse biology in health and disease. We are currently modeling how Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases impact synapses. Nipam Patel Mbl director. My lab works to uncover both developmental and evolutionary mechanisms in a variety of animals that help us understand the generation of biodiversity, with a recent focus on the crustacean,  Parhyale , and several species of butterflies.  We use  Parhyale  to understand the role of Hox genes and other developmental genes in building and evolving body plans and also investigate the mechanisms that allows this species to regenerate its germline.  With butterflies, we are working to discover how single scale cells create the impressive nanostructures they use for structural coloration, without which they would be greatly restricted in the pallet of colors available to them. Josh Rosenthal Research in the Rosenthal Lab focuses on the editing of genetic information in mRNA. Rosenthal and collaborators discovered that cephalopods edit neuronal messages at unusually high levels, orders of magnitude more frequently than other organisms. Current research examines the mechanistic basis of high-level RNA editing in cephalopods, and how the process is influenced by environmental factors. In addition, the Rosenthal lab is leading efforts to create a genetically tractable cephalopod model at the MBL. In parallel to the cephalopod studies, the lab also focuses on the use of RNA editing as a platform for human therapeutics, partnering with biotech in Cambridge, MA and collaborative academic teams to edit away chronic pain and genetic mutations. Research in the Swartz Lab is focused on understanding how animals make eggs, and how eggs make animals. The laboratory is defining molecular mechanisms that underly the development of an egg from its precursor cell, the oocyte. To address these questions, they are working at the interface between cell biology and development, with the sea star Patiria miniata and its relatives. Sea stars produce millions of oocytes throughout their lives, and are amenable to an extensive range of molecular and genetic tools, as well as high resolution light microscopy. As relatives to the animal group that includes vertebrates like ourselves, the sea star can teach us important lessons relevant for human reproductive health, disease, and aging. Academic Catalog 2024-2025 Marine and environmental sciences, phd. The PhD in Marine and Environmental Sciences (MES) program provides students with advanced course work and training in the concentration areas of marine sciences, geosciences, sustainability sciences, and ecology and evolutionary biology.  Students must pass three examinations during the course of their graduate studies: An oral examination by the student’s dissertation committee. A proposal defense presented to the student's dissertation committee that explains the research areas that the student proposes to work in. A defense of the student's written dissertation consisting of a public seminar, public question-and-answer period, and private defense of their work to their dissertation committee. Dissertation committees consist of at least four Northeastern faculty and one external faculty member. A cumulative GPA of 3.000 is required for graduation. All PhD students are required to have at least two first-authored publications submitted to or accepted in a peer-reviewed journal prior to their defense. The PhD will be awarded following submission of a dissertation, approved by the candidate’s dissertation committee, to the College of Science. Students who ​do not qualify for the doctoral degree, but who have completed ​required coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or better, may be eligible to receive ​a terminal  MS Marine and Environmental Sciences  degree. Note that no students will be admitted directly into the Marine and Environmental Sciences program to pursue a masterʼs degree. Concentrations and course offerings may vary by campus and/or by program modality.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for the course availability each term at your campus or within your program modality.   Certain options within the program may be  required  at certain campuses or for certain program modalities.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for requirements at your campus or for your program modality.  Bachelor's Degree Entrance Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated. Annual review Dissertation committee Qualifying examination Dissertation proposal Candidacy First-author publication Dissertation defense Core Requirements Course List Code Title Hours Statistics Complete one of the following: 4-5 Experimental Design Marine Ecology and Biostatistics and Lab for ENVR 6500 Alternative statistics course as approved by graduate committee Research Complete the following (repeatable) course twice: 8 Research Concentration Complete one of the following concentrations: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Sustainability sciences, geosciences, marine sciences. Course List Code Title Hours Seminars Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 2 Complete one of the following: 2 Seminar in Marine Sciences Seminar in Sustainability Sciences Seminar in Geosciences Readings Readings in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 2 Concentration-Specific Electives Complete 12 semester hours from the following: 12 Population Dynamics Biology of Corals Biology and Ecology of Fishes Marine Birds and Mammals Ocean and Coastal Processes Tropical Marine Ecology Environmental Planning and Ancient Marine Life and Lab for ENVR 5242 Geographical Information Systems Substitutions may be made with approval of graduate committee. Course List Code Title Hours Seminars Seminar in Sustainability Sciences 2 Complete one of the following: 2 Seminar in Marine Sciences Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar in Geosciences Readings Readings in Sustainability Sciences 2 Concentration-Specific Electives Complete 12 semester hours from the following: 12 Population Dynamics Biology and Ecology of Fishes Ocean and Coastal Processes Advanced Topics in Environmental Geology Geographical Information Systems Introduction to Computational Statistics Information Design and Visual Analytics Analyzing Complex Digitized Data Social Networks Dynamic Modeling for Environmental Decision Making Resilient Cities Substitutions may be made with approval of graduate committee. Course List Code Title Hours Seminars Seminar in Geosciences 2 Complete one of the following: 2 Seminar in Marine Sciences Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar in Sustainability Sciences Readings Readings in Geosciences 2 Concentration-Specific Electives Complete 12 semester hours from the following: 12 Ocean and Coastal Processes Advanced Topics in Environmental Geology Soil Science Environmental Planning and Ancient Marine Life and Lab for ENVR 5242 Geographical Information Systems Substitutions may be made with approval of graduate committee. Course List Code Title Hours Seminars Seminar in Marine Sciences 2 Complete one of the following: 2 Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar in Sustainability Sciences Seminar in Geosciences Readings Readings in Marine Sciences 2 Concentration-Specific Electives Complete 12 semester hours from the following: 12 Population Dynamics Biology of Corals Biology and Ecology of Fishes Marine Birds and Mammals Ocean and Coastal Processes Tropical Marine Ecology and Ancient Marine Life and Lab for ENVR 5242 Geographical Information Systems Substitutions may be made with approval of graduate committee. Dissertation Course List Code Title Hours Dissertation Term 1 Dissertation Term 2 Program Credit/GPA Requirements 30 total semester hours required Minimum 3.000 GPA required Course List Code Title Hours Statistics Complete one of the following: 4-5 and Biostatistics and Lab for ENVR 6500 Experimental Design Marine Ecology Alternative statistics course as approved by graduate committee Course List Code Title Hours Seminars Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 2 Complete one of the following: 2 Seminar in Marine Sciences Seminar in Sustainability Sciences Seminar in Geosciences Readings Readings in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 2 Course List Code Title Hours Seminars Seminar in Sustainability Sciences 2 Complete one of the following: 2 Seminar in Marine Sciences Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar in Geosciences Readings Readings in Sustainability Sciences 2 Course List Code Title Hours Seminars Seminar in Geosciences 2 Complete one of the following: 2 Seminar in Marine Sciences Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar in Sustainability Sciences Readings Readings in Geosciences 2 Course List Code Title Hours Seminars Seminar in Marine Sciences 2 Complete one of the following: 2 Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar in Sustainability Sciences Seminar in Geosciences Readings Readings in Marine Sciences 2 10 total semester hours required Minimum 3.000 GPA required Print Options Send Page to Printer Print this page. Download Page (PDF) The PDF will include all information unique to this page. 2023-24 Undergraduate Day PDF 2023-24 CPS Undergraduate PDF 2023-24 Graduate/Law PDF 2023-24 Course Descriptions PDF Ph.D. Program The training for a Ph.D. in Biology is focused on helping students achieve their goals of being a successful research scientist and teacher, at the highest level. Students work closely with an established advisor and meet regularly with a committee of faculty members to facilitate their progress. The Biology Ph.D. program is part of the larger Biosciences community at Stanford, which includes doctorate programs in the basic science departments at Stanford Medical School.  There are two tracks within the Biology Ph.D. program: Cell, Molecular and Organismal Biology Ecology and Evolution (Previously a part of the Department of Biology Hopkins Marine Station is now a part of the Oceans Department within  Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability ) All  tracks are focused on excellence in research and teaching in their respective areas; where there are differences between the tracks, they are indicated in the links below.  Requirements & Forms Dissertation defense, cellular and molecular biology training program, stanford biology preview program (bpp): navigating the stanford biology phd application process, career development resources. to post a comment. --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> -->     University of Southern California       Sep 16, 2024   USC Catalogue 2018-2019     USC Catalogue 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE] | Application deadline: December 15 Course Requirements In marine biology and biological oceanography, each student receives a general background in marine sciences and obtains in-depth specialization in a research area of his or her choosing. Each student’s curriculum is fitted to the particular needs and demands of the chosen research field. The 24 units of formal course work must include the following: BISC 529    (4), BISC 582    (4), BISC 583    (4), BISC 584    (2), BISC 585    (2); four advanced graduate seminars (8); and a statistics course approved by the student’s adviser. For Admission Requirements, refer to theadmissions section of Biological Sciences   . Core Courses (14 units) BISC 582 Advanced Biological Oceanography Units: 4 BISC 583 Evolution and Adaptation of Marine Organisms Units: 4 BISC 584 Faculty Lecture Series Units: 2 BISC 585 Scientific Writing and Reviewing Units: 2 Two semesters of student seminar (2 units) BISC 529 Seminar in Marine Biology Units: 1 Core Seminar Electives (8 units) Completion of four advanced seminars from among the following: BISC 530 Advanced Seminar in Plankton Biology Units: 2 BISC 531 Advanced Seminar on the Physiology of Marine Organisms Units: 2 BISC 532 Advanced Seminar in Molecular and Microbial Ecology Units: 2 BISC 533 Advanced Seminar in Remote Sensing and Modeling Units: 2 BISC 534 Advanced Seminar in Population Genetics of Marine Organisms Units: 2 BISC 535 Seminar in Physiology Units: 2 BISC 536 Advanced Seminar in Marine Biogeochemistry Units: 2 BISC 538 Metals and Biology in Oceanic Regimes Units: 2 BISC 586 Biological Oceanographic Instrumentation Units: 2 BISC 587 Communicating Ocean Science Units: 4 Additional Requirements A minimum total of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars and research credit. At least 24 of the minimum 60 total units required are to be formal graduate course work (lecture and seminar courses). Screening Examination Candidates must also pass a screening examination to determine competence and point out deficiencies, fulfill a research tool requirement (computer skills, biostatistics, quantitative chemistry), and meet the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School. This exam is completed before completion of 24 units in the program. Student Teaching Since most graduates in biological sciences will spend some part of their careers in academic work, teaching experience is considered an important part of graduate training. Each graduate student in the program is therefore required to serve at least two semesters as a teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences. Students must enroll in BISC 593 either before or concurrent with their first semester as a Teaching Assistant. Qualifying Examination Before the end of the fourth semester, each student must pass a written and oral qualifying examination given by the student’s qualifying exam committee. The written part involves answering a number of questions at length. The oral part is in the area of the student’s intended research, based on a project selected and developed by the student into a written proposition. After passing the qualifying examination, the student completes the research investigation and any other requirements under the guidance of the research adviser who also chairs the dissertation committee. Doctoral Dissertation The dissertation is based on original, publishable and significant research conducted independently by the student under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Defense of the Dissertation The dissertation defense includes a formal public seminar, followed by a detailed defense meeting with the full Dissertation Committee. We have 16 Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships Biological Sciences All locations Institution All Institutions All PhD Types All Funding Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships Studying a PhD in Marine Biology would give you the chance to study ocean life through an extended research project. You could be investigating the effects pollution is having on sea life, attempting to improve how we promote ocean sustainability or developing better methods for tracking organisms. What’s it like to do a PhD in Marine Biology? As a Marine Biology PhD student, you’ll develop skills in a range of areas, from field work to in the laboratory. Depending on your exact project, you’ll spend more or less time in the field, but almost every project includes the opportunity to gain at least some field work experience. Some typical research topics in Marine Biology include: Studying microplastics in the ocean Developing methods of promoting ocean sustainability Improving current methods of tracking sea life Studying an organism from the ocean in detail Investigating the effects of pollution on sea life Studying how organisms adapt to environmental change Almost all Marine Biology PhD programmes are advertised projects with attached funding. The additional cost of fieldwork or bench fees makes it challenging to self-fund either an advertised project or one you have proposed. This cost, as well as the difficulty finding an institution and supervisor with the expertise and equipment suitable for your research, makes proposing your own research uncommon in Marine Biology. A general field day will consist of either sampling, measuring, or observing organisms or their environment. This may include tagging individuals from a certain species or counting their population. Other days will involve analysing previously collected data, either in the laboratory or using techniques from data science and statistics. Upon completion of your final year, you’ll write a thesis of roughly 60,000 words that will contribute to the knowledge of your field. During your viva exam you’ll then defend your work and if successful, be awarded your PhD. Entry requirements The entry requirements for most Marine Biology PhD programmes involve a Masters in a subject directly related to Biology, at Merit or Distinction level. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need to show that you have the right level of language proficiency . PhD in Marine Biology funding options The research council responsible for funding Marine Biology PhDs in the UK is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). They provide fully-funded studentships including a stipend for living costs, a consumables budget for bench fees and a tuition fee waiver. Students don’t apply directly to the BBSRC, you apply for advertised projects with this funding attached. It’s uncommon for Marine Biology PhD students to be ‘self-funded’ due to the additional bench fees. However, if you were planning to fund yourself it might be achievable (depending on your project) through the UK government’s PhD loan and part-time work. Marine habitat restoration for future resilience: biogenic reef restoration in sea loughs under a changing climate. Phd research project. PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches. Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide) This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information. Sedimentation as a driver of change in Temperate Mesophotic Ecosystems (TMEs) The role of the microbiome on coral heat tolerance, funded phd project (european/uk students only). This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information. Fully funded PhD position: Genomics informed animal breeding for climate resilience in aquaculture (based in New Zealand) Geographic variation in pelagic–reef connectivity and implications for coral reef functioning, funded phd project (uk students only). This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions. MRes - Minimising inter-observer variability in cover estimates of sessile organisms (SAS0204) Self-funded phd students only. This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts. Predicting the roles of anadromy and freshwater carry-over effects in the sustainability of threatened brown trout Salmo trutta populations Exchange of water between the red sea and gulf of aden recorded at dsdp site 229, competition funded phd project (students worldwide). This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information. Discovery of novel pharmaceuticals from marine and desert microorganisms Defining how inter-bacterial symbioses regulate aquatic ecosystem health (phd project) - domestic only, self-funded phd - fish, predator and collective behaviour, self-funded msc r- fish, predator and collective behaviour, investigating the impact of galectin-ligand interaction on cancer cell resistance to chemotherapeutic treatment, investigating the genetic basis of immunological overlap between inflammatory diseases, evolution and biochemistry of photosynthesis - electron transfer reactions, renewable energy production, biotechnology, and chloroplast genomes, awaiting funding decision/possible external funding. This supervisor does not yet know if funding is available for this project, or they intend to apply for external funding once a suitable candidate is selected. Applications are welcome - please see project details for further information. FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved. Unknown    ( change ) Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study? Select your nearest city You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits: Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.* The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com or begin browsing FindAPhD.com *Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw. Create your account Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here . Filtering Results Ph.D. in Marine Science and Conservation General info. Faculty working with students: 25 (15 in Beaufort and 9 in Durham) Students: 38 Students receiving Financial Aid: 100% Application terms: Fall Application deadline: December 9 James Hench Director of Graduate Studies Duke Marine Laboratory 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort, NC 28516-9721 Phone: (252) 504-7585 Email: [email protected] https://nicholas.duke.edu/academics/doctoral-degrees https://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab Program Description The PhD in MSC  is designed to ensure that students receive detailed training in a particular discipline of marine natural or social science, while being exposed to sufficient interdisciplinary knowledge that they are able to synthesize information from both the social and natural sciences and apply that information to policy-making.  These students will be prepared for careers either in university teaching or research, or outside of the university involving the application of science to policy-making.  Doctoral students in MSC emphasize research as the major part of their degree programs.  The committee, chaired by the student’s faculty advisor, will recommend which of the program’s required courses students should take along with any additional courses, and generally help to shape the student’s research program. The bulk of a student's time will be spent at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC. Students often spend one or two semesters taking graduate level classes on the Durham campus before moving to Beaufort to complete their research; however, residence in Durham is not a requirement. In addition to MSC and other course work, MSC students are required to present short research update seminars in years 2-4 of their program, complete a preliminary examination, and complete a dissertation. The dissertation is presented in a public seminar and defended to the committee in a dissertation examination. Marine Science and Conservation: PhD Admission and Enrollment Statistics Marine Science and Conservation: PhD Completion Rate Statistics Marine Science and Conservation: PhD Time to Degree Statistics Marine Science and Conservation: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics Application Information Application Terms Available:  Fall Application Deadline:  December 9 Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement. Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required Statement of Purpose: Required Résumé: Required GRE Scores: GRE General (Optional) English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required Writing Sample None required We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees Solar Power Geothermal Energy Nuclear Power Why are fossil fuels bad? Businesses Selling Shark Fins Beach Cleanups Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Marine Plastic Pollution Ocean Resources Sounds in the Sea Aquaculture Artificial Reefs Coral Restoration Ocean Mining Invasive Species Threatened & Endangered Species A Sea Ethic Marine Biodiversity Marine Conservation Organizations Marine Life in Captivity: Pros & Cons Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Sustainable Ecotourism Act / Petitions Chapter 1: Roots of the modern environmental dilemma: A brief history of the relationship between humans and wildlife Chapter 2: A history of wildlife in North America Chapter 3: Climatic determinants of global patterns of biodiversity Chapter 4: Biodiversity Chapter 5: Natural selection Chapter 6: Principles of ecology Chapter 7: Niche and habitat Chapter 8: Conservation biology Chapter 9: Conservation in the USA: legislative milestones Chapter 10: Alien invaders Chapter 11: Wildlife and pollution Chapter 12: What you can do to save wildlife Sharks & Rays Squid & Octopuses, etc. Whales & Dolphins Search Google Ocean Channel Photo Galleries A History of the Study of Marine Biology The Naming of Life: Marine Taxonomy Marine Ecology Forests of the Sea Zooplankton Marine Mites – Coral Reefs Echinoderms Hemichordates Lophophorates Worms (Marine) Marine Birds Marine Fishes – Sharks, Rays and Skates Marine Mammals – Dolphins (toothed whales) Marine Reptiles Submarines & Deep Technology Marine Science/Ocean Life Related Journals Marine Biology Laboratories, Institutes & Graduate Programs Scuba Diving Ocean Mysteries: Did Life begin in the Ocean? Ocean Mysteries: Mermaids Ocean Mysteries: Sea Monsters Ocean Mysteries: The Bermuda Triangle Ocean Quizzes Recommended Books History of the Ocean Ocean Chemistry Light & Color in the Ocean The Ocean & Temperature Currents & Tides Ocean Geography Geological Makeup of Marine Environments Geologic Time & Life on Earth Marine Zones Estuaries, Salt Marshes & Mangroves Continental Shelves The Open Ocean The Arctic & Antarctic The Deep Sea Other Ocean Worlds For Students (+ Interview!) Marine Biology Degree Programs in the U.S. Marine Biology Degree Programs Worldwide For Teachers MarineBio Kids Academic Earth FutureLearn Khan Academy MIT OpenCourseWare Open Learning Initiative Stanford Online The Open University Daily Newsfeeds Conservation The Clownfish Herald What’s New @ MarineBio? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Facebook Group Facebook Page Our Sponsors Contributors For Scientists Marine Conservation/Science Support Education & Careers Find out more..., u.s. marine biology degree programs (by state), the following is our list of all u.s. schools that offer degrees in marine biology or related fields such as biological oceanography, marine science, fisheries, etc.. Please note that most degrees in Marine Biology are earned at the Masters level or higher and usually require a Bachelor’s degree first in Biology, Zoology or another life science. Many schools now also offer Bachelor degrees in Marine Biology but to be a “true” Marine Biologist be sure to follow through and complete your Master’s or Doctorate (PhD) degree. Most links open directly to each school’s marine biology program or curriculum page for your convenience (please contact us if you have any comments, changes or additions). Schools not found to offer Marine Biology degrees but that do offer degrees thought to be roughly similar to Marine Biology, are denoted with brackets, such as [Marine Science] or [Biological Oceanography]. Also note that BS and MS or PhD below may be linked separately to their specific program or department sites. To determine which school is right for you, you may want to consult the current rankings: [visit this link ], but be forewarned that they are not always the best indicator of the “best” school. It is often better to make your own assessment based on the school’s curricula, the experience of its faculty, and laboratory facilities for hands-on experience. If you find this resource helpful, please consider making a donation and joining the MarineBio Conservation Society » “The Underwater World of British Columbia keeps blowing my mind and yet there are so much more to be discovered! Stay tuned :)” Filmed and edited by marcelo johan ogata: www.bugdreamer.com | [email protected]. Alabama State University BS [Marine Biology] Auburn University [Marine Biology] BS [ MS/PhD ] Samford University [Marine Science] BS , [Environmental Management] MS University of Alabama [Marine Science/Biology] BS , [Marine Science] MS University of North Alabama [Marine Biology] BA, BS University of South Alabama [Biology – Marine Biology Concentration] BS , [Marine Science] MS , PhD University of West Alabama [Marine Biology] BS , [Conservation Biology] MS Alaska Pacific University [Marine Biology] BA, BS University of Alaska Fairbanks [Fisheries] BA, [Fisheries or Ocean Sciences] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD University of Alaska Southeast [Marine Biology, Fisheries & Ocean Sciences: Fisheries Science] BS California Lutheran University [Biology Major focusing on research in marine biology] BA, BS California State University, Long Beach BS , MS/PhD California State University Monterey Bay [Marine Science] BS. MS California State University (Moss Landing Marine Laboratories) [Marine Science] MS Humboldt State University [Biology with Marine Biology Major Concentration] BS, MS San Diego State University [Ecology, Evolutionary Biology] BS, MS, PhD San Francisco State University [Marine Science] BS San Jose State University [Marine Biology] BS Sonoma State University [Biology with concentration in Marine Biology] BS , [Biology with concentrations such as Marine Ecology] MS Stanford University/Hopkins Marine Station (undergraduate/graduate studies) University of California Berkeley [Marine Science] BA , [Integrative Biology] BA , [Integrative Biology] PhD University of California Los Angeles [Marine Biology] BS? [Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with Marine Biology specialization] MS, PhD University of California Santa Barbara [Aquatic Biology, Biology, Zoology, etc.] BA/BS , [Marine Science] MS, PhD University of California Santa Cruz [Marine Biology] BS , [Ocean Sciences: Biological Oceanography pathway] MS, PhD University of California San Diego/ Scripps Institution of Oceanography [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Biodiversity and Conservation] MS, PhD University of San Diego [Environmental and Ocean Sciences with marine ecology pathway] BA , [Environmental and Ocean Sciences] MS University of Southern California Dornsife [Marine Biology] Minor , Progressive Masters in Marine and Environmental Biology, MS , [Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography, Ocean Sciences] PhDs Connecticut University of New Haven [Marine & Environmental Sciences] BS University of Connecticut [ Marine Sciences + Marine Biology Minor ] BA, BS, [Graduate Studies in Biological Oceanography] Ave Maria University [Marine Biology] BS Barry University [Biology (BS) Marine Biology concentration] Eckerd College [Marine Science with Marine Biology track] BS Florida Atlantic University [Biology] BS , [Marine Science & Oceanography] MS , [Biology] MS , [Marine Science & Oceanography] PhD Florida Institute of Technology [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD Florida International University [Marine Biology] BS , [Biology] MS, PhD Florida State University [Biology with Marine Biology track] BA/BS , [Biology] MS, PhD Jacksonville University [Marine Science] BS , MA [Marine Science] , MS [Marine Science] , MS [Marine Studies] , Dual Degree: MA [Marine Science] & Master in Public Policy Nova Southeastern University [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Science] MS , [Marine Biology/Oceanography] PhD Rollins College [Marine Biology] BS? Stetson University [Aquatic and Marine Biology] BS University of Florida [Marine Sciences] BA/BA? [Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences] MS, MFAS, PhD University of Miami: Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science [Marine Biology & Ecology] BS , MS, PhD University of Florida [Marine Sciences] BA/BA? [Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences] MS, MFAS, PhD University of South Florida [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Science] MS , PhD University of Tampa [Marine Science/Biology (double major)] BS University of West Florida [Marine Biology] BS , [Biology: Marine Biology expertise] MS Savannah State University [Marine Science] BS , MS University of Georgia [Marine Sciences] BS, [Research or Applied Marine Studies tracks] MS, [Biological, chemical, or physical oceanography] PhD , [Marine Sciences] PhD University of Guam [Biology] BS , MS – Marine Laboratory | Houk Lab Hawai’i Pacific University [Marine Biology] BS , [Oceanography] BS , [Marine Science] MS University of Hawai’i at Hilo [Marine Science] BA, BS , [Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science] MS University of Hawai’i at Mãnoa [Marine Biology] BS , MS, PhD Southwestern College [Marine Biology] BS Nicholls State University [Biology with Marine Biology concentration] BS , [Marine and Environmental Biology] MS Maine Maritime Academy [Marine Biology] BS Unity College [Marine Biology] BS University of Maine [Marine Science + concentrations in Aquaculture or Oceanography] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD University of Maine at Machias [Marine Biology] BS University of New England [Marine Sciences with Marine Biology track] BS , [Marine Sciences] MS University of Maryland [Biology] BS , [Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences] MS, PhD Massachusetts Boston University [Marine Science] BA , [Marine Biology Program] MA, PhD Northeastern University [Marine Biology] BS ,  [Marine Biology] MS Salem State College [Biology with Marine Biology concentration] BS Suffolk University [Biology with Marine Science concentration] BA, BS University of Massachusetts Dartmouth [Biology with Marine Biology option] BS , [Marine Science] MS , PhD Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution : Undergraduate Programs , Graduate Programs , Postdoctoral Programs Mississippi University of Southern Mississippi [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Science] BS , MS, PhD Northwest Missouri State University [Marine Biology] BS New Hampshire University of New Hampshire [Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD Fairleigh Dickinson University [Marine Biology] BS , [Biology] MS Rutgers State University [Marine Science with Marine Biology/Biological Oceanography option] BS , [Oceanography] MS, PhD Cornell University – [Ecology and Evolutionary Biology] BS , [Ecology and Evolutionary Biology] MS, PhD Hofstra University [Biology with Marine Biology track] BS State University of New York – Stony Brook [Marine Sciences] BS , [Marine Vertebrate Biology] BS , [Marine Sciences (Marine Conservation and Policy, Marine and Atmospheric Sciences) tracks] MA, MS, PhD State University of New York – Stony Brook University [ Marine Sciences , Marine Vertebrate Biology BS ], [Marine and Atmospheric Sciences] MA, MS, PhD North Carolina Duke University [Biology with Marine Biology concentration] BA/BS , [Biology] MS, PhD University of North Carolina Chapel Hill [Biology with minor in Marine Sciences] BS , [Marine Sciences with specialization in Marine Biology/Ecology] MS, PhD University of North Carolina Wilmington [Marine Biology] BS , [Marine Biology] MS, PhD Bowling Green State University [Marine and Aquatic Biology BS] , [Biology] MS, PhD Ohio University [Marine, Freshwater, and Environmental Biology] BS , [Biology] MS , [Biology] PhD Wittenberg University [Biology with Minor in Marine Science] BA, BS University of Oregon, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology BA, BS , MS, PhD Oregon State University [Biology with Marine Biology and Ecology option] BS , [Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences] BS, HBS , [Marine Resource Management] MA, M S , [Fisheries Science] MS, PhD Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg University [Marine Science] BS , [Biology] MS Millersville University [Biology w/ Marine Biology option] BS Rhode Island Brown University [Biology] , Graduate Programs Roger Williams University [Marine Biology] BA, BS University of Rhode Island [Marine Biology] BS , [Biological and Environmental Sciences – specialization: Evolution and Marine Biology] MS, PhD , [Marine Affairs] MA , PhD South Carolina Texas A&M University Corpus Christi [Marine Biology Program] BS , MS, PhD Texas A&M University Galveston [Marine Biology, Marine Fisheries] BS, IDP , MS, PhD Texas State [Aquatic Biology] BS , [Aquatic Resources] MS , [Aquatic Resources & Integrative Biology] PhD University of Texas at Austin – Marine Science Institute [Biology: Marine and Freshwater Science] BS , [Marine Science] MS, PhD U.S. Virgin Islands University of the Virgin Islands – BA, BS , Master of Marine and Environmental Science Program (MMES) College of William and Mary [Marine Science minor] , [Marine Science] MS, PhD ( Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)) Hampton University [Marine and Environmental Science] BS Old Dominion University [Marine Biology] BS , [Ocean and Earth Sciences] MS, [Oceanography] PhD Seattle Pacific University [Biology with emphasis in ecology] BS University of Washington [Marine Biology] BS , [Oceanography with biological oceanography specialization] MS, PhD Western Washington University [Biology with marine emphasis] BS , [Biology, Marine and Estuarine Science] MS University of Wisconsin-Superior [Biology with Ecology, Aquatic Biology and Fishery Science focus] BS University of Wisconsin-Whitewater [Marine & Freshwater Aquatic Biology Emphasis] BS Shorebirds ~ Flyways | Full Episode | NATURE | PBS MarineBio 2024-07-18T09:50:44-05:00 Categories: Conservation News | Tags: birds , Climate Change , climatechange , environment , global warming , marine biology , marine life , Marine Science | The Facts Nearly Everyone Gets Wrong About the Climate Debate MarineBio 2024-05-25T07:22:39-05:00 Categories: Conservation News | Tags: Climate Change , climatechange , environment , global warming , marine biology , marine life , Marine Science , solarsystem , space , weather | Wonders of Life with Brian Cox MarineBio 2024-05-14T09:45:39-05:00 Categories: Science News | Tags: biodiversity , deep sea , evolution , marine biology , marine life , Marine Science | Discovering the Hidden Secrets of the Ocean MarineBio 2024-04-26T10:59:25-05:00 Categories: Conservation News | Tags: biodiversity , coral reefs , deep sea , marine biology , Marine Conservation , Marine Protected Areas , Marine Science , technology | What’s NASA Trying to Find at the Bottom of the Ocean? MarineBio 2024-04-26T08:29:23-05:00 Categories: Science News | Tags: deep sea , Extraterrestrial life , marine biology | Photographing Sperm Whales with Paul Nicklen | Behind the Shot MarineBio 2024-04-03T13:18:29-05:00 Categories: Conservation News | Tags: deep sea , marine biology , Marine Mammals , whales | Georgia Institute of Technology offers a BS in Biology with a concentration in Marine Science and a PhD in Ocean Science and Engineering. University of Delaware also offers a PhD degree in Marine Biology Your site is amazing and has helped me alot, but if you could keep it updated, it would be amazing. Central Methodist University in Missouri offers a BS in Marine Biology Southeast Missouri State University in Missouri offers a BS in Marine Biology Troy University in Alabama offers a bachelors in Marine Biology Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina also offers a PhD degree in Coastal Marine Systems Science in addition to BS and MS degrees. LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply Have a comment, question or suggestion? Feel free to submit comments to start or join discussions. Please keep in mind that all comments are moderated and your email address will NOT be published. Get your free Gravatar (Globally Recognized Avatar) before commenting to show your personal image instead of the default. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed . Jul 8, 2020 5 Steps: How to Become a Marine Biologist Ecology Project International (EPI) participants work side-by-side with field researchers from Costa Rica ,  Galapagos , Hawaii , and  Mexico , and often return home with a new goal: Become a marine biologist . Pursuing a career in marine biology or oceanography can be competitive—but you’ll have a harder time finding a marine biologist who regrets their career choice. We hope the following tips will help you navigate the diverse paths to becoming a marine biologist: 1. “Get your feet wet” With Marine Biology Jobs! Most conservation researchers—marine or otherwise—are driven to pursue their career out of an authentic love for and curiosity about the natural world. It’s never too early to cultivate this type of appreciation for your surroundings by pursuing a job in the conservation field. Get outside, be inquisitive and never let the walls of the classroom be the boundaries of your education! 2. Show your passion for science and Marine Biology By getting involved in science courses and extracurricular scientific activities as early as high school, you stand a better chance of becoming a marine biologist in the long run. By volunteering with local, regional, or international marine organizations and partaking in marine science programs outside of the classroom, you position yourself to stand out from the crowd during the college application process. (EPI's  Baja Marine Science , Hawaii Island Ecology , Galapagos Island Ecology , and Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology programs are wonderful places to start!) 3. Research colleges that offer Marine Biology as a major Focusing on marine biology as an undergraduate, rather than general biology, might provide you with a leg up on the competition when it comes to marine biology-specific fellowships, internships, jobs, and graduate programs. MarineBio.org has a great list of schools by state that offer marine biology programs . In addition to academic studies, many marine biology undergraduate programs focus heavily on field-based experiences and lab research. That being said, when deciding on program, location is important to keep in mind. Marine Biology students at California State University, for example, get a wide range of fieldwork on bays, estuaries, beaches, rocky intertidal, and open water, due to the university’s close proximity to diverse marine habitats. At Eckerd College on Florida’s gulf coast, Marine Science classes are often held on the university-owned vessels that occupy Tampa Bay. 4. Build a resume for Marine Biology jobs During and shortly after college, find opportunities that allow you to build your marine biology resume: internships, jobs, research assistantships, summer courses, fellowships…etc. Graduate schools and employers value experience as highly as they value education. EPI's Costa Rica Gap Year experience is a great place to start. 5. Pursue a graduate degree in Marine Biology While a graduate degree may not be a necessity to becoming a marine biologist—or an active and contributing member to the world of conservation—many successful researchers would tell you that an M.S. or Ph.D. degree added greatly to their abilities and resume. By the time you're ready for graduate school, you'll have had ample time to explore a number of subjects in marine biology and can concentrate on a more narrowly-focused research interest that graduate schools require. Find schools and professors that have research programs and focuses similar to your own interests.  MarineBio.org’s list of schools  also shows whether M.S. or Ph.D. degrees are available. Student Resources Recent Posts The Wild Rockies and You From Rainforest to the Rockies: COVID's Turn of Events How to Get Accepted to the Best Colleges in Ecology and Environmental Studies You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. What Is A Marine Biologist, And How Can You Become One? Here’s What To Know Updated: Feb 7, 2024, 4:50pm Marine biologists study marine life, from the smallest, single-celled organisms to the largest mammal on the planet, the blue whale. These professionals explore diverse ecosystems, from coastal kelp forests to coral reefs. And marine biologists play a key role in conservation and the marine food chain, too. Working in the exciting field of marine biology requires specialized training. Marine biologists generally need a bachelor’s degree, and some career paths require a graduate degree. Marine biology professionals may specialize in particular interest areas within the field as well. So how long does it take to become a marine biologist? And how can you become one? Keep reading to learn more about how to become a marine biologist and career paths in marine biology. Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded What Is a Marine Biologist? The field of marine biology explores marine animals and their environment. As trained scientists, marine biologists apply the scientific method to understand subjects like the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and wildlife, the vocalization patterns of marine mammals and the giant tube worms that live in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Exploring marine life requires an understanding of oceanography, cellular biology, chemistry, geology and many other fields. And within marine biology, professionals often specialize in a subfield such as marine microbiology or aquaculture, the cultivation of aquatic organisms. Marine biologists may also specialize in particular species, such as cetaceans (better known as whales), or ecosystems like coastal biology. Most marine biologists work in the public, nonprofit or academic sectors. Research marine biologists may work at colleges or in government agencies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employs marine biologists who research fisheries’ sustainability and educate the public about marine life, for example. Marine biologists also work in environmental and sustainability nonprofits. How To Become a Marine Biologist Entry-level roles in the marine sciences generally require a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years for most full-time students. More advanced roles may require additional experience or a graduate degree. Plan on spending at least four years preparing for a career in the marine sciences. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to become a marine biologist. Majors in marine biology, marine science and oceanography provide the best career-focused coursework. You can also major in general biology and choose electives in marine biology. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree, seek out opportunities for field experience, internships and laboratory research to strengthen in-demand career skills. The MarineBio Conservation Society offers a list of colleges that offer marine biology degrees. Gain Experience Marine biologists learn both in the field and in the laboratory. You can gain relevant experience through volunteer opportunities, internships and jobs. During and after college, connect with marine organizations and pursue research fellowships. This experience can prepare you for more advanced job opportunities or graduate school. Specialize Your Skills Within the broad field of marine biology, professionals specialize in areas like marine conservation, marine mammals and aquaculture. Explore these specializations during your undergraduate program and begin building your résumé around your chosen specialization. Consider a Master’s Degree Depending on your career path, you may need a graduate degree. For example, many research positions require a master’s or doctorate, particularly for academic careers. By gaining professional experience and specializing, you’ll improve your chances of getting into graduate school. Marine Biologist Salary and Job Outlook Demand for marine biologists will likely increase in the future. Ocean and freshwater ecosystems are facing a loss of biodiversity, and marine biologists play a critical role in conservation, research and sustainability efforts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that zoologists and wildlife biologists, a category that includes marine biologists, will see 3% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Many marine biologists work in the public and nonprofit sectors, which often pay lower salaries than private-sector roles. Zoologists and wildlife biologists reported a median pay of $67,430 per year in May 2022, according to BLS data. The highest-paid scientists in this group work in government, while those in social advocacy organizations report the lowest salaries. Earning potential and job availability also vary by location. States employing the most (and highest-paid) zoologists and wildlife biologists include California, Washington, Florida, Oregon and Alaska. Marine biologists generally see their earning potential grow with more experience and higher degrees. Marine Biology Specializations Within the marine biology field, scientists specialize in several areas, including aquaculture, marine microbiology and marine conservation biology. In addition to these specializations, people interested in marine biology may focus on oceanography, marine science, environmental science or zoology. Marine Biotechnologist Biotechnology researches biological processes for their applications in industry, medicine and other fields. Marine biotechnology focuses on marine organisms to develop pharmaceutical drugs, manufactured products and biologically informed processes. This specialization also has applications in aquaculture and seafood safety. Aquaculture Aquaculture refers to the farming of marine resources, including fish, shellfish and seaweed. Scientists help the aquaculture industry meet consumer demand for seafood while also protecting biodiversity and encouraging sustainable practices. Fisheries rely on specialists in this area to understand habitats, conduct population assessments and research food webs. Marine Mammals One of the most popular specializations in marine biology centers on marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals. Marine mammalogists explore the behaviors, population dynamics and health of these creatures. Within this specialty, you can pursue research roles or work in conservation or education. Environmental Marine Biology Specialists in environmental marine biology research ocean health and its impact on marine life. These marine biologists may explore coastal regions, the deep sea or offshore environments. By studying marine ecosystems, environmental marine biologists measure the impact of pollutants, runoff and chemical hazards. Conservation Marine Biology Marine conservationists study ocean life with the goal of protecting wildlife. In addition to conducting research, these marine biologists also engage with policymakers and communicate with the public about ocean conservation. They often partner with environmental advocacy groups to advocate for conservation and sustainable practices. Marine Microbiology Bacteria make up 98% of the ocean’s biomass. Marine microbiologists examine microscopic organisms and their roles in the ocean ecosystem. They research the food chain, investigate marine organisms that have medicinal applications and explore the impact of viruses on marine wildlife. Professional Organizations for Marine Biologists Professional organizations connect students with mentors, help early-career marine biologists gain experience and allow scientists to collaborate and share their research. Marine biologists and students can consider the following professional organizations. American Cetacean Society : Founded in 1967, ACS is a conservation group that promotes research and education on whales, dolphins and porpoises. The society offers volunteer opportunities and encourages public outreach on cetaceans. American Institute of Biological Sciences : AIBS publishes a peer-reviewed scientific journal, offers professional development opportunities for scientists and students and advocates for science policies. International Association for Biological Oceanography : Part of the International Union of Biological Sciences, IABO connects marine biologists through meetings and discussions. Marine Biological Association : Dating back to 1884, MBA has promoted research in marine biology. Members benefit from mentoring opportunities, online resources and career information. Society for Marine Mammalogy : SSM promotes marine mammal science. In addition to hosting an annual conference, the society offers professional development resources, including a job board, internship guidelines and workshops. The Crustacean Society : Dedicated to the study of crustaceans, TCS publishes a scientific journal, hosts biannual meetings and holds annual competitions for fellowship, scholarship and travel awards. National Marine Educators Association : Marine biologists who work in education can join NMEA. The association encourages ocean literacy and publishes a peer-reviewed journal. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Marine Biologist How long does it take to become a marine biologist. Marine biologists generally need a four-year bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field, plus experience, to qualify for many roles. Research roles may require a master’s degree or doctorate, which adds an additional two to six years of education. What do you do as a marine biologist? Marine biologists study life in the ocean. They specialize in ocean mammals, like whales, as well as invertebrates, like crustaceans. Marine biologists can also research fisheries science, ecology, conservation and marine microbiology. What skills do you need to be a marine biologist? You’ll need strong analytical and problem-solving skills to become a marine biologist. Depending on your specialization, you’ll also need fieldwork or laboratory skills. And many marine biologists work in education, which requires communication and interpersonal abilities. Is it hard to become a marine biologist? Becoming a marine biologist can be challenging. You’ll need a bachelor’s in marine biology, oceanography, marine science or a related field, plus hands-on experience in the field or laboratory. What qualifications do you need to be a marine biologist? Marine biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field. Some roles require a graduate degree. Employers generally look for candidates with hands-on experience gained through internships, volunteer opportunities or professional experience. 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Drawing on over 15 years of experience in higher education, Genevieve provides practical, research-based advice on college degrees, career training and other higher education topics. 173 IMAGES How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD In Marine Biology How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD In Marine Biology How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD? Marine Biology, M.S. & Ph.D. Texas A&M University Corpus Christi The Terminal Degree For Marine Biologists: A PhD In Marine Biology How Long Does It Take To Complete PhD VIDEO Căn Phòng Bí Mật Dưới Lòng Đất i have a phd in marine biology Follow for my adventures as a marine biology PhD student on my first at-sea research expedition 🛥️ How to get PHD Flopper on DIE RISE REMASTERED PhD vlog How to Apply to University of Hawaii at Manoa Oceanography COMMENTS Marine Biology (Ph.D.) Our marine biology Ph.D. program will help you advance your career as you seek to understand and protect marine and estuarine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. Faculty in our program use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism and neurobiology, and study the structure and function of marine ... Doctor of Philosophy Marine Biology About the Ph.D. in Marine Biology. The Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology at Texas A&M University is designed for those who aspire to conduct advanced, independent research in the marine biological sciences. This rigorous program combines formal coursework with extensive research opportunities, providing a robust foundation in the ecology ... Marine Biology (Ph.D.) Marine Biology (Ph.D.) The Marine Biology (MB) option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Some UNH faculty use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism, and neurobiology, while others study the ... Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Ecology < University of Miami Total Credit Hours. 70. The mission of the Marine Biology and Ecology (MBE) Ph.D. program is to train the next generation of scientists in the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of biology of the oceanic environment. Through coursework and independent research, we strive to prepare our students for positions in academia, government, or ... Marine Biology (MB) Information for the Marine Biology PhD program and Master's degree programs. The program offers two tracks, Marine Biology and Marine Chemical Biology: Marine Biology (MB) is the study of marine organisms and their relationship with the physical and chemical dynamics of the marine environment. Faculty expertise encompasses several major areas ... Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Marine Biology focuses on independently supervised research complemented by formal coursework. Essential components of the program include a diverse curriculum focusing on ecology and evolution of marine organisms and quantitative analysis; and original, supervised scholarly research in marine biology ... UH Marine Bio Grad Program: PhD Program Requirements. These are required of all PhD students who are admitted into the Program. Complete Form 1 (Pre-Candidacy Progress) By the end of the first week of classes, students should meet with their interim committee and discuss the student's preparation and path forward. (Fall 2021 cohort members: The Program completed Form 1 on ... Ph.D. in Oceanography / Marine Biology Learning Outcomes. A successful recipient of the Ph.D. in Oceanography/Marine Biology is expected to: Understand basic marine biological, chemical, geological, and physical processes to a level sufficient to communicate and collaborate with experts in those sub-disciplines; and to be able to apply this knowledge to issues in research and resource management Marine Biology The program provides students with a broad background and overview of the fields comprising marine biology and makes use of the diverse interests of the marine biology faculty within the department. As is generally the case, the Ph.D. program is primarily a research degree. As such, it is intended to serve students with interests in conducting ... MBL/UChicago PhD Graduate Program Overview. The newly established program between the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and the University of Chicago (UChicago) leverages the unique partnership between two leading research institutions and combines the best of both worlds - access to a collaborative and expansive research environment that spans the scales of biological ... Marine and Environmental Sciences, PhD < Northeastern University The PhD will be awarded following submission of a dissertation, approved by the candidate's dissertation committee, to the College of Science. Students who do not qualify for the doctoral degree, but who have completed required coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or better, may be eligible to receive a terminal MS Marine and ... Integrative, Comparative & Marine Biology, Ph.D. This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension. UNCW's Integrative, Comparative & Marine Biology, Ph.D. program will prepare you for advanced research opportunities and a variety of marine-related careers. Apply ... Ph.D. Program The training for a Ph.D. in Biology is focused on helping students achieve their goals of being a successful research scientist and teacher, at the highest level. Students work closely with an established advisor and meet regularly with a committee of faculty members to facilitate their progress. The Biology Ph.D. program is part of the larger ... Marine Biology The PhD degree in Marine Biology program is interdisciplinary, involving courses and linking faculty from the Texas A&M University's TAMU Colleges of Arts & Science (ARTSCI), Agriculture and Life Sciences (COALS), TAMU Galveston Campus (TAMUG) and Geosciences, and those from Texas A&M University - Galveston. TAMU-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC). Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography (PhD) In marine biology and biological oceanography, each student receives a general background in marine sciences and obtains in-depth specialization in a research area of his or her choosing. Each student's curriculum is fitted to the particular needs and demands of the chosen research field. Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships We have 18 Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships. Studying a PhD in Marine Biology would give you the chance to study ocean life through an extended research project. You could be investigating the effects pollution is having on sea life, attempting to improve how we promote ocean sustainability or developing better methods for ... Ph.D. in Marine Science and Conservation Program Description. The PhD in MSC is designed to ensure that students receive detailed training in a particular discipline of marine natural or social science, while being exposed to sufficient interdisciplinary knowledge that they are able to synthesize information from both the social and natural sciences and apply that information to policy-making. Marine Biology PhD Programs: Courses & Requirements Applicants to marine biology Ph.D. programs need to submit transcripts of their prior academic work, and programs often require degrees in biological sciences and strong preparation in subjects including oceanography, zoology, microbiology, calculus, and chemistry. Additionally, students may need to meet a minimum GPA requirement and present ... U.S. Marine Biology Degree Programs (by State) The following is our list of all U.S. schools that offer degrees in Marine Biology or related fields such as Biological Oceanography, Marine Science, Fisheries, etc. Please note that most degrees in Marine Biology are earned at the Masters level or higher and usually require a Bachelor's degree first in Biology, Zoology or another life science. 5 Steps: How to Become a Marine Biologist Get outside, be inquisitive and never let the walls of the classroom be the boundaries of your education! 2. Show your passion for science and Marine Biology. By getting involved in science courses and extracurricular scientific activities as early as high school, you stand a better chance of becoming a marine biologist in the long run. By ... What Is A Marine Biologist, And How Can You Become One? Here ... Marine Mammals. One of the most popular specializations in marine biology centers on marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals. Marine mammalogists explore the behaviors, population ... Is getting a phd in Marine biology? : r/marinebiology A PhD is a good choice if you want to do research. If that is the case carefully consider what your research interests are. For example it may make more sense to get a PhD in something broader (cell biology, ecology, zoology, genetics, bioinformatics, etc.) that can be applied to marine biology but are also applicable for other research ... Career Paths Marine Biology is a field of biology, and studying this field can be effective preparation for students wishing to pursue careers in health sciences. Some Marine Biologists wish to work with the care of animals through Veterinary Medicine, while others go on to work with human health. Some Marine Biologists research the potential biomedical ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review thesis