This flexible program allows you to focus on a specific area of oceanography – biological, chemical, geological, and physical – as well as in interdisciplinary and related areas such as atmospheric chemistry.
Program requirements: comprehensive examination, dissertation, OCG 695, and participation in a regular ocean research cruise. For specialization in biological or chemical oceanography: OCG 501, 521, 540, and 561. For specialization in geological oceanography: OCG 540 and any two of OCG 501, 521, and 561.For specialization in physical oceanography: OCG 501, 530, 610 and 613 and any six credits of 500- and 600-level OCG courses outside the physical oceanography discipline. A Ph.D. qualifying examination is required of all doctoral students. This requirement is satisfied by completing, with a grade of B or better, the courses specified for the appropriate discipline.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in oceanography offers an option in marine policy. Ph.D. students who have successfully completed their comprehensive examinations and obtained approval from cognizant major professor may apply to the Master of Marine Affairs program (see
Marine Affairs) to expand their skills in ocean/coastal policy, management, and law relevant to professional positions both inside and outside of government. Students who successfully complete the M.M.A. degree may transfer up to six credits from that program into the oceanography Ph.D. at the discretion of their major professor in oceanography.