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Columbia Campus    
2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
 
  Oct 14, 2024
 
2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Marine Science, Ph.D.



Learning Outcomes

  • Students will formulate clear and testable research hypotheses.
  • Students will communicate orally to demonstrate their ability to present scientific results clearly, logically, and critically.  For PhD students a higher level of communication is expected relative to the MS.
  • Students will communicate in writing to demonstrate their ability to present scientific results clearly, logically, and critically.  For PhD students a higher level of communication efficiency and clarity is expected relative to the MS.
  • Students will apply scientific methodology, quantitative problem-solving, and experimental techniques within the core areas of marine science.  PhD students must demonstrate a more detailed proficiency with these skill in order to demonstrate an ability to conduct independent research.
  • Students will demonstrate clear understanding of the four core areas of Marine Science (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics).  Each core area is a subfield of science.  The PhD student is expected to have a more detailed grasp of issues in these core areas as they affect the underlying research questions and methodologies.

Degree Requirements (60 Post Baccalaureate Hours)

General requirements for degrees in Marine Science are the same as those established by the Graduate School. The Ph.D. program of study and other specific degree requirements are planned in consultation with the graduate student, the graduate student’s advisory committee, the Marine Science Graduate Studies Committee, and the Marine Science Program Director.

The Ph.D. degree requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours (including only 12 hours of 899, Dissertation Preparation) beyond the baccalaureate, or a minimum of 30 credit hours (including only 12 hours of 899) beyond the master’s degree. The core courses (12 hours) are required unless exempted. Students must complete at least half of their credit hours, exclusive of 12 hours of 899, in courses numbered 700 and higher.

Ph.D. students must achieve and maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 on all courses taken for graduate credit and complete each of the core courses with a minimum grade of B.

The Ph.D. degree requires a research plan presentation, a comprehensive exam, a peer-reviewed publication, a written dissertation, and a dissertation defense.

Ph.D. students must achieve and maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 on all courses taken for graduate credit and complete each of the core courses with a minimum grade of B.

The Ph.D. degree requires a research plan presentation, a comprehensive exam, a peer-reviewed publication, a written dissertation, and a dissertation defense.

The following courses are required for students in the Marine Science Program unless they are specifically exempted:


A number of courses exist in various departments and colleges that enable students to specialize in a particular area of emphasis in marine science.


  • Marine biology/Biological oceanography
  • Marine chemistry/Chemical oceanography
  • Marine geology/Geological oceanography
  • Physical oceanography/Atmospheric dynamics

The following are examples of non-MSCI courses acceptable for major credit.