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- Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Ecology
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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 and Oceanography Graduate Programs in America
1-25 of 34 results
Nicholas School of the Environment
- Durham, NC ·
- Duke University ·
- Graduate School
- · Rating 4.86 out of 5 7 reviews
Duke University, Graduate School, DURHAM, NC. 7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Thus far, my academic experience has been great. I have had access to academic advising sessions and have been able to successfully enroll in my desired classes. An area of improvement would be the... Read 7 reviews.
Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
- Los Angeles, CA ·
- University of Southern California ·
University of Southern California, Graduate School, LOS ANGELES, CA.
Northeastern University College of Science
- Boston, MA ·
- Northeastern University ·
Northeastern University, Graduate School, BOSTON, MA.
School of Marine Sciences - William & Mary
- Gloucester Point, VA ·
- William & Mary ·
Blue checkmark. William & Mary, Graduate School, GLOUCESTER POINT, VA.
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
- Athens, GA ·
- University of Georgia ·
- · Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
Blue checkmark. University of Georgia, Graduate School, ATHENS, GA. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says Overall it is a pretty good program at a school that is really becoming an academic powerhouse. Being at the flagship school of the state helps with certain benefits and great networking... Read 1 reviews.
Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
- Miami, FL ·
- University of Miami ·
- · Rating 5 out of 5 6 reviews
University of Miami, Graduate School, MIAMI, FL. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Love the professors and beautiful campus. I could always find help when I needed it. Great place to get any type of degree. The classes are hard but manageable as long as you are organized and stay... Read 6 reviews.
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College of Letters and Science - UC Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara, CA ·
- University of California - Santa Barbara ·
University of California - Santa Barbara, Graduate School, SANTA BARBARA, CA.
College of Geosciences - Texas A&M University
- College Station, TX ·
- Texas A&M University ·
Texas A&M University, Graduate School, COLLEGE STATION, TX.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- La Jolla, CA ·
- University of California - San Diego ·
University of California - San Diego, Graduate School, LA JOLLA, CA.
College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment - University of Delaware
- Newark, DE ·
- University of Delaware ·
University of Delaware, Graduate School, NEWARK, DE.
College of Arts and Sciences - University of San Diego
- San Diego, CA ·
- University of San Diego ·
- · Rating 5 out of 5 2 reviews
University of San Diego, Graduate School, SAN DIEGO, CA. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I have taken a tour of the College of Arts when I was actually supposed to take a tour of the Law School Program building. USD College of Arts and Sciences maintains creativity and a diversity of... Read 2 reviews.
College of Arts and Sciences - The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL ·
- The University of Alabama ·
Blue checkmark. The University of Alabama, Graduate School, TUSCALOOSA, AL.
- Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
- Biophysics Graduate Programs
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College of Arts and Sciences - University of South Carolina
- Columbia, SC ·
- University of South Carolina ·
- · Rating 4.5 out of 5 2 reviews
University of South Carolina, Graduate School, COLUMBIA, SC. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Current Master's student says My academic program has given me many opportunities to become a social worker post-graduation. The College of Social Work is great. Read 2 reviews.
College of Engineering and Science at Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, FL ·
- Florida Institute of Technology ·
Blue checkmark. Florida Institute of Technology, Graduate School, MELBOURNE, FL.
College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences - University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Baltimore, MD ·
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County ·
Blue checkmark. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Graduate School, BALTIMORE, MD.
Kennedy College of Sciences
- Lowell, MA ·
- University of Massachusetts Lowell ·
University of Massachusetts Lowell, Graduate School, LOWELL, MA.
College of Charleston School of Sciences and Mathematics
- Charleston, SC ·
- College of Charleston ·
Blue checkmark. College of Charleston, Graduate School, CHARLESTON, SC.
College of Arts and Sciences - University of North Carolina - Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC ·
- University of North Carolina - Wilmington ·
- · Rating 4.67 out of 5 3 reviews
University of North Carolina - Wilmington, Graduate School, WILMINGTON, NC. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says As a transfer student from Cape Fear Community College, I received my Bachelor's of Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. My overall experience as a transfer student was very good. Read 3 reviews.
Texas State University College of Science and Engineering
- San Marcos, TX ·
- Texas State University ·
Texas State University, Graduate School, SAN MARCOS, TX.
College of Arts and Sciences - University of Southern Mississippi
- Hattiesburg, MS ·
- University of Southern Mississippi ·
University of Southern Mississippi, Graduate School, HATTIESBURG, MS. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Other says I am currently a faculty member. I serve as the director for the Army ROTC Department. I decided to enroll at the university of Southern Mississippi because of my relationship with the University. I... Read 1 reviews.
College of Science and Mathematics - Montclair State University
- Montclair, NJ ·
- Montclair State University ·
Montclair State University, Graduate School, MONTCLAIR, NJ.
Marine Science Research Institute - Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, FL ·
- Jacksonville University ·
Blue checkmark. Jacksonville University, Graduate School, JACKSONVILLE, FL.
School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology - University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Honolulu, HI ·
- University of Hawaii at Manoa ·
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Graduate School, HONOLULU, HI.
Graduate School of Oceanography - University of Rhode Island
- Narragansett, RI ·
- University of Rhode Island ·
University of Rhode Island, Graduate School, NARRAGANSETT, RI.
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi College of Science and Engineering
- Corpus Christi, TX ·
- Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi ·
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Graduate School, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX.
Showing results 1 through 25 of 34
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Marine Biology Graduate Program
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Creating future leaders in Marine Science
Begin Your Adventure
The Marine Biology Graduate Program is an interdisciplinary program co-administered by the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology, offering MS and PhD degrees in Marine Biology. Marine biological studies at the University of Hawaiʻi have a long history of excellent research and graduate training in highly competitive programs like Botany, Microbiology, Oceanography, and Zoology. The Marine Biology Graduate Program provides graduate students access to experts in all of these disciplines. We encourage you to have a look and explore what we offer.
What We Offer
The faculty and students in this program have access to one of largest coral reef habitats in the United States including the Main Hawaiian Islands, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.
The unique location of the Hawaiian Archipelago in the central North Pacific Ocean makes it one of the most remote locations in the world allowing the processes that govern adaptation and evolution in the marine environment to be studied with minimal anthropogenic influence.
The program emphasizes scientific training in marine biology as a high demand, interdisciplinary occupation for the future.
Our Partners
This program takes advantage of the 40+ faculty members whose research interests span the study of marine ecosystems, marine biogeochemical processes, reef and oceanic fisheries, and human/marine interactions. We also partner with state and federal agencies such as the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center for NOAA, the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to offer research and internship opportunities.
Degrees Available
Our Program offers the following two degrees in Marine Biology:
Master’s Plan A & Doctorate
Sponsorship
In graduate school, a student is mentored by a primary advisor who provides mentorship, laboratory space and resources for students to perform research.
Identification of a sponsor involves finding a Marine Biology graduate faculty mentor who agrees to consider your application for a space in their lab where you can perform your graduate research and training. Identification of a sponsor is not required to apply. However, students must be sponsored by a Marine Biology faculty member to be admitted . Visit this page for more information about identifying a graduate faculty advisor.
Prospective Students
Students are expected to have strong undergraduate or MS training in biological oceanography, biology, botany, environmental science, marine biology, microbiology, zoology, or other life sciences.
We encourage you to prepare academically before applying to the program, as the time required to take courses in order to have the necessary knowledge after enrollment may hinder your graduate progress in the program.
For our current students visit the Intranet .
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