Graduate Major
The USF College of Marine Science (CMS) is one of the top 10 marine science programs in the country. We conduct research in our own backyards of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to the far reaches of Antarctica - and prize a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the challenges that face our blue planet. Core study areas include biological oceanography, geological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, marine resource assessment and hydrography.
DEGREE OPTIONS
The College of Marine Science offers both a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Marine Science on the St. Petersburg campus. Please visit the CMS How to Apply page for critical application instructions.
MARINE SCIENCE AT USF ST. PETERSBURG
Graduate students are critical to the research enterprise. This research-based graduate program is led by faculty with expertise in all aspects of oceanography who are addressing a wide variety of challenges. Students benefit from a strong interdisciplinary education critical to a successful career in marine science.
The Marine Science program is a mentored one, in which students work closely with
their faculty advisors as apprentices from day one. With an average of 90 graduate
students under the direction of around 25 full‐time faculty, students and faculty
can partner to understand the ocean’s impact on humans, and vice versa, and provide
science-based solutions to critical marine issues.
Students can choose a concentration in one of six related marine science fields, including:
- Biological Oceanography: studying the life histories and population dynamics of marine organisms and how they interact with their environment over space and time.
- Chemical Oceanography: studying the basic conditions under which ocean life thrives in seawater and predict the effects of anthropogenic and natural climate change on ocean chemistry.
- Geological Oceanography: comparing modern marine environments to those millions of years in the past to understand and predict Earth surface and interior processes.
- Hydrography: research related to mapping the seafloor from land to the deep seafloor using acoustics, optics and other remote sensing tools.
- Marine Resource Assessment: studying ecosystem‐based management to create a new generation of scientists who can effectively address issues concerning the sustainability of the world’s living natural resources.
- Physical Oceanography: studying ocean circulation, winds and tides to better understand and predict local weather patterns and natural hazards to the global climate system.
In addition, the College offers an interdisciplinary option that allows students to
develop expertise in marine science along with a subject offered in another USF-based
college, such as engineering or education.
CMS graduates are well prepared for positions in academia, industry, government agencies,
and non‐governmental organizations at local to international levels.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL DEGREES IN MARINE SCIENCE
Always refer to the Graduate Catalog for details about degree requirements. Students will work with their Major Professor and Advisory Committee to select the most beneficial set of courses to support their research.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about this program and more information, contact Admissions Advising: marinescience@usf.edu.