Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Marine Science

For the master’s degree, students must complete at least thirty semester hours of acceptable graduate work in marine science and related natural sciences, including Marine Science 698. Each student must complete the three core courses listed below and is expected to complete two advanced courses as required by the Graduate Studies Committee or the supervising committee. A minimum of six  semester hours of coursework in the natural sciences outside of the area of specialization selected by the student make up the minor or supporting area.

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral candidates must complete the three core courses listed below, for a total of twelve hours. While additional courses are not specified, each student is expected to complete three advanced courses, as required by the Graduate Studies Committee or the supervising committee. A minimum of nine semester hours of graduate coursework in the natural sciences outside of the area of specialization selected by the student make up the minor or supporting area.

Students are expected to fulfill all requirements for candidacy by the end of the second year. This involves, as a minimum, completion of the required core courses, passage of a qualifying examination to demonstrate competence in the core areas, passage of a comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery of the chosen area of specialization, and selection of a dissertation committee and supervising professor.

Further information on graduate work and on available fellowships and assistantships may be found at http://www.utmsi.utexas.edu/ and by consultation with the graduate adviser.

Core Courses

Marine Science 481C, Marine Ecosystem Dynamics
Marine Science 482C, Marine Biogeochemistry
Marine Science 483C, Adaptations to the Marine Environment