Degree Requirements, Marine Science
Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online at https://utexas.box.com/v/UTAustinGraduateHandbooks. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.
Master of Science in Marine Science
For the master’s degree, students must complete at least 30 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 six semester hours of advanced courses in marine science as required by the Graduate Studies Committee or the supervising committee. A minimum of six semester hours of coursework outside of the area of specialization selected by the student and approved by the graduate advisor and supervising professor make up the minor or supporting area.
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctoral candidates must complete the three core courses listed below, for a total of 12 semester hours. While additional courses are not specified, each student is expected to complete six semester hours of advanced courses in marine science, as required by the Graduate Studies Committee or the supervising committee. A minimum of six semester hours of coursework outside of the area of specialization, selected by the student and approved by the graduate advisor and supervising professor, make up the minor or supporting area.
Students are expected to fulfill all requirements for candidacy before the end of their third year in the program at the University. This involves, as a minimum, completion of the required core courses and passage of a candidacy examination to demonstrate competence in the core areas and mastery of the chosen area of specialization, as well as selection of a dissertation committee and supervising professor.
Further information on graduate work and on available fellowships and assistantships may be found at the Marine Science Institute's website and by consultation with the graduate advisor.
Core Courses
Marine Science 481C, Marine Ecosystem Dynamics
Marine Science 482C, Marine Biogeochemistry
Marine Science 483C, Adaptations to the Marine Environment