General Information for Prospective Graduate Students
The Department of Marine Science of The University of Texas at Austin offers programs of study leading to either an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in marine science. Graduate students begin their academic program during the summer semester at to The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas or during the fall semester at The University of Texas Austin campus. Students typically complete two semesters of course work at the Austin campus before moving to Port Aransas. At the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas students take department core curriculum courses, advanced graduate courses, attend seminars, and conduct thesis or dissertation research.
Master of Science Degree Program (M.S.)
On average, completion of the M.S. degree takes 2-3 years in The Department of Marine Science. Graduate course work, original research, and practical experience as a teaching assistant, are required to complete the M.S. degree in marine science.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program (Ph.D.)
On average, completion of the Ph.D. degree in marine science takes between 4-6 years in The Department of Marine Science. Degree requirements include graduate course work, original research, and practical experience as a teaching assistant. All doctoral students must also complete The Department of Marine Science Ph.D. qualifying examination. The examination includes a written and oral examination section. The written exam tests the student’s knowledge of the department’s core course curriculum. During the oral exam students present and defend an original research proposal. Candidacy requirements are normally completed by the end of the second year. All doctoral candidates write a dissertation based on the results of their original research, and make a formal oral defense of the document to complete the degree requirements.
To learn more about the graduate program at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and to find out about the application process, be sure to check out The Department of Marine Science Degree Program.
Here are some useful links:
Admissions
Office of Graduate Studies
GRE/TOEFL
Graduate School Rankings (U.S. News)
Careers in Marine Science (Mote Marine Laboratory)
