Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences

    PhD in Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)

    PhD in Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)

    University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers the PhD of Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for applied coastal & ocean sciences and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 23, 2026.

    About PhD in Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences

    Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences, Ph.D. Program Overview

    Blue Economy

    This program leverages UNCW's unique coastal location and has the potential to contribute to the regional and national blue economy. The blue economy encompasses a broad range of economic and sustainable uses and benefits of the ocean, including fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnology, maritime transport, tourism and recreation, energy and mineral resources, waste management and impacts of climate change.  

    Your research will positively impact the world

    You will learn how to get your discoveries out of the lab and into the world, collaborate with entrepreneurs, or become a professional innovator yourself.

    Earn a robust marine science degree.

    Experience training and opportunities to develop dynamic entrepreneurship and technology development skills.

    Prepare for careers in the academic job market, private and policy sectors, or entrepreneurship.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)

    Entry Requirements

    To be eligible for admission for graduate study at the University of North Carolina Wilmington applicants must:

    • Regionally Accredited Bachelor's Degree: Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent in a foreign institution (as evaluated course-by-course through a NACES approved credit evaluation service) by the first official day of classes for the term of the application.

      • Seven Accrediting Bodies for Regional Institutions:
        • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association (NH)
        • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (M)
        • New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (EH)
        • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NW)
        • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SC)
        • Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WC)
        • Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WJ)

    • Student Holds (Current/Previous UNCW Students): Applicants with an application hold will not be allowed to move forward in the application process until the hold is released. Check your SeaNet Account to view your account hold(s).

    • Grade Point Average: Have a strong overall academic record with a B average or better in the basic courses prerequisite to the area of proposed graduate study. Provisional admission may be considered by some programs. Contact the program coordinator for additional information regarding their acceptance policy.

    • Level: Graduate and undergraduate programs may not be pursued simultaneously.

    • Online Accelerated Programs (OAP): OAP programs must be pursued independent of any other program. 

    • Additional Requirements: Meet any additional admission requirement(s) as outlined by the graduate program.

    • Professional Licensure in State-Regulated Professions: State laws may require practitioners to be licensed to practice in their state. Learn more about UNCW's participation in the NC-State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. 

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    Fee Information

    Application Fee 75

    How to Apply

    • You will create your account after choosing a Regular Term Instruction (RTI) or Online Accelerated Program (OAP) program option on our application page.
    • Please create only one account. Use the same log-in anytime you start or continue an application.
    • Review the deadlines for your program of interest on our Key Dates page.
    PhD in Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
    University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
    University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
    United States of America

    United States of America, Aberdeen

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