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PhD in Marine Science at University of Southern Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

United States of America, West Hattiesburg

University of Southern Mississippi offers the PhD of Marine Science as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its Stennis campus in West Hattiesburg , 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 marine science and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 21, 2027.

About PhD in Marine Science

What is Marine Science, and why is it important?

Humans have an intimate relationship with the ocean. It provides the air we breathe, influences weather, regulates global climate, and provides vital resources that affects every aspect of our lives. Around 40% of the world's population lives within 60 miles (100 km) of the coast, making them particularly vulnerable to changes in sea level, coastal degradation, flooding, and the damaging effects of hurricanes. The ocean economy contributes more than 300 billion dollars annually and over 3 millions jobs to the US economy. The marine environment is therefore vital to our planet and our well-being. Marine Scientists at USM study a broad range of research themes aimed at understanding ocean processes so that we may better understand the current and future role of the ocean in Earth systems, and better preserve and protect our marine resources.

A working understanding of the four major fields of marine science: physical oceanography, geological oceanography, biological oceanography, and marine chemistry
A 'cross-discipline' appreciation of ocean processes and how they regulate global climate, marine ecosystems, and sustain global fisheries
A broad range of practical, analytical, and laboratory skills, including field work at sea, data analysis and state-of-the-art instrumentation
How to effectively communicate science to a broad audience

The foundation provided by our program has consistently assisted our students in continuing their career paths in research, teaching and other sectors around the country both at a University level as well as within federal agencies such as the Navy, NOAA, EPA, and USGS.

Disciplines

School of Ocean Science and Engineering

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Marine Science at University of Southern Mississippi

Entry Requirements

Graduate application materials for international applicants are collected by the International Admissions office. Admission to a graduate program must first be approved by the chair of the department in which the student plans to study. After approval by the department, admission decisions are approved by the college dean and The Graduate School.

Prospective international students must provide proof of English proficiency through a TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or iTEP exam. Some departments may require GRE, GMAT, or MAT. You should check your particular department to find out which exam is required for admission to your proposed program.

Applications will be forwarded to the academic department for review when all required application materials have been submitted. These items should be received before the deadline date of the semester for which the student is applying.

Admission is competitive and based on a holistic review of the applicant’s credentials by departments. The University sets minimum requirements for regular admission into graduate school, including:

Online Application
$60 non-refundable application fee
Minimum GPA of 2.75/4.00 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
Good standing at last university attended
Official transcripts and degree certificates or diplomas from all previous colleges or universities attended
Official TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English, PTE, or iTEP scores (The ETS code used for test reporting to The University of Southern Mississippi is 1479)
Official copy of GRE, GMAT, or MAT score from testing service (not required for all programs, Graduate School also maintains a list under the Test Requirements dropdown. It is best to check with your academic department for the most up to date information.)
Three letters of recommendation (upload to application file)
Statement of Purpose or writing sample (according to departmental requirements)
Immunization records (required prior to enrolling in classes if admitted)

Individual graduate programs may have additional or more stringent requirements. Departmental websites should be consulted for more details about program-specific expectations for admission.

Please mail official transcripts to:

If using a courier service such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL (FedEx and UPS are preferred):

Elizabeth Shoemake
The University of Southern Mississippi
International Admissions #5135
2609 West 4th Street
Hattiesburg MS 39401-5876

If mailing form within the United States:

The University of Southern Mississippi 
Office of International Admissions
118 College Drive # 5135
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001  USA

English Requirements

PTEMin 54
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 71

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Marine Science at University of Southern Mississippi

Application Fee 60

How to Apply for PhD in Marine Science at University of Southern Mississippi

Create your application account or sign-in using your previously created account information. Once you have verified your account, begin your application. Please be aware that you are completing an application for admission to a specific program for a specific entry term. If you wish to apply to more than one program, you will need to complete multiple applications.

As you complete your application, make note of the required application materials and prompts. You may upload required materials before submitting your application or after paying your application fee.

After submitting your application, log back into your application portal to upload your resume, statement of purpose and other program-specific required documents and to track the progress of your application and other outstanding application materials. Please be aware that application materials will not be returned to the applicant nor forwarded to other institutions.

Your application must be submitted and the $60 application fee must be paid before the application deadline. Application waivers are available for active members, reservists, and veterans of the U.S. armed forces, current or former participants in the McNair Scholars program, recipients of a Fulbright Student Scholar award, and full-time permanent employees of The University of Southern Mississippi.

PhD in Marine Science at University of Southern Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

United States of America, West Hattiesburg