USC Marine Science Graduate Program

Dr. Raymond Torres
Director of Graduate Studies in Marine Science.
Email: torres@geol.sc.edu

The Marine Science Graduate Program, established in 1972, offers the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The program is designed to train scientists for careers in research, teaching and scientific leadership. Degree requirements include the completion of an original research project and the writing of a scholarly thesis or dissertation. The program typically comprises about 30 graduate students. The program stresses interdisciplinary education, as evidenced by the diversity of faculty participating in the program from various departments within the University (Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics, Liberal Arts, and the School of Public Health).

The interdisciplinary nature of the program is mirrored in the curriculum and the research topics of past and current graduate students. Faculty participation from various departments within the University includes teaching graduate courses and serving as major advisors or members of thesis and dissertation committees. Programs leading to both MS and PhD degrees provide training in a variety of areas of Marine Science and Oceanography, including Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics. Other specializations can be developed in areas such as Ocean Policy, Marine Affairs and Marine Science Education.

All graduate students must successfully complete a four-course core sequence in biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography. A broad range of advanced courses, augmented with weekly seminars by faculty and visiting scientists, keeps the students abreast of the fundamental concepts and latest discoveries in their fields. All graduate students are required to participate in undergraduate instruction for at least one semester as a part of their training.

Admission to the Marine Science Graduate Program is based on application materials and often times includes a formal interview with Marine Science faculty. For specific rules and regulations pertaining to graduate study at the University of South Carolina, consult the Graduate School and the Graduate Bulletin. For specific information on graduation deadlines and other details, consult the Graduate School's Current Student Information page. Further questions regarding any phase of graduate admissions can be addressed to the graduate director.