Graduate Students Handbook: Download Word Doc

This booklet is designed to provide students and faculty with information to enhance their understanding of rules and procedures of the Marine Science Program (MSCI). Clarification of ambiguities can be obtained from the MSCI Director or the Graduate Studies Director.

The Marine Science Program, established in 1972, has experienced sustained growth and now includes approximately 150 undergraduate majors and more than 30 graduate students. The Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered. All Marine Science graduate degrees are based on original research and the writing of a scholarly thesis, dissertation or refereed publications. Faculty from departments in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Public Health participate by teaching classes, directing theses and dissertations, and serving on committees. The MSCI graduate level curriculum and research topics stress the interdisciplinary study of estuarine, coastal and oceanic waters. This emphasis is reflected in both course offerings and the approach to most research projects. Deep-sea or open ocean studies are possible through cooperative use of research vessels, including the RV Cape Hatteras out of Beaufort, North Carolina, other academically managed vessels in the UNOLS fleet, NOAA vessels and the ship

Students may choose to specialize in biological, chemical, geological, physical oceanography, marine resource policy or marine science education. Previous research has emphasized estuarine and coastal marine science, with the largest number of theses and dissertations completed in the areas of marine biology and marine geology. Specialization can be developed with the consent of the student's advisory committee and the Graduate Studies Committee. A collection of theses and dissertations is available for examination in the MSCI office and the Thomas Cooper Library.

For specific rules and regulations pertaining to graduate study at the University of South Carolina, consult the University of South Carolina Bulletin or the Graduate School Web Page. For information not contained in this MSCI guideline, students should contact:

Program Director or Graduate Studies Director
Marine Science Program
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Phone: (803) 777-9561
Web Site: http://www.msci.sc.edu

Program Director: Dr. Robert C. Thunell
email: thunell@sc.edu
Graduate Studies Director: Dr. Ronald Benner
email: benner@biol.sc.edu