Marine Science Program at USC

General requirements for degrees in marine science are the same as those established by the Graduate School. The program of study and other specific degree requirements will be planned in consultation with the student, the graduate student's advisory committee and the Graduate Studies Director.

Core Courses
Marine Science graduate students are required to complete each of the following four core courses with a minimum grade of B unless they are specifically exempted:

MSCI 750 Advanced Biological Oceanography (3 h)
MSCI 781 Physical Oceanography (3 h)
MSCI 545 Geological Oceanography (3 h)
MSCI 782 Chemical Oceanography (3 h)

Master of Science (Required Courses and Credit Hours)
A Master of Science student is required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, including 12 hours of core courses and one additional course numbered 700 or above (other than 799, Thesis Preparation). The remaining credits may be earned in courses numbered above 500, including 6 hours of 799. Students must achieve and maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 on all courses taken for graduate credit and complete each of the core courses with a minimum grade of B.

Doctor of Philosophy (Required Courses and Credit Hours)
A doctoral student is required to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours (including only 12 hours of 899, Dissertation Preparation) beyond the baccalaureate, or a minimum of 30 credit hours (including only 12 hours of 899) beyond the master's degree. The core courses (12 hours) are required unless exempted. Students must complete at least half of their credit hours, exclusive of 12 hours of 899, in courses numbered 700 and higher. Students must achieve and maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 on all courses taken for graduate credit.