Many Ph.D. graduates join university faculties and start their own research programs, frequently after one or two years of postdoctoral work. Our graduates also pursue careers in the private sector conducting research for ocean-related industries, private laboratories, consulting, and contract firms. The Ph.D. in oceanography is designed to be completed in five calendar years, including work required for a master's degree. To meet the requirements students who enter with an M.S. complete 64 credit hours. Students who enter without an M.S. complete 96 credit hours and must pass a qualifying exam during the third semester of study.
Credit hours consist of required courses, elective courses, and research credit hours.
Students who already hold an M.S. in oceanography or an allied field may arrange to waive some required courses. Each Ph.D. student must pass a preliminary examination upon completion of his or her course work in order to continue in the program. Ph.D. students also propose, write, and defend a dissertation based on original research under the guidance of an advisory committee. We offer about twenty graduate-level oceanography courses each fall and spring semester. Most courses are taught in College Station, but our teleconference facilities allow students on both campuses to take courses offered at either location.