Academics | Marine Biosciences Degree Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements
(Ph.D. in Marine Studies with a Concentration in Marine Biosciences
1. Course Requirements
a. MAST 621, Coastal Field Biology (2)*
b. MAST 627, Marine Biology (3)*
c. MAST 634, Marine Biochemistry (3)*
d. Individuals matriculated as regular students in the Marine Bioscience Program must register for MAST 821 (Marine Bioscience Seminar) in one semester during each year of residence. Students may substitute an equivalent seminar course with approval of the Program Director. Individuals matriculated as sustaining students are exempt from the seminar requirement.
e. One course (minimum 3 credits) outside of the program. This may be one of the specially designed introductory courses or a more advanced course. Introductory courses include MAST 602 (Physical Oceanography), MAST 637 (Geological Oceanography), 646 (Chemical Oceanography) and MAST 670 (U.S. Ocean and Coastal Policy).
f. Dissertation: 9 credits.
Additional graduate-level course work as determined by dissertation advisory committee.
2. Advisory Committee
a. Selection of an advisory committee, with at least four (4) members, a minimum of half of whom shall be members of the CMES faculty and at least one of whom shall be external to CMES. Committee is to be selected by the student and approved by the advisor (who serves as the chair of the committee), the program director, and the associate dean by the end of the third semester after matriculation or, in the case of a bypass of the Master's degree, by the end of the semester following the approval of the bypass.
3. Dissertation Proposal
A written proposal presented to, orally defended before, and accepted by the advisory committee. The proposal is to be accepted by the end of the third semester after matriculation or, in the case of a bypass of the Master's degree, by the end of the semester following the approval of the bypass.
4. Qualifying Examination
Satisfactory performance on a written and oral examinations prepared, administered, and graded by the advisory committee. To be completed by the end of the third semester after matriculation or, in the case of a bypass of the Master's degree, by the end of the semester following the approval of the bypass.
5. Dissertation Defense
A written dissertation and oral defense of the dissertation before a public audience and the advisory committee. The defense and its evaluation to be conducted according to CMES Policies and Procedures.
*Students continuing in the doctoral program who received a Master's degree at CMES can have these requirements waived if they were completed at the Master's level.
Master of Science Degree Requirements
(M.S. in Marine Studies with a Concentration in Marine Biosciences)
1. Course Requirements
Minimum of 24 graduate course credits (not to include thesis/research credits)
a. MAST 627, Marine Biology (3)
b. MAST 634, Marine Biochemistry (3)
c. Individuals matriculated as regular students in the Marine Bioscience Program must register for MAST 821 (Marine Bioscience Seminar) in one semester during each year of residence. Students may substitute an equivalent seminar course with approval of the Program Director. Individuals matriculated as sustaining students are exempt from the seminar requirement.
d. One course (minimum 3 credits) outside of the program. This may be one of the specially designed introductory courses or a more advanced course. Introductory courses include MAST 602 (Physical Oceanography), MAST 637 (Geological Oceanography), 646 (Chemical Oceanography) and MAST 670 (U.S. Ocean and Coastal Policy).
Minimum of 24 graduate course credits (including required courses listed above).
e. Thesis 6 credits (does not count toward minimum of 24 course credits).
f. Additional graduate-level course work as determined by advisory committee.
2. Advisory Committee
Selection of an advisory committee, with three (3) or more members a minimum of half of whom shall be members of the CMES family. Committee is to be selected by the student and approved by the advisor (who serves as the chair of the committee), the program director, and the associate dean by the end of the second semester after matriculation.
3. Thesis Proposal
A written thesis and oral defense of the thesis before a public audience and the advisory committee. The defense and its evaluation to be conducted according to CMES policies and Procedures.
4. Thesis Defense
A written thesis and oral defense of the thesis before a public audience and the advisory committee. The defense and its evaluation to be conducted according to CMES Policies and Procedures.
