Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Master Of Science In Marine Science & Oceanography

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The deadline for Application are January 15 for Fall Admission and October 1 for Spring Admission

Â鶹ŮÀÉ Marine Science and Oceanography Graduate Degree Program

The Marine Science and Oceanography (MSO) master’s program is part of a multidisciplinary and multi-initiative at Â鶹ŮÀÉ (Â鶹ŮÀÉ) School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS). The primary educational objective of this program is to provide graduate students with a broad understanding of coastal, nearshore and oceanographic science, along with the research and inquiry skills necessary to independently conduct research and answer questions within their area of specialization. They will be well situated to enter the workforce ready to apply their skills to research, management and administrative questions related to coastal and oceanographic issues in higher education, government, private sector consulting positions and non-profit organizations.

This is an interdisciplinary program jointly administered by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Participating faculty have appointments at HBOI and the College of Science. Areas of concentration include Marine Biology, Coastal and Geological Science, Conservation and Ecology, Remote Sensing and GIS, Chemistry, and Statistics and Communication.

By incorporating the HBOI research faculty into this new degree program, we are providing an academic program of the highest quality. HBOI has already demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class research, and they have engaged with Florida’s communities and businesses in meaningful and measurable ways. The HBOI faculty now turn their attention to delivering graduate curriculum to students who will have an unprecedented opportunity to work directly with world-class researchers, both at HBOI and throughout Â鶹ŮÀÉ, in their labs and in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Students

Core classes are taught one day per week at the Harbor Branch campus and in person attendance is required. All other classes may be taken virtually or in person at Harbor Branch or on other campuses.

There are no pre-requisites for admittance, however there may be pre-requisites for specific courses. You may review the MSO course list to see what courses may be of interest to you, then check the Â鶹ŮÀÉ course catalog to see if there are pre-requisites for any of those courses. This program includes rigorous required courses and students should have solid backgrounds in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

You may apply no later than October 1 for Spring admission and January 15 for Fall admission.

If the seminar fits within the Plan of Study that you develop with your advisor, you may take more than one seminar. Most seminars are only one course credit.

Yes. A maximum of six graduate credits earned from another institution may be transferred.

You should begin searching for an Advisor prior to applying to the MSO graduate program. See the guidelines and policies associated with faculty Advisors. Review the Program Faculty participant list to identify faculty with whom you wish to work. Once you have identified several faculty members whose research programs align with your interests, you should reach out to them directly about the possibility of joining their research lab.

When you submit your completed application, an email request is sent to your referees. The email includes a link for upload of a document or a choice to directly type their recommendation.

The GRE is not required for the MSO program

Yes, the program may be taken on a part-time basis.

Your application package must contain a signed Faculty Advisor form.

The MSO is a program designed to allow a broad range of Bachelor’s degrees however a STEM background is desirable.

Statement of interest, resume/CV, two recommendations, Faculty Advisor form, and unofficial transcripts.

The current Graduate Teaching Assistantship stipend is approximately $12,480, plus a tuition waiver, and subsidized health care. Most MSO program TA positions are in the Biology Department. TA positions are not guaranteed in the MSO program, but we have good success finding them for our students.

The Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) salary varies based on available funding. Faculty awarding the GRAs out of their grant funds may choose to pay an amount that they are able to and wish to do so. This would be discussed directly between the student and the specific Advisor. Assistantships also come with a tuition waiver; however, students do not receive a waiver of fees that pay for items such as parking decals, gym access, technology fee, etc.

Students should talk with their future advisors to see specifically what information they want to see in the written statement. Think of this as a narrative to your CV or resume. Why, from an academic and research perspective, do you want to go to graduate school? How will graduate school help you in your future career ambitions? What relevant academic and research experiences do you have to demonstrate you are ready for graduate programs?

Official transcripts are to be sent directly to Â鶹ŮÀÉ’s Graduate College.

Marine Science and Oceanography Seminar/Colloquium (OCE 6922) OR the Marine Science Seminar (BSC 6938)

You and your Advisor.

Inquiries for the Marine Science and Oceanography Master’s Program, contact Cathy Rossmell (crossmel@fau.edu) and Jessica Pettingill (jessicap@fau.edu).

New Students

If the seminar fits within the Plan of Study that you develop with your advisor, you may take more than one seminar. Most seminars are only one course credit.

Yes. A maximum of six graduate credits earned from another institution may be transferred.

Marine Science and Oceanography Seminar/Colloquium (OCE 6922) OR the Marine Science Seminar (BSC 6938)

You and your Advisor.

Inquiries for the Marine Science and Oceanography Master’s Program, contact Cathy Rossmell (crossmel@fau.edu) and Jessica Pettingill (jessicap@fau.edu).

Current Students

Students working full-time toward a Master’s degree are expected to complete all requirements within two (2) years after entering the program.

For Master’s student participants, an email will be sent each semester with a deadline by which a response is required.

Yes. But your advisor must alert a Program Coordinator and a Grant Coordinator of an intended change in support status. A late request to switch from RA to TA will not be possible if all TA positions have already been filled. A late request to switch from TA to RA may result in denial of a subsequent TA request.

If a student is supported by a Graduate Assistantship, your Advisor is responsible for your salary support. Consult with your Advisor to understand your options. If a student is supported by a Teaching Assistantship, students must sign up, usually through the Biology Department, to be considered.

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is due twice a year by November 1 and April 15.

The thesis committee must be formed by the end of the second semester.

Your committee will consist of three Graduate Faculty members. Procedures for Master’s Program Committee Formation
1) In consultation with your Advisor, contact (no later than term 2) two additional Graduate Faculty members to serve on the Graduate Supervisory Committee.
2) Official verification of the Graduate Supervisory Committee must be completed in writing. Please download the Committee Formation form at /hboi/education-and-outreach/graduate-programs/ms-marine-science-and-oceanography/forms-and-policies/
3) Each Faculty agreeing to serve on the committee must sign the form, which is then emailed to MSO-Admin@fau.edu.

Inquiries for the Marine Science and Oceanography Master’s Program, contact Cathy Rossmell (crossmel@fau.edu) and Jessica Pettingill (jessicap@fau.edu).

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.

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5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
call (772) 242-2400

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