Marine Sciences

The Marine Sciences undergraduate program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the physical, biological, and chemical processes of the world's oceans and aquatic systems. Designed to prepare students for careers in research, environmental management, conservation, and policy, this program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects, utilize advanced laboratory and field equipment, and collaborate with faculty renowned for their expertise in marine ecology, oceanography, marine chemistry, and related fields. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as marine biology, physical oceanography, marine geology, and environmental science, providing a well-rounded foundation for understanding complex marine ecosystems. In addition to classroom instruction, students are encouraged to participate in field excursions, internships, and research internships that foster practical skills and real-world experience. The program aims to develop students’ analytical skills, data interpretation abilities, and an awareness of oceanic and coastal challenges facing society today, including climate change, pollution, and sustainable resource management. Graduates of the Marine Sciences program are well-equipped to pursue graduate studies, careers in marine research institutions, governmental agencies, environmental consulting, or other sectors dedicated to the preservation and sustainable use of marine resources. With access to world-class faculty, marine laboratories, and collaborative research initiatives, students receive a rigorous education that prepares them for the dynamic and evolving field of marine sciences. This program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and global perspectives, reflecting the university’s commitment to addressing international environmental challenges through innovative scientific solutions.

Each graduate student in the Department of Marine Sciences must gain a broad background in the marine sciences as well as an in-depth understanding of his or her own subdiscipline (e.g., chemical oceanography). This is accomplished by taking the four core courses (Marine Geology, Biological Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, and Physical Oceanography: MASC 503, MASC 504, MASC 505, and MASC 506, respectively) and advanced courses determined by each student's advisory committee, and by participating in research that ultimately results in an M.S. thesis or a Ph.D. dissertation. By the end of the 24-month period that begins when a student first enrolls in the department, the student is expected to have completed the four core courses, How to Give a Seminar (MASC 705), and Student Interdisciplinary Seminar (MASC 706), and to have taken a written comprehensive exam (M.S. students) in his or her subdiscipline.

The academic program for a Ph.D. student will be supervised by a faculty advisory committee of at least five members drawn from the UNC–Chapel Hill graduate faculty. Course requirements normally include the four core courses, additional advanced courses determined by the student's advisory committee, one hour of MASC 705, How to Give a Seminar, and one hour of MASC 706, Student Interdisciplinary Seminar. A waiver for one or more of the core courses can be arranged with the approval of the student's advisory committee and the Department of Marine Sciences Performance Committee. Additional requirements include passing a comprehensive examination containing both written (research proposal) and oral (proposal defense seminar) parts, a period of study or research at a marine station or participation on an oceanographic cruise, teaching experience sufficient to develop and demonstrate competence, and scientific research resulting in a written dissertation, which is defended by the student. 

Courses

• MASC 503. Marine Geology.
• MASC 504. Biological Oceanography.
• MASC 505. Chemical Oceanography.
• MASC 506. Physical Oceanography. 
• MASC 550. Biogeochemical Cycling.
• MASC 552. Organic Geochemistry.
• MASC 553. Geochemistry.
• MASC 560. Fluid Dynamics.
• MASC 561. Time Series and Spatial Data Analysis.
• MASC 562. Turbulent Boundary Layers.
• MASC 563. Descriptive Physical Oceanography.
• MASC 705. How to Give a Seminar.
• MASC 706. Student Interdisciplinary Seminar.
• MASC 741. Seminar in Marine Biology
• MASC 742. Molecular Population Biology. 
• MASC 750. Modeling Diagenetic Processes. 
• MASC 761. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics.
• MASC 762. Ocean Circulation Theory.
• MASC 763. Coastal Circulation.
• MASC 764. Ocean Circulation Modeling. 
• MASC 765. Small-Scale Physics of the Ocean.
• MASC 781. Numerical ODE/PDE, I.
• MASC 782. Numerical ODE/PDE, II.
• MASC 783. Mathematical Modeling I.
• MASC 784. Mathematical Modeling II.
• MASC 799. Experimental Graduate.
• MASC 893. Special Topics in Marine Geology.
• MASC 894. Special Topics in Biological Oceanography.
• MASC 895. Special Topics in Physical Oceanography. 
• MASC 896. Special Topics in Chemical Oceanography.
• MASC 897. Special Topics in Marine Sciences.
• MASC 940. Research in Marine Sciences.
• MASC 994. Doctoral Research and Dissertation. 

• Application fee (non-refundable $85)
• Transcripts (complete, not selected courses)
  • One unofficial transcript from each university attended must be uploaded within the application. All unofficial transcripts must be uploaded to your application in order for your application to be reviewed. Please do not mail transcripts as part of your admission application; we only accept unofficial uploads for application evaluation. If you are offered admission, one official transcript for each university attended will be required prior to the first day of the term.
• Current letters of recommendation
  • The email address of three recommenders will be required within the application for electronic submission.
• Standardized test scores
  • (GRE, GMAT, etc.; no more than 5 years old.)
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/CV
• TOEFL or IELTS score (no more than two years old)
• Completed financial certificate

In addition to the University’s required application materials, applicants should review the information below for additional expectations or application requirements.

Your application must be completed by December 13, 2016 to receive full consideration for departmental financial support.

In the Plans for Graduate Study section of the application:

Select a degree. To select the correct degree program for you, please do one of the following:

Applicants who will not have already earned a Masters Degree in Marine Sciences or a closely related field when they enter the UNC-Chapel Hill Marine Sciences Program may select either Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.  If you are certain that you want to earn an M.S. Degree as your terminal degree at UNC-Chapel Hill, then you should select Master of Science.  If you plan to ultimately earn a Ph.D. at UNC-Chapel Hill, either by first completing the M.S. program here or by earning an M.S. Bypass, you should select Doctor of Philosophy.  If you are unsure of your final degree at UNC-Chapel Hill, then you should select Doctor of Philosophy.

Applicants who will have already earned a Masters Degree in Marine Sciences or a closely related field when they enter the UNC-Chapel Hill Marine Sciences Program, select Doctor of Philosophy.

Select an Area of Interest or Specialization.  From the list below, select an area that you most identify with and are interested in pursuing as a graduate student.

• Aquatic Biogeochemical Processes
• Biological Oceanography
• Chemical Ecology
• Chemical Oceanography
• Coastal Fluid Dynamics
• Marine & Coastal Geology
• Marine Ecology
• Marine Geochemistry
• Marine Organic Geochemistry
• Microbial Ecology & Molecular Biology
• Physical Oceanography & Meteorology

More than one area may be selected.  Please choose ‘Other’ if your area of specialization is not listed.

In the Statement of Purpose section of the application, upload a written statement (about 1000 words) that includes the following:  (a) your reasons for wanting to do graduate work in marine sciences; (b) how your background has prepared you for working in this field; (c) your academic and research accomplishments; (d) your specific research interests; and (e) your career and future goals.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers various financing options for students enrolled in their marine sciences programs. Tuition fees vary depending on residency status, with in-state students benefiting from lower rates compared to out-of-state students. For undergraduate students, the annual tuition ranges approximately from $9,000 for in-state residents to $36,000 for out-of-state residents. Graduate students may encounter different fee structures, often determined by the department or funding circumstances.

Financial aid opportunities include federal and institutional grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. The university participates in federal financial aid programs such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which students are encouraged to complete annually. Scholarships are available based on merit, need, and specific criteria related to marine sciences or related disciplines. The university also offers departmental fellowships and assistantships, which provide tuition remission and stipends to qualified graduate students.

Students are advised to explore external funding sources as well, including private foundations and research grants pertinent to marine sciences. The university's Office of Scholarships and Student Aid provides detailed guidance on the application processes, deadlines, and documentation required for various financial support options.

Additionally, students may consider student loans, which are available through federal programs, with terms varying based on loan type and borrower eligibility. Work opportunities on campus or in coastal research projects can also help offset costs. It is recommended that students plan their finances early and seek personalized advice from the university's financial aid counselors to optimize their funding strategies during their studies in marine sciences at UNC Chapel Hill.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive Marine Sciences program designed to equip students with a multidisciplinary understanding of marine ecosystems, oceanography, and marine biology. The program emphasizes both fundamental science and applied research, preparing graduates for careers in research, environmental management, policy, or further academic study. Students gain a solid foundation in biological, physical, chemical, and geological aspects of the ocean, along with specialized coursework in marine ecology, marine conservation, and oceanographic techniques. The curriculum includes hands-on laboratory and field experience, allowing students to engage directly with marine environments and data collection methods. Research opportunities are available through partnerships with local marine research institutes, enabling students to participate in ongoing projects related to marine biodiversity, climate change impacts, and sustainable resource management. Faculty members are active researchers in various marine sciences disciplines, providing mentorship and facilitating student involvement in cutting-edge research. The program also offers seminars, workshops, and internships to enhance practical skills and professional development. Graduates of the Marine Sciences program are well-prepared to pursue careers in environmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, marine research laboratories, or continue their education in graduate or professional schools. The university leverages its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its network of marine research facilities to provide unique experiential learning opportunities, positioning students at the forefront of marine science discovery and application.