The School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) harnesses elements from key areas of The University of Southern Mississippi, including the Division of Marine Science (DMS) at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs, Miss., and the University’s fleet of five research vessels, to create a regionally, nationally and internationally recognized leader in marine science. Its Graduate Programs include M.S. and PhD in Coastal Sciences (COA).

As a research-intensive unit, COA's graduate program offers excellent opportunities for students to immerse themselves in applied research. Graduates are equipped to help better protect, manage, and enhance coastal and marine resources. Current research programs support graduate and postdoctoral students in investigations related to aquaculture, aquatic health sciences, coastal ecology and ecosystem processes and fisheries and fisheries oceanography.

Coastal Sciences consists of talented faculty covering a wide range of disciplines in core marine research areas. As authors of hundreds of scientific publications, members of regional, national and international councils and advisory panels, graduate students benefit from numerous scientific and research experiences. Active faculty research programs provide students with opportunities to engage in multidisciplinary research and conduct original studies, providing COA graduates a competitive edge in the job market.