Marine Science -PhD

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 Marine Science.

Marine Scientists focus their work on both practical or applied problems and basic scientific questions. The oceans provide both bounty and peril; they provide a wealth of food, a vast water supply reservoir and are the source of most of the heat and carbon used in our climate system; they are the source of ½ the oxygen our biosphere needs; they also spawn large storms and hurricanes, and tsunamis.

What Will I Learn?

The importance of the oceans to physical climate, food supplies and biological stability are being more widely recognized and appreciated every day. Here you will:

• work in a dynamic natural environment
• use multi-disciplinary techniques
• share a passion for the sea and all it has to offer

Graduate students will gain experience working at sea on USM's research vessel in the Gulf of Mexico and have the opportunity to work onshore or offshore around the world on research projects.