Graduate Menu
Graduate Marine Science Program
Director Graduate Program in Oceanography: Yair Rosenthal rosenthal@marine.rutgers.edu
The Graduate Program in Oceanography is centered in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, which serves as a focus of interdisciplinary studies and research in estuarine, coastal and open-ocean environments. A broad range of research opportunities are available, including: real-time studies in the coastal ocean using advanced underwater instrumentation; biological and geological processes at deep-sea hydrothermal vents; remote sensing and ocean modeling; advanced underwater optics and fish behavior; biodiversity and marine molecular biology; coastal geomorphology; organism-sediment interactions; cycling of organic and inorganic materials in the ocean; watershed ecosystems.
Degree Options
Candidates with a baccalaureate degree may apply for either the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree program. Detailed requirements for both degrees, and for disciplinary options, are available from the Graduate Director, or by clicking here.
Perspective students interested in the Master in Operational Oceanography can find more information about the program here: Master of Operational Oceanography
PhD. Learning Goals
The PhD degree in the Graduate Program in Oceanography is intended to train students at an advanced level in interdisciplinary science and technology related to oceanographic, climatic, littoral, and coastal marine processes, so as to prepare them to assume careers in research and applied science across a broad, diverse spectrum of associated fields.
Learning Goal 1 for Students:
Attain marked ability, scholarship and research skills in interdisciplinary marine-related learning
Assessment of student achievement of Goal 1:
- Grades in graduate courses
- A Ph.D. qualifying examination assessing interdisciplinary knowledge and reasoning
- Mentoring by a student’s individual advisor and thesis committee
- Self-reported student learning outcomes in an annual report to a GPO scholastic review committee
- Post-graduate placement in positions and careers that require abilities, skills and scholarship broadly related to the field and associate disciplines.
Roles of the Graduate Program in Oceanography and the University in helping students achieve Goal 1:
- Evaluate teaching effectiveness of instructors in graduate courses
- Periodic review of curricular offerings and assessment tools
- Through annual meetings of the GPO faculty
- Through consultation with faculty and the Directors of related graduate programs
- Through consultation between the GPO Director and the Oceanography Graduate Students Association
- Monitoring of timely progress toward graduation via an annual student review process
- Ensuring equality and transparency in access to financial support through university supported Graduate and Teaching Assistantships
Learning Goal 2 for Students:
Engage in and conduct original research
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 2:
- Preparation of and defense of Ph.D. dissertation proposal
- Assessment of the Ph.D. dissertation:
- Public defense of dissertation
- Critical reading of dissertation by a committee of GPO members and a committee member from outside of the GPO
- Publication of articles based on the dissertation in peer-reviewed journals
- Achievement of students as evidenced by selection for conference presentations, attainment of individual grants or fellowships, awards from professional societies, peer-reviewed journal publications, and post-graduate career placement.
Roles of the Graduate Program in Oceanography in helping graduate students to achieve Goal 2:
- Provide early introduction to research opportunities
- Provide opportunities to present research and receive feedback
- Maintain adequate funding through the research phase
- Provide comprehensive advising and assist in identifying mentors
- Encourage grant support of graduate student travel to appropriate conferences, special educational opportunities, and field work
- Establish standards for membership and outside members of student committees
Learning Goal 3 for Students:
Prepare students to become professionals in their discipline
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 3:
- Review evidence of papers presented, publications and professional networking
- Aggregate evaluations of teaching effectiveness of graduate student instructors
- Collection of career placement data
- Encourage enrollment in courses related to scientific writing, college instruction, and science communication
- Host and promote professional development programs in fellowship proposal preparation, and how to write a scientific paper
- Facilitate opportunities for students to participate in oceanographic cruises, field work, and international summer schools
- Acquaint students with non-academic career opportunities.
Financial Support
Full-time Graduate Assistantships (GA) and Teaching Assistantships (TA) are available from sponsored research grants and contracts awarded to faculty advisors.
In addition, a limited number of state-supported GA/TA or University sponsored fellowships are available each year.
Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships (GA/TA) salaries are provided by University checks issued bi-weekly during the 10-month period of September 1st through June 30th, at the annual base rate under the provisions of the AAUP-AFT Collective Negotiations Agreement, which can be found under University Labor Relations website: https://laborrelations.rutgers.edu/faculty/resources
Fall 2024 PhD Students (separate MOA with the AAUP-AFT; NOT part of the new contract):
Beginning with Fall 2024 students entering their PhD graduate program that semester, at the conclusion of a full-time PhD student’s one-year term of appointment as a Graduate Assistantship (GA) or Teaching Assistantship (TA), or following the conclusion of such student’s one-year fellowship, the University shall offer the fulltime PhD student support through the completion of the fifth year of the student’s doctoral program provided the student is making adequate academic progress in their program through GA/TA or University-sponsored fellowships.
Graduate Program in Oceanography
Contact Information
Email: gpo@marine.rutgers.edu
Phone: 848-932-3408