Current Students

How to apply

Undergraduate student admissions to UC Santa Cruz are handled through the University of California’s online application system. Be sure to review the steps you must take, and when, to ensure that your application is considered.

Master of Science (M.S.) degree policies

Department: Ocean Sciences
Program Size: ~1-3 students/yr
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 1:1-3:1

The Ocean Science M.S. degree combines core courses and electives to provide depth and breadth in the ocean sciences. Graduates from the program are exceptionally prepared to take research or management positions in organizations concerned with the marine environment, to become educators, or to enter doctoral programs in ocean sciences or related fields. The thesis M.S. degree is preparation for research careers.

Whereas the doctoral program has an oceanographic orientation, the ocean sciences master’s program is broader and has traditionally attracted many students in marine biology and ecology. Students are encouraged to select a course of study that draws on the expertise of the core ocean sciences faculty and any of the affiliated faculty in other departments. Customized programs of study that combine related disciplines are supported in the master’s program.

View requirements

How to apply

Application deadline: December 8

Apply for master’s

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree policies

Department: Ocean Sciences
Program Size: ~41 students/yr
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3.4:1

Within the Ocean Science Ph.D. program graduates will receive advanced training in oceanography and in the traditional disciplines—biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, and physics—as chosen by the student and his or her advisers. The core training is provided through courses in ocean sciences; a subset of which is taken by all students in the first two years, and reinforced by the student’s seminars throughout the program.

The pathways within the ocean sciences Ph.D. program are differentiated from related degrees in the traditional disciplines by their focus on global-scale problems and interactions, a focus on the ocean, and their inherently interdisciplinary approach. Interdisciplinary projects across and between pathways are encouraged, as are interactions with faculty in related departments.

Get advising

Contacts

OS Advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Ocean Sciences

  • Phone: 831-###-####
  • Email: osadvising@ucsc.edu
  • Office: Physical Sciences Building (PSB), Room 230
  • Office Hours: M–F, 9 A.M.–Noon & 1–4 P.M.

Our advisor advises all students in the Ocean Sciences M.S. and Ph.D. program. They are a good place to start for general advising questions. Please contact them first if you’re unsure with whom to speak.


How to apply

Application deadline: December 8

Apply for doctoral