Ocean Futures, PhD
Biology, Climate, Community, Conservation, Environment, Global, Planning, Sea, Sustainability, Water, approved for STEM-OPT extension, chemistry, ecosystem, geography, resources, stewardship
Advance your knowledge and skills, conduct impactful research with leading scientists, and work collaboratively with coastal communities and organizations to develop innovative solutions that will help shape a healthy ocean and thriving global future.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in ocean futures offers advanced doctoral training focused on comprehensively understanding intricate processes that govern the planet's global ocean, including threats to ecosystems and the human populations it supports. Students have the opportunity to learn from and work with leading scientists and conduct use-inspired research that works towards culturally appropriate solutions for local to global stewardship for the future ocean.
The adaptable nature of the curriculum allows students to customize their electives based on their academic and professional goals. The flexibility enables them to leverage research and training opportunities by collaborating with scientific, professional and local communities, as well as stakeholders and rights holders. Students build skills in context-specific and solutions-oriented research, data analysis and communication, in turn supporting societal needs and the university's mission to enhance local impact and social embeddedness.
One of the benefits of the program is the opportunity for students to gain additional experience through course offerings and engagement opportunities at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai'i.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, an oral comprehensive exam, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required core (6 credit hours) Electives (54 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
SEA 501 Exploring Ocean Futures (3)
SEA 585 Graduate Ocean Futures Workshop (3)
SEA 792 Research (12)
SEA 799 Dissertation (12)
Students complete 54 credit hours of electives, nine of which are 500- and 600-level SEA courses and three of which are quantitative and modeling coursework. Electives should be selected in consultation with the program advisor.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biological sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental studies, geography, marine science, natural resource management, oceanography, sustainability, urban planning, geography or a related discipline or related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- professional resume
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
The personal statement should not exceed 600 words and should describe how the applicant's research and other background will contribute to success in the program and describe how completion of the degree will support long-term career goals. The statement should elaborate on key research questions the applicant wishes to address or problems to solve as part of the program, and it should identify potential faculty advisors.
Letters of recommendation must be from three people who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional achievements.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final |
Students in the doctorate program have opportunities to develop their research with faculty who are working in a diverse array of locations, local and international. In particular, long-standing ASU research centers in Bermuda and Hawai'i offer faculty and logistical support for research projects in the Atlantic and Pacific regions.
Students can find additional internships, and short course programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through the Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.
With the increasing recognition that global oceans and coastal communities play a critical role in protecting future human and planetary well-being, graduates of the program find employment in universities, industry, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations that require a marine science background and relevant research experience.
Career possibilities for program graduates include:
- community development director
- environmental consultant
- marine biologist
- policy advisor
- professor
- program manager or director
- research scientist
School of Ocean Futures
|
WCPH 3rd floor
OceanFuturesGrad@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
