Masters in Atmospheric Studies in USA

The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered in several concentration areas of oceanography: physical, chemical, biological, geological and fisheries oceanography. 

Oceanography is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary. The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees emphasize processes that influence the ocean as a system, including its circulation, composition, biological productivity and geology. Students considering graduate study in oceanography should have a strong background in physics, chemistry, biology, geology or mathematics and a working familiarity with the other subjects. 

This option is offered in conjunction with the Joint Hydrographic Center/Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping. Students follow a more structured path through this program, which incorporates all aspects of hydrography as required by the Interntational Hydrogrpahic Organization (IHO). 

The Oceanography program creates and communicates integrated understanding of oceanographic processes by weaving fundamentals from basic sciences and mathematics into a fully interdisciplinary, marine context. As leaders in ocean observation and prediction, we focus expertise on the Gulf of Maine and maintain active research programs throughout the world’s oceans. Mentoring of students in the Program emphasizes fundamentals, novel composites of disciplines tailored to the students’ research, and an adaptive, problem-solving skill set that prepares students for the rapid change that has become characteristic within both their profession and the oceans themselves.

Students in both the M.S. and the Ph.D. degree programs complete four core courses in, respectively, the physical, chemical, biological and geological aspects of the marine system, and supplementary courses based on student needs and interests. Most of the coursework is taken in Orono, especially during the student’s first year, whereas the thesis research may be carried out either at Orono or the University of Maine’s marine laboratory, the Ira C. Darling Marine Center.

Course requirements for the master's degree are satisfied by completion of a departmentally approved program of study. Each program of study must consist of at least nine courses (36 units), six (24 units) of which must be entry level graduate courses drawn from a list maintained and published on the website by the department and chosen to ensure proper breadth and preparation. The minimum of 12 additional units of coursework is chosen from the 200-series to prepare for their specific research area. The advanced course requirements also may be partially satisfied by: (1) 200-series courses taken for a grade outside of the department; (2) directed studies courses (596) within the department; and, in case of thesis plan students, (3) research courses (598) within the department. Only one 500-series course (four units) may be applied toward the minimum graduate course requirement for the master's degree. Each student submits their program of study to the department prior to the beginning of the Spring quarter of their first year. Subject to the approval of the student's faculty advising committee, the program of study may be amended at any time, based on course offerings and evolving interests. The final program of study will be the basis for the departmental oral comprehensive examination. Satisfactory completion of the program of study requires an S grade for all S/U grades courses and a B average in all letters-graded courses that are part of the program of study.

Oceanography is a broad, multidisciplinary science that integrates the expertise and skills of ocean scientists with that of engineers. Florida Tech’s master’s in oceanography is a research-centric program that focuses on the study of:

• Ocean currents and waves
• Coastal processes
• Planktonic, nektonic, and   benthic ecology
• Marine meteorology
• Hydro-acoustic applications
• Trace-metal pollution

Whether students want to develop a new way of restoring wetlands and shorelines, design solutions for managing the effects of pollution, or solve the mystery of Red Tides, a master’s in oceanography from Florida Tech provides training in some of the most diverse marine environments in the world. This master's-degree program is available in both thesis-based and non-thesis options.