Master of Science in Marine Science & Oceanography

Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Student FAQs

Is the GRE score required?

How and when should I begin working to identify an Advisor?

You should begin searching for an Advisor prior to applying to the MSO graduate program. See the guidelines and policies associated with faculty Advisors. Review the Program Faculty participant list to identify faculty with whom you wish to work. Once you have identified several faculty members whose research programs align with your interests, you should reach out to them directly about the possibility of joining their research lab.

Must I have an advisor to submit my application?

Are there pre-requisites for admittance to the MSO program?

There are no pre-requisites for admittance, however there may be pre-requisites for specific courses. You may review the MSO course list to see what courses may be of interest to you, then check the FAU course catalog to see if there are pre-requisites for any of those courses. This program includes rigorous required courses and students should have solid backgrounds in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Am I required to attend class at Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce?

What are the costs for tuition and fees?

Who is responsible for advising me on my course requirements?

Your Advisor is ultimately responsible. Students should consult with their Advisor, who will serve as the Chair of the Committee, for assistance in selecting courses. Students should also read and be familiar with the MSO program regulations, which contain program requirements and policies. https://www.fau.edu/hboi/education-and-outreach/graduate-programs/ms-marine-science-and-oceanography/regulations-masters-degrees/

What are the course requirements?

Who decides on my electives?

Which courses fulfill the seminar requirement for the MSO program?

Can I enroll in more than one seminar course within the same semester?

The electives and the core courses are not offered in all semesters. How can I plan for my coursework?

Refer to the guidelines and policies associated with your program for program-specific restrictions. You can also plan by consulting historical course schedule data on the FAU web page and contacting the respective faculty who teach courses of interest.

The MSO Core Courses are taught once an academic year, and the Marine Science Seminar is offered every semester. Statistics courses are offered in the Biology, Math and Psychology Departments. Other MSO elective courses are offered in variable semesters. The MSO program shares a list with students and faculty every semester to help students choose their schedule. Please use the FAU Course Schedule to search for future semesters. https://www.fau.edu/registrar/courses/

Can I transfer credits into the MSO program?

Where can I get additional information on graduate admissions and policy guidelines?

What is the yearly salary for Graduate Research Assistantships?

The Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) salary varies based on available funding. Faculty awarding the GRAs out of their grant funds may choose to pay an amount that they are able to and wish to do so. This would be discussed directly between the student and the specific Advisor. Assistantships also come with a tuition waiver; however, students do not receive a waiver of fees that pay for items such as parking decals, gym access, technology fee, etc.

What is the stipend for Graduate Teaching Assistantships?

Where can I find information about health insurance for students?

Which student clubs and organizations can I participate in as a Graduate Student at FAU?

Who should I contact in the program for my questions?

Where can I find information about scholarships, fellowships and financial aid?

Where can I find resources for International Students?

If I am applying in a future semester, may I start taking classes now?

May I be a part-time student in the MSO program?

Can I apply in the Spring semester?

What do I need to include with my application?

What should I include in my Statement of Interest?

Where to I send official transcripts?

How are my recommendations included in the process?

What Bachelor’s degree do I need before applying to the MSO program?

New Students FAQs

Who is responsible for advising me on my course requirements?

What are the course requirements?

Who decides on my electives?

Which courses fulfill the seminar requirement associated with the MSO program?

Can I enroll in more than one seminar course within the same semester?

The electives and the core courses are not offered in all semesters. How can I plan for my coursework?

Refer to the guidelines and policies associated with your program for program-specific restrictions. You can also plan by consulting historical course schedule data on the FAU web page and contacting the respective faculty who teach courses of interest to you.

The MSO Core Courses are taught once an academic year, and the Marine Science Seminar is offered every semester. Statistics courses are offered in the Biology, Math and Psychology Departments. Other MSO elective courses are offered in variable semesters. The MSO program shares a list with students and faculty every semester to help students choose their schedule. Please use the FAU Course Schedule to search for future semesters. https://www.fau.edu/registrar/courses/

Can I transfer credits into the MSO program?

Where can I find information about health insurance for students?

Which student clubs and organizations can I participate in as a Graduate Student at FAU?

Who should I contact in the program for my questions?

Where can I find information about scholarships, fellowships and financial aid?

Where can I find resources for International Students?

Current Student FAQs

Is there a deadline by which I must complete all required coursework?

When should I form my committee?

Who should be on my committee?

Your committee will consist of three Graduate Faculty members. Procedures for Master’s Program Committee Formation
1) In consultation with your Advisor, contact (no later than term 2) two additional Graduate Faculty members to serve on the Graduate Supervisory Committee.
2) Official verification of the Graduate Supervisory Committee must be completed in writing. Please download the Committee Formation form at https://www.fau.edu/hboi/education-and-outreach/graduate-programs/ms-marine-science-and-oceanography/forms-and-policies/
3) Each Faculty agreeing to serve on the committee must sign the form, which is then emailed to MSO-Admin@fau.edu. 4)

My contract provides only for one academic year of support. Who is responsible for my salary support?

Is there a deadline by which I must request support in the form of a TA position?

My advisor does not have funding for me right now but will have funds available next semester. Can I switch from an RA position in one term to a TA in another or vice versa?

What are the annual paperwork requirements that I must complete?

Where can I find information about health insurance for students?

Which student clubs and organizations can I participate in as a Graduate Student at FAU?

Who should I contact in the program for my questions?

Where can I find information about scholarships, fellowships and financial aid?

Where can I find resources for International Students?

Additional Information

Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.

Visit Harbor Branch Giving

Address

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Florida Atlantic University

5600 US 1 North

Fort Pierce, FL 34946

(772) 242-2400