Ocean Futures, PhD
Collaborate across scientific disciplines and alongside partners in government, nonprofit organizations, industry and coastal communities. Together, you'll generate research that shapes conservation, sound policy and sustainable ocean management.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Ocean Futures, PhD degree description
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. You have the opportunity to learn from and work with leading scientists and conduct use-inspired research that works toward culturally appropriate solutions for local to global stewardship for the future ocean.
The adaptable nature of the curriculum enables you to customize your electives based on your academic and professional goals. The flexibility enables you to leverage research and training opportunities by collaborating with scientific, professional and local communities, as well as stakeholders and rights holders. You 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 you 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.
Why earn your ocean futures PhD at ASU?
Study at Arizona State University, the No. 1 university in the U.S. and No. 2 globally for Life Below Water (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings), along with ocean scientists working in Tempe, Bermuda and Hawai¿i around the world.
Housed in the School of Ocean Futures and connected to the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, this program prepares you to become a research leader whose work helps create thriving ocean futures at local, regional and global scales.
Additional details
Beyond your coursework and research, you can tap into a range of opportunities through the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, along with hundreds of study abroad options and student organizations across the broader ASU community.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
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. Most students will enroll in more than 12 credit hours of research, which can be used toward the elective requirement. Electives should be selected in consultation with the student's faculty advisor.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Design a research methodology that analyzes and interprets data in their research dissertation advancing the health of coastal communities and ocean systems.
- Conduct a major independent research project that makes a unique contribution to the field presenting their findings in a written dissertation.
- Communicate knowledge during their dissertation oral defense demonstrating the ability to explain discipline-specific concepts to multiple stakeholders.
Design a research methodology that analyzes and interprets data in their research dissertation advancing the health of coastal communities and ocean systems.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures. Applicants must 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 credit 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: Additional Admission Information 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.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Students in the doctorate program have opportunities to develop their research with faculty members who are working in a diverse range of locations, both locally and internationally. 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 Rob Walton 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.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this ocean futures PhD degree prepares you for
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
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Ocean Futures
|
WCPH 3rd floor
OceanFuturesGrad@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
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ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
