The School for Marine Sciences & Technology’s (SMAST) PhD in Marine Science and Technology program emphasizes societal need-driven research and learning in an interdisciplinary environment. The PhD program focuses on observations, modeling, experimentation, and theory in the areas of ocean sciences, ocean technology, and marine policy.
Students work independently as well as collaboratively with our faculty as well as colleagues from other most highly regarded institutions to pursue a range of leading-edge research projects. Topical areas include, but are not limited to the following: Biochemical cycling; Coastal Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration; Computational Modeling; Fisheries Science; Marine Renewable Energy; Ocean Physics.
Highlights
Program requires four core courses (12 credits) and an additional 24 credit hours of courses (which includes both elective and seminar courses), which help prepare the student for the written and oral candidacy examinations
Upon completing the comprehensive exams, students are required to take a minimum of 18 credit hours toward their dissertation research
PhD students may be accepted as part-time students
Courses may be selected from those offered by UMass Dartmouth, other UMass campuses, and other academic institutions subject to approval by the SMAST Dean
September 2025
School for Marine Science and Technology
836 South Rodney French Blvd.,
DARTMOUTH,
Massachusetts,
02744, United States
Candidates must submit the required application materials, university requirements and program-specific requirements, for consideration.
We require a minimum score of 72 IBT on the TOEFL or BAND 6.0 on the IELTS for entrance to any program and a minimum score of 79 IBT on the TOEFL or BAND 6.5 on the IELTS for consideration for a teaching assistantship.
The application deadline for fall term is April 1 and spring term is Jan 17.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.