The guidelines listed below are only for the PhD and MS degree programs. Prerequisites for the MPS program can be found here .
Students interested in pursuing graduate-level research in the marine or atmospheric sciences typically enter with a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. A scholastic average of B (3.0 GPA) or better for undergraduate courses is usually necessary. In addition to good grades and appropriate coursework and credentials, a deep level of enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world are among the most important hallmarks of a successful graduate student.
Listed below are some informal guidelines on preparation for each of the graduate programs at the Rosenstiel School. Please note that these are not requirements, and we welcome applicants from a diverse array of disciplines.
The courses which should be taken if the student’s program can include them are printed in italic type.
Thermodynamics/Statistical Physics
Probability and Statistics
There are no specific requirements for the Environmental Science and Policy graduate program. Please contact the Department of Environmental Science and Policy for information on academic requirements.
Students interested in Marine Biology and Ecology for graduate studies should have as background a bachelor's degree that emphasizes the biological sciences, not necessarily the marine sciences. Adequate undergraduate preparation are the types of courses generally used to satisfy the requirements for a bachelor's degree in Biology, thus most successful students have a bachelors' degree in Biology. Undergraduate coursework should include abundant biology electives as well as chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, and college physics. Other types of degrees are often successful, but require that you make contact with the professor you hope to study with to learn if your degree is appropriate for specific graduate work in Marine Biology and Ecology.
Chemistry
Inorganic (one year)
Organic (one semester)
Physics (one year)
Calculus (one year)
Language (none)
General Physiology/Cell Biology
Ecology/Population Biology/Evolutionary
Biology
Organismic Biology
Vertebrate or Invertebrate Zoology
Differential Equations
Linear Algebra
Thermodynamics
Modern Physics
For more information on prerequisites for the Meteorology & Physical Oceanography program, please contact the director of the program here.
Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism
Chemistry: General Chemistry
Computer Science: Scientific Programming
Engineering: Fluid Mechanics, Signal Processing
Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism
Chemistry: General Chemistry
Biology: General Biology and some specialized biology courses
Computer Science: Scientific Programming
Engineering: Fluid Mechanics