Oceanography, Ph.D.

Doctoral students at Florida Tech build interdisciplinary expertise in a research-intensive setting, with focused mentoring from faculty who are deeply involved in the field.

Small classes and research groups allow for close guidance as you develop and refine your dissertation research, while collaborative projects with professors and peers broaden your perspective and sharpen your scientific approach.

Coursework, access to specialized laboratories and extensive field-based training support your development as an independent researcher prepared to advance ocean science in real-world environments.

Florida Tech’s Space Coast location offers an exceptional environment for oceanographic research. With the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon nearby, doctoral students have direct access to a range of coastal and marine systems for intensive fieldwork and long-term data collection.

Proximity to miles of shoreline and active marine organizations supports applied research and professional experience with government agencies, environmental consulting firms, aquaculture operations, public aquaria and private research groups.

Being in a high-tech corridor encourages collaboration with scientists and engineers across related fields, enhancing both research opportunities and career prospects.

Research is the foundation of the Ph.D. in oceanography at Florida Tech. Doctoral students investigate complex physical, chemical and biological processes that shape ocean and coastal systems, working closely with faculty on topics such as ocean circulation, waves, coastal hydrodynamics, atmospheric-ocean interactions, remote sensing and plankton or benthic-pelagic dynamics.

Projects span deep-sea, coastal and estuarine environments and often integrate field measurements, laboratory experimentation and numerical modeling to explain how marine systems respond to natural variability and environmental change.

Ph.D. candidates conduct original dissertation research with the expectation of producing publishable work. This commitment to scientific rigor builds the expertise needed for advanced roles in research, academia, industry and government.

Florida Tech’s oceanography program is supported by specialized facilities that enable intensive research and hands-on scientific training.

Just minutes from campus, where Crane Creek meets the Indian River Lagoon, the Mertens Marine Center provides a base for fieldwork with on-site laboratories that allow samples to be processed shortly after collection. The Ralph S. Evinrude Marine Operations Center offers direct water access and supports projects ranging from shallow-water studies using small boats to offshore work conducted via chartered vessels.

On campus, doctoral students use laboratories in the F.W. Olin Physical Sciences and Life Sciences buildings, including the High-Resolution Microscopy and Advanced Imaging Center. The L3Harris Center for Science and Engineering houses aquaculture and marine biology labs that support controlled, small-scale experiments.

Together, these resources make it possible to conduct field-intensive research on coastal biology and ocean processes while strengthening collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits and industry partners.

Academic units at Florida Tech may offer graduate student assistantships to full-time, degree-seeking graduate students on a competitive basis.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) support faculty in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, including tasks such as grading, tutoring and conducting office hours. First-time TAs attend a teaching assistant seminar to prepare for their responsibilities.

Research Assistants (RAs) collaborate with faculty on projects funded by government agencies, private sponsors and university research funds.

For current information about assistantships, please contact the Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences.

Florida Tech offers a safe and welcoming campus environment that supports advanced research alongside personal well-being. The campus includes extensive green spaces, such as the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden, along with facilities like the Holzer Health Center and Clemente Center for health, fitness and stress management.

Located minutes from the Indian River Lagoon and 72 miles of Atlantic beaches, the university combines access to outdoor recreation with proximity to industry and government organizations that contribute to research collaboration and career development.

Graduate students from around the world come together at Florida Tech in a campus community that fosters international collaboration and innovation. This environment encourages students to work across cultures and perspectives, preparing them for research and professional settings around the globe.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students throughout their academic journey, providing guidance on immigration matters, serving as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments, and sharing information about campus and community resources.

Applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mathematics, natural science, engineering or a closely related field are eligible to apply to the Ph.D. in oceanography.

Admission decisions emphasize academic preparation and alignment between an applicant’s research interests and faculty expertise. An on-campus interview is strongly recommended, though not required, as it provides an opportunity to discuss research goals and program fit.

Students may be admitted in any semester. For optimal course sequencing and research planning, fall admission is preferred.

Prospective students are encouraged to review faculty profiles and research areas and may contact potential advisors to discuss research interests prior to applying.

Please see graduate admissions for full application requirements.