FAQ

We do not require a degree in a natural science. However, if in the process of completing your undergraduate degree you did not take a course we require for admission, we recommend that you take that course before being admitted to our program. Courses that are required for admission are:

• One semester of life science for science majors, with laboratory
• One year of chemistry with laboratory
• One semester of physics for science majors, with laboratory
• One semester of calculus
• One semester of statistics
• One semester of earth science or atmospheric science, with laboratory (required for Environmental Science track; strongly recommended for Marine Science track)

We evaluate all applications as a whole. Deficiencies in either GPA or GRE scores may be offset by other factors, such as research experience. In addition to GPA and GRE considerations, we pay special attention to your personal statement, your stated research interests and goals, and letters of recommendation.

We require a minimum of three letters from science professors. These professors should either know you from classes you took from them or from research work you did with them. Letters from professors outside of science, employers, and others who know you particularly well may be submitted in addition to the three science letters. Letters from friends, relatives, clergy, etc. will not help our evaluation process and should be avoided.

Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to demonstrate to us that you have thought carefully about why you want to pursue an MS in Environmental and Ocean Sciences, why you want to do it at USD, and what your longer-term professional goals are. This statement also should describe how your research interests match the expertise of the Environmental and Ocean Sciences core and affiliated graduate faculty. Information about those areas of expertise can be found on the Environmental and Ocean Sciences graduate faculty page.

We offer Dean's Graduate Merit Scholarships, which typically are awarded during a student's first two years in the program. In addition, Environmental and Ocean Sciences faculty may have grants or contracts that can help to support students. Assuming you have applied for financial aid before the April 1 deadline and filled out a FAFSA, the university may provide an additional grant that can cover up to 25% of tuition costs. There are also a limited number of work positions available in the department for 10-15 hours per week.

Graduate students who have successfully completed the MS in Environmental and Ocean Sciences have gone into many areas. Many have completed PhD programs; some are now employed as research technicians at various government agencies (e.g. National Marine Fisheries Service), academic institutions and in private industry; others are teaching in middle and high schools.

Please read Information for International Students on the Graduate Admissions website.

For information about the program and its faculty, contact:
Ron Kaufmann, PhD
kaufmann@sandiego.edu

For information about admission to the graduate program at the University of San Diego, contact:
Graduate Admissions
grads@sandiego.edu