Program Overview
The PhD in Ocean Futures program at ASU equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in ocean science, enabling them to conduct impactful research, collaborate with coastal communities, and develop innovative solutions for ocean stewardship. The program offers a customizable curriculum, opportunities for international research, and a variety of career paths in academia, industry, government, and non-governmental organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Objectives:
- Advance knowledge and skills
- Conduct impactful research with leading scientists
- Work collaboratively with coastal communities and organizations
- Develop innovative solutions for a healthy ocean and a thriving future
Description:
The PhD program in Ocean Futures provides advanced training in understanding ocean processes, threats to ecosystems, and human populations. Students work with leading scientists to conduct research and develop solutions for local and global stewardship of the ocean.
- Use-inspired research
- Culturally-appropriate solutions
- Collaboration with scientific, professional, and local communities
- Context-specific and solutions-oriented research
- Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai'i
Outline
Curriculum:
- Required core (6 credit hours)
- SEA 501 Exploring Ocean Futures (3)
- SEA 585 Graduate Ocean Futures Workshop (3)
- Electives (54 credit hours)
- 54 credit hours of electives, including:
- 9 credit hours of 500- and 600-level SEA courses
- 3 credit hours of quantitative and modeling courses
- Electives chosen in consultation with program advisor
- Research (12 credit hours)
- SEA 792 Research (12)
- Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
Modules:
- The program offers a variety of courses and research opportunities, allowing students to customize their learning experience.
Assessment
Assessment methods:
- Coursework
- Research projects
- Dissertation
Assessment criteria:
- Quality of research
- Contribution to the field
- Communication skills
Teaching
Teaching methods:
- The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and hands-on research experiences.
Faculty:
- Students learn from internationally recognized researchers in the field of ocean science.
Careers
Career paths:
- Graduates of the program find employment in a variety of settings, including:
- Universities
- Industry
- Government
- Non-governmental organizations
- Examples of potential career opportunities include:
- Community development director
- Environmental consultant
- Marine biologist
- Policy advisor
- Professor
- Program manager or director
- Research scientist
Other
Global Opportunities:
- The program provides opportunities for international research and collaboration through partnerships with universities and research centers around the world.
STEM-OPT Extension:
- The program is eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months, allowing international students to gain work experience in the United States.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
Academic Background:
- Applicants are eligible to apply if they 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
- A related discipline
- A related field
- From a regionally accredited institution.
GPA Requirement:
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in:
- The last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program
- or
- An applicable master's degree program.
Additional Required Documents:
- Graduate admissions application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement (maximum 600 words):
- Must describe how the applicant's research and background will contribute to success in the program.
- Must describe how completion of the degree will support long-term career goals.
- Must elaborate on key research questions the applicant wishes to address or problems to solve as part of the program.
- Must identify potential faculty advisors.
- Professional resume
- Three letters of recommendation:
- Attesting to the applicant's academic and professional achievements.
- Applicants are encouraged to consult with the program advisor regarding their electives.
