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Center for Marine Science

Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences, Ph.D.

Out of the Lab and into the World
  • 170K

    Square Feet of Research Space at the UNCW Center for Marine Science

  • 1 of 4

    UNC System Schools Featured in the Fiske Guide to Colleges

  • 26th

    UNCW Ranked Among Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report

Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences, Ph.D. Program Overview

Blue Economy

This program leverages UNCW’s unique coastal location and has the potential to contribute to the regional and national blue economy.

The blue economy encompasses a broad range of economic and sustainable uses and benefits of the ocean, including fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnology, maritime transport, tourism and recreation, energy and mineral resources, waste management and impacts of climate change.  

Your research will have a positive impact on the world

You will learn how to get your discoveries out of the lab and into the world, collaborate with entrepreneurs, or become a professional innovator yourself.

Preparing Students for careers in:

Conduct research at a university or college.
Work for local, state and federal agencies conducting research and impacting policy.
Develop new products, services and technologies that solve marine issues and contribute to the Blue Economy.
program completion feature
program completion feature

Learn TO

Earn a robust marine science degree

Experience training and opportunities to develop dynamic entrepreneurship and technology development skills

Prepare for careers in the academic job market, private and policy sectors, or entrepreneurship

“ The Applied Coastal and Ocean Sciences program formally integrates entrepreneurship topics to help students envision new applications for their ideas in business, policymaking and other areas of targeted problem solving. ”
Dr. Steve Skrabal Graduate program director and chemistry & biochemistry professor

Sample Courses in Applied Coastal & Ocean Sciences

see sample courses
BIO 561 Barrier Island Ecology
BIO 562 Wetlands of the United States and their Management
GGY 529 Aerial Drone Applications in Geosciences
GLY 551 Seafloor Mapping
MCOP 525 Coastal Ecosystem Governance
PHY 580 Coastal and Estuarine Systems
See The Full Curriculum

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: Ph.D. Applied Coastal and Ocean Sciences

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Fall 2025:
    • Priority Consideration: January 15, 2025
    • Space Available Deadline: June 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations to be submitted through the online application with accompanying letters by individuals in professionally relevant fields, including those familiar with the student's performance in school.

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
    Upload Supplemental Documents
  2. Curriculum Vitae: 2 page maximum
  3. Previous Thesis Research:  Summary of M.S. thesis research (2 page maximum).
    If you are applying with an undergraduate degree only, upload a document that simply states “No master’s thesis.”
  4. Ph.D. Research:  Statement of PhD research interests (2 page maximum).
  5. Potential UNCW Faculty Mentor(s):  Applicants should make initial contact with prospective faculty mentors prior to applying. Please contact the graduate program coordinator if you need assistance with this process. 

Program Details

Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

Learn More

Contact the ACOS Program Coordinator

Dr. Stephen Skrabal

Phone: (910) 962-2886

skrabals@uncw.edu

 

 

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