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Fall 2025 Graduate Catalog
Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences, PhD
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 Return to: Doctoral Programs
School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS)
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences
Dean: Paul Shepson, Endeavour Hall 145 (631) 632-8700
The Ph.D. program offered by SoMAS is designed to prepare students to independently identify and approach problems in marine sciences, atmospheric sciences, and sustainability. It builds on a series of core required courses by allowing students to create their own plan of advanced study, helping them to become independent problem solvers. The Ph.D. in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences prepares students to compete effectively for academic positions or to direct research and assessment programs at government, private, or nongovernmental organizations. An M.S. degree is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program. Most students take 5 to 6 years to complete their Ph.D.
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Admission Requirements
Application Website All students must meet the general requirements of the Graduate School which include: -
Completion of a B.A. or B.S. with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B); -
Acceptable scores on the TOEFL (paper: 600, computer: 230, iBT: 90) or IELTS (6.5) for foreign students; -
Three letters of recommendation; -
Official transcript(s); All applications should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School. For admission to either the Ph.D. program, the following are normally required: -
B.A. or B.S. degree in a discipline related to the intended field of study, or coursework equivalent to such a degree; -
At least eight semesters total of some combination of introductory coursework in mathematics, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, sustainability, and/or related disciplines, with more advanced work in at least one of these disciplines; -
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required; however, we will accept and consider scores for applicants who feel it strengthens their application. In their personal statements, all students should describe why they wish to enter the SoMAS Ph.D. program and what their career goals are. In addition, prospective Ph.D. students should indicate both the specific research areas they are interested in and potential faculty advisors. Obtaining a position in a specific research group is not guaranteed, so applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential advisors prior to submitting their application. Further information and guidance for applicants can be found on our website. Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 78 if entering without M.S. degree; 72 if entering with M.S. degree GPA Requirement: 3.0, both overall and in Core/Foundation courses Requirements Overview Three Foundation courses selected from the following:
Five Specialty Courses (15 Credits)
These courses may be chosen from among all the regular (3 credit) MAR and SUS graduate courses, including up to 3 credits of MAR 655 - Directed Study for PhD , to best support each student’s academic goals. Additional Foundation courses listed above, as well as courses from outside SoMAS, may also count toward this requirement with approval of the Advisory Committee and Graduate Programs Committee. Courses that cannot be counted toward this requirement include MAR 519, MAR 584, MAR 585, MAR 603, MAR 556, MAR 557, MAR 589, MAR 592. Elective Courses (21 credits if entering without M.S., 15 credits if entering with M.S.)
These courses may be chosen from among all Stony Brook graduate courses, including additional credits of MAR 650 - Dissertation Research for PhD . Preliminary Examination
The primary purpose of the Preliminary Examination, which typically occurs early in the second year of study, is to assess the student’s knowledge of their field and the student’s ability to relate their specific research interests to the broader field. The student must demonstrate a general knowledge of their discipline, including an understanding and ability to apply the current concepts of their field. Success on the examination requires the ability to use this information to address questions of a multidisciplinary nature. Dissertation Proposal Examination
After successful completion of the Preliminary Examination, the student prepares a written proposal for the dissertation research project. This proposal has the format of a grant application, including information on the background and significance of the project, a detailed research plan, and any preliminary results that the student has generated that indicate the feasibility of the project. This written proposal is orally defended before the Dissertation Committee. The dissertation proposal defense (Qualifying Examination) should occur before the start of the 4th year of graduate study. Advancement to Candidacy
After successful completion of all required and elective courses, the comprehensive (preliminary) examination, and the dissertation proposal examination, the student will be recommended to the Graduate School for advancement to candidacy. Each student must meet with his/her dissertation advisory committee at least once a year to inform the members of his/her progress and solicit the members’ advice. Advancement to Candidacy is expected before the beginning of the 4th year of study. Teaching Practicum Requirement
The goal of the Teaching Practicum is to help Ph.D. students develop the skills necessary to be effective instructors at the university level. The teaching practicum must be completed in a university-level (usually undergraduate) course under the supervision of the faculty member instructing that course, and with registration for at least 1 credit of MAR 670 - Practicum in Teaching . The teaching practicum will typically be completed after the Preliminary Exam, but no later than the end of the third year of study and must be completed before advancing to candidacy. Residence Requirement
At least two consecutive semesters of full-time graduate study at Stony Brook University in the program granting the degree are required. The purpose of the residence requirement is to ensure that the graduate student participates in the professional life of the program beyond class attendance. Some program residence requirements may vary from the Graduate School norm and are described in the individual program requirements for the degree. Unless specified, however, the Graduate School regulation takes precedence. Core Courses for the M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences
Foundation Courses for the M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences (all three credits)
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Return to: Doctoral Programs
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