PhD in Marine Biology in Orono United States | University of Maine

The Marine Biology MS and PhD programs aim to equip students with comprehensive expertise across diverse marine biology disciplines such as taxonomy/systematics, comparative morphology, evolutionary studies, genetics, physiology, cellular/molecular biology, and ecological systems. As a rapidly evolving scientific domain, our curriculum adapts to incorporate emerging discoveries and technological advancements. All candidates must complete SMS 500 (Marine Biology), a graduate-level statistics course, the SMS 691 seminar series, and demonstrate foundational oceanography knowledge. Working alongside their advisory committees, students tailor their coursework to establish broad marine biology competencies while specializing in research-focused areas like aquaculture, biological oceanography, ichthyology, ecological studies, invertebrate biology, phycology, or molecular biology. The School of Marine Sciences additionally provides an innovative dual-degree option combining marine policy with scientific disciplines. This three-year interdisciplinary program awards two master's degrees simultaneously - one in Marine Policy paired with either Marine Biology or Oceanography. Candidates fulfill all standard requirements for both degrees, with six credit hours applying reciprocally as electives, reducing the total coursework from 60 to 48 credit hours. Science degree prerequisites remain unchanged, while the policy component mandates 18 social science credits (including 6 required core credits) plus 6 cross-counted science credits.