PhD in Oceanography in Seattle United States | University of Washington

The University of Washington School of Oceanography's graduate program aims to foster your professional development through coursework and independent research. We achieve this by offering chances to create scientific initiatives, participate in oceanographic expeditions, and build teaching experience for careers in academia, government, or industry. Nearly all students enter directly into the Ph.D. track, though we maintain a tradition of welcoming Coast Guard and Navy personnel into a specialized two-year Master's program. Typically, students complete an M.S. degree en route to their Ph.D.

While our department structures its academic offerings around core scientific disciplines (Biological, Chemical, and Physical Oceanography, plus Marine Geology and Geophysics), much research crosses traditional boundaries, particularly in climate studies, coastal dynamics, and extreme environments. The school hosts graduate certificate programs in Climate Change and Astrobiology, and our faculty contribute to the new NSF IGERT initiative examining ocean-related environmental and societal challenges.