About this Program

The Ph.D degree follows the traditional path of original research in the field of oceanography. The emphasis areas are biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography, and the earth and geological sciences. Interdisciplinary studies are emphasized and an integral part of the student experience. The curricula are designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in their area of interest.

Program Highlights

  • Faculty do active research from here in Hampton Roads to the Arctic and Antarctic

  • Many of our graduate students participate in sea-going research expeditions around the world

  • Our graduate students present their research at national conferences, including the American Geophysical Union, Ocean Sciences and the Geological Society of America meetings

  • Community building is a strong aspect of graduate life in our Department thanks to our active Graduate Student Organization

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Doctor of Philosophy
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from Â鶹¹ú²úAV's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

$145,080 Median Salary

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

$98,560 Median Salary

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Natural Sciences Managers

$133,670 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Environmental Engineers

$91,180 Median Salary

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Alumni Careers

NOAA

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Oceanography at Â鶹¹ú²úAV?
Students entering the Doctor of Philosophy program in Oceanography should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.
    • Passed both parts of the Ph.D. candidacy examination.
    • Filed a dissertation prospectus approved by the student’s dissertation committee.
    • Completed all formal course work.
    • The student must be admitted to candidacy at least 12 months before the time the degree is expected to be received, but usually not before the completion of one-and-a-half years of graduate work.

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Â鶹¹ú²úAV, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Scholarships

Dorothy Brown Smith Scholarship for New Students: $30,000, plus tuition, health insurance, and up to $2,000 in research supplies or travel. These scholarships are available to exceptional STEM majors applying to the OEAS M.S. and Ph.D. programs for the first time. Evaluation criteria include: GPA, GRE scores and research experience. Other scholarships available to current students are listed on the Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences site.

Contact

Professor

337 OCEANOGRAPHY & PHYSICS BLDG
NORFOLK, 23529