Program Overview

University of Alaska Fairbanks Graduate Program in Marine Biology

The marine biology graduate program focuses on the ecology, physiology, and biochemistry/molecular biology of marine organisms. Students may pursue either a M.S. or Ph.D. degree in marine biology.

Program Overview

Graduate students are afforded excellent opportunities for laboratory and field research through the Institute of Marine Science. Laboratory facilities are available at Fairbanks, the Seward Marine Center, the Juneau Center, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, the Fishery Industrial Technology Center at Kodiak, and at the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory. Opportunities for field work are available on the R/V Alpha Helix, which operates along the Alaskan Coast and in the Bering Sea, and on the R/V Little Dipper, which operates in Resurrection Bay.

Admission Requirements

Students considering graduate study in marine biology should have a strong background in biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry. Students are admitted on the basis of their ability and the capability of the program to meet their particular interests and needs. Faculty review requests for admission throughout the year. Stipends for financial support are awarded competitively. Limited fellowship support is available. Most students are supported on research projects that relate directly to their degree research.

Graduate Program - M.S. Degree

To complete the M.S. degree, students must:

• Complete the following admission requirement:
  • Submit GRE scores.
• Complete the general university requirements.
• Complete the master's degree requirements.
• Complete a thesis.
• Complete the following courses:
  • MSL 610--Marine Biology (3 credits)
  • MSL 615--Physiology of Marine Organisms (3 credits)
  • MSL 650--Biological Oceanography (3 credits)
  • MSL 651--Marine Biology and Ecology Field Course (4 credits)
  • or MSL 611--Field Problems in Marine Biology (5 credits)
  • or an equivalent field course at another institution (4-5 credits)
  • MSL 692--Seminar (3 credits)
• Minimum credits required: 30

Graduate Program - Ph.D. Degree

To complete the Ph.D. degree, students must:

• Complete the following admission requirement:
  • Submit GRE scores.
• Complete the general university requirements.
• Complete the Ph.D. degree requirements.
• Complete course work at least equivalent to that required for the M.S. degree.
• Minimum credits required: 18

Accreditation

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. UAF is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual.