Florida Institute of Technology
High Tech with a Human Touch
Marine and Environmental Systems
Graduate Degree Programs
Catalog Table of Contents
Master of Science in Earth Remote Sensing
| Major Code: | 8089 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
Earth remote sensing is the science, engineering and art of quantitative measurement from satellites, aircraft, marine vehicles, buoys and moorings, radar and other platforms removed from the target. It includes understanding the instrumentation, software, radiative transfer, hydroacoustics and principles of systems designed to acquire, process and interpret information about Earth for application to vital contemporary problems in agriculture, coastal zone management, ecology, engineering, environmental science and resource management, forestry, land use, meteorology, natural hazards, oceanography, urban planning and other issues.
Admission Requirements
Students applying for admission to the Earth remote sensing program should have undergraduate majors in the physical or life sciences with strong backgrounds in computer science. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other scientific or engineering fields may need to complete certain preparatory coursework before starting the master of science program, and completion of such courses may require additional time. Any such requirements will be determined by the program chair and graduate faculty before admission. The prospective student will be advised of these requirements prior to acceptance. Applicants must submit GRE General Test scores for evaluation, a statement of interests, a résumé and three letters of recommendation.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Earth Remote Sensing is offered with thesis and nonthesis options. The thesis option requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours of required and elective credits (includes six credit hours of thesis) and the nonthesis option requires a minimum of 33 credits hours (includes a written final program examination), based on an approved program plan developed in conjunction with the faculty adviser. Included in the total are at least nine credit hours of core remote sensing courses as listed below.
| Core Courses | CREDITS | |
| ENS 5000 | Environmental Science Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| ENS 5010 | Environmental Optics and Remote Sensing | 3 |
| MET 5233 | Atmospheric Remote Sensing | 3 |
| OCE 5550 | Bathymetry | 3 |
| OCN 5704 | Oceanic Remote Sensing | 3 |
Electives
A list of restricted electives is available from the department.
The curriculum is modified to meet the student’s needs, background and chosen area of emphasis, which may be atmospheric, land, submarine or oceanic remote sensing. Students are required to attend the graduate seminar.
Master of Science in Environmental Resource Management
| Major Code: | 8135 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
Environmental resource management has become an area of national and international significance. Resource managers, typically in the public and private developmental sectors, face increasingly complex technical problems that cut across several of the more traditional educational disciplines. In addition to the fundamentals of biological and chemical environmental processes, managers must be knowledgeable in local and global cause and effect relationships of human activities in the development and use of environmental resources. Resource managers must also understand the legal and regulatory aspects of resources management. Recognizing these multidisciplinary needs, the master’s degree program in environmental resource management is closely associated with the environmental science program at Florida Tech and includes both university coursework and an internship with a regulatory agency, NGO or private company that manages environmental resources. Graduates are well prepared to effectively interact with engineers, scientists, managers and politicians.
Admission Requirements
Students applying for admission to the environmental resources management program should have undergraduate majors in science or engineering, or sufficient coursework in the physical and life sciences and engineering to readily understand the fundamental biological, chemical and physical relationships important in environmental resource management. In some instances, additional preparatory work in some areas may be required at the beginning of the program. The prospective student is advised of such requirements before final acceptance. Each applicant is strongly encouraged to arrange for a conference regarding program content and qualifications with faculty and the program chair or other faculty member before arriving on campus to begin an academic program.
General admission requirements and application procedures are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
The degree requires satisfactory completion of 30 credit hours of required and elective courses. Included in the total are 24 credit hours of required courses and internship, and six credit hours of selected elective topics as specified in a master’s program plan developed in conjunction with the student’s adviser. An internship document is required by the academic unit, and the student makes an oral presentation of the internship assignment to the graduate seminar or a professional society meeting and to the student’s internship advisory committee. Thesis or internship registration must be continuous from the initial registration until graduation.
| Required Courses | CREDITS | |
| BIO 5030 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| ENS 5000 | Environmental Science Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| ENS 5001 | Global Environmental Problems and Solutions | 3 |
| ENS 5004 | Aquatic Environmental Toxicology | 3 |
| ENS 5009 | Internship | 6 |
| ENS 5700 | Introduction to Water Resources | 3 |
| ENS 5701 | Environmental Regulation and Impact Assessment | 3 |
| OCN 5210 | Marine and Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| Electives | CREDITS | |
| BUS 4425 | Environmental and Urban Planning | 3 |
| BUS 4426 | Environmental and Resource Economics | 3 |
| CVE 4000 | Engineering Economy and Planning | 3 |
| EDS 5430 | Issue Investigation and Evaluation | 3 |
| ENS 4001 | The Earth System | 3 |
| ENS 4010 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| ENS 5010 | Environmental Optics and Remote Sensing | 3 |
| ENS 5101 | Introduction to Air Pollution | 3 |
| ENS 5600 | Radiation and Environmental Protection | 3 |
| OCN 5801 | Coastal Systems Planning | 3 |
Note: Electives listed above are accepted in both environmental resource management and coastal zone management master’s degree programs.
Master of Science in Environmental Science
| Major Code: | 8128 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
Today’s increasingly complex technological society has placed new demands on our understanding of human interaction with the environment. In fact, the need has never been greater for highly skilled scientists capable of developing basic data from which far-reaching decisions can be made regarding the intelligent use and protection of our natural environment. Recognizing these needs, the environmental science master’s program provides a thorough background in the biological and chemical fundamentals of natural environmental systems with specific areas of emphasis related to water and air resources, water and wastewater treatment, hazardous and toxic materials including nuclear wastes and basic processes governing the interaction of humans and the natural environment.
Admission Requirements
Students applying for admission to the environmental science program should have undergraduate majors in the physical or life sciences with strong backgrounds in chemistry and biology. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other scientific or engineering fields may need to complete certain preparatory coursework before starting the master of science program, and completion of such courses may require additional time. Any such requirements will be determined by the program chair and graduate faculty before admission. The prospective student will be advised of these requirements prior to acceptance. Applicants must submit Graduate Record Exam General Test scores for evaluation, a statement of interests, a résumé and three letters of recommendation.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
A Master of Science in Environmental Science requires the satisfactory completion of 30 credit hours of required and elective credits based on an approved program plan developed in conjunction with the faculty adviser. Included in the total are 15 credit hours of core environmental courses as listed below and six credit hours of thesis research under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. Students are required to attend the graduate seminar. A student registers for graduate seminar each semester and makes an oral presentation of research results after completing thesis research. A nonthesis option is also available. In lieu of the thesis, the student completes an additional nine credit hours of coursework and must pass a written master’s final program examination.
| Core Courses | CREDITS | |
| ENS 5000 | Environmental Science Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| ENS 5010 | Environmental Optics and Remote Sensing | 3 |
| ENS 5101 | Introduction to Air Pollution | 3 |
| ENS 5700 | Introduction to Water Resources | 3 |
| ENS 5800 | Limnology 1 | 3 |
| OCN 5210 | Marine and Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
The remaining coursework in the master’s program is normally developed by the degree candidate, his/her adviser and the program chair. A list of restricted electives is available from the department.
Master of Science in Meteorology
| Major Code: | 8223 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
Atmospheric science is focused on understanding Earth’s gaseous envelope, predicting its evolution and mitigating human impacts. The M.S. program at Florida Tech is uniquely interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from the College of Aeronautics, the College of Engineering and the College of Science. As such, the M.S. in meteorology can have special emphasis in areas such as marine meteorology, water resources, atmospheric chemistry, aviation meteorology or remote sensing. Collaborative research is conducted with specialists from the nearby NASA Kennedy Space Center, the USAF 45th Weather Squadron, the NOAA National Weather Service, the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Wind and Hurricane Impacts Research Laboratory (WHIRL) and local government agencies or corporations.
Admission Requirements
A student applying for admission to the graduate meteorology program should have an undergraduate major in the physical sciences or engineering. Preparatory coursework may need to be completed before starting the master of science program, and completion of such courses may require additional time. Any such requirements will be determined by the program chair and graduate faculty before admission. The prospective student will be advised of these requirements before acceptance. Applicants must submit GRE General Test Scores for evaluation.
Degree Requirements
The M.S. degree requires satisfactory completion of 30 credit hours of required and elective courses including thesis, based on an approved plan developed in conjunction with the faculty adviser. A nonthesis option is also available, where in lieu of a thesis the student completes an additional nine credit hours of coursework (for a total of 33 credit hours) and must pass a written master’s final program examination. Students with bachelor’s degrees in meteorology normally take the core courses plus electives emphasizing their areas of special interest. Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than meteorology are required to complete the core and other graduate courses in addition to appropriate courses necessary for certification as a professional meteorologist by the American Meteorological Society (see undergraduate curriculum). Students are required to attend the graduate seminar. A student registers for graduate seminar each semester and makes an oral presentation of research results after completing thesis research.
| Required Courses | CREDITS | |
| ENS 5000 | Environmental Sciences Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| MET 5001 | Principles of Atmospheric Science | 3 |
| MET 5233 | Atmospheric Remote Sensing | 3 |
| MET 5305 | Dynamic Meteorology 1 | 3 |
| MET 5306 | Dynamic Meteorology 2 | 3 |
| Electives | CREDITS | |
| AVS 5201 | Aviation Meteorology Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ENS 4001 | The Earth System | 3 |
| ENS 4010 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| ENS 5001 | Global Environmental Problems and Solutions | 3 |
| ENS 5101 | Introduction to Air Pollution | 3 |
| ENS 5700 | Introduction to Water Resources | 3 |
| ENS 5800 | Limnology | 3 |
| MET 4310 | Climatology | 3 |
| MET 4410 | Mesoscale Meteorology | 3 |
| MET 5310 | Numerical Weather Prediction | 3 |
| OCE 5570 | Marine Hydrodynamics and Wave Theory | 3 |
| OCE 5586 | Ocean Engineering Data Analysis | 3 |
| OCN 5001 | Principles of Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5210 | Marine and Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| OCN 5401 | Principles of Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5403 | Ocean Wave Theory | 3 |
| OCN 5405 | Dynamic Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5407 | Marine Meteorology | 3 |
| OCN 5409 | Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
| OCN 5704 | Oceanic Remote Sensing | 3 |
| PHY 5080 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| SPS 4030 | Physics of the Atmosphere | 3 |
| SPS 5031 | Planetary Science 2: Atmospheres | 3 |
Note: Electives listed above are accepted in the M.S. Meteorology degree program, but no more than six credit hours of 4000-level courses from the department (ENS, MET, OCE, OCN) may be used for the master’s degree.
Master of Science in Ocean Engineering
| Major Code: | 8084 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The curriculum is designed to allow the ocean engineer to broaden professional expertise in preparation for a challenging career in industry or for further graduate study. Although emphasis is placed on a core of required courses, the student is encouraged to concentrate efforts in one of several areas of interest through a choice of elective courses. Both thesis and nonthesis tracks are available.
The Master of Science in Ocean Engineering can be earned on either a full-time or part-time basis. Although a full-time student may complete coursework within two or three semesters, thesis activities normally involve a further one or two semesters of study. Graduate student assistants normally require additional time. A student can start graduate studies in either the fall or spring semester, but fall semester is recommended.
Admission Requirements
An applicant should normally have an undergraduate degree in some field of engineering or in one of the physical sciences. Every applicant should have a mathematics background through differential equations along with introductory courses in physics, chemistry and computer programming. A student who has graduated from a nonengineering program will be required to complete additional coursework as part of the master’s degree program. Although not required for admission, an on-campus interview is highly recommended. Applicants must submit GRE General Test Scores for evaluation.
Applications from international students are invited and will be evaluated with consideration given to academic standards in the country where baccalaureate studies were taken.
General admission requirements and application procedures are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
The degree of Master of Science in Ocean Engineering is conferred on students who have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (including thesis) of required and elective coursework. Thesis work may be primarily analytical or experimental in nature, or a comprehensive design study, or a computational investigation involving state-of-the-art computer modeling techniques. The thesis may be replaced by three courses (nine credit hours) following approval of a written petition to the program chair. The nonthesis track requires a minimum of 33 credit hours, an oral final program examination and a technical paper. A thesis is usually required for any student receiving financial support through the Department of Marine and Environmental Systems.
Curriculum
| CREDITS | ||
| MTH xxxx | Mathematics | 3 |
| OCE 5515 | Materials for Marine Applications | 3 |
| OCE 5570 | Marine Hydrodynamics and Wave Theory | 3 |
| OCE 5990 | Ocean Engineering Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| OCE 5999 | Thesis Research* | 6 |
| OCN 5401 | Principles of Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| Subject Area Courses | 9 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 30 | |
*May be replaced by nine credit hours of coursework and a major paper.
Recommended Electives
An additional course to meet the minimum total requirements for the degree can be selected from the following list of recommended electives. Other courses can also be selected with approval of the student advisory committee.
| CVE 5025 | Foundation Design |
| ENS 5701 | Environmental Regulation and Impact Assessment |
| MAE 5610 | Advanced Dynamics |
| OCE 4575 | Design of High-speed Small Craft |
| OCN 5204 | Marine Pollution |
| OCN 5210 | Marine and Environmental Chemistry |
| OCN 5405 | Dynamic Oceanography |
| OCN 5409 | Geophysical Fluid Dynamics |
| ORP 5041 | Reliability Analysis |
| ORP 5042 | Reliability, Availability and Maintainability |
Areas of Specialization
The subject area requirement is met by taking at least three courses from one of the following groups:
| Aquaculture Engineering | ||
| BIO 4620 | Fish Aquaculture and Management | |
| OCE 4531 | Instrumentation Design and Measurement Analysis | |
| OCE 5519 | Corrosion Engineering | |
| OCE 5526 | Advanced Coastal Engineering Structures | |
| OCE 5542 | Ocean Engineering Systems | |
| OCE 5575 | Applied Marine Hydrodynamics | |
| OCE 5586 | Ocean Engineering Data Analysis | |
| Coastal Engineering and Processes | |
| OCE 4545 | Hydroacoustics |
| OCE 5525 | Coastal Processes and Engineering |
| OCE 5526 | Advanced Coastal Engineering Structures |
| OCE 5542 | Ocean Engineering Systems |
| OCE 5563 | Port and Harbor Engineering |
| OCE 5586 | Ocean Engineering Data Analysis |
| Hydrographic Engineering | |
| ECE 5245 | Digital Signal Processing 1 |
| ENS 4010 | Geographic Information Systems |
| OCE 4545 | Hydroacoustics |
| OCE 5550 | Bathymetry |
| OCE 5571 | Naval Architecture |
| OCE 5586 | Ocean Engineering Data Analysis |
| OCN 5704 | Oceanic Remote Sensing |
| Materials and Structures | |
| MAE 5050 | Finite Element Fundamentals |
| OCE 4574 | Structural Mechanics of Marine Vehicles |
| OCE 5519 | Corrosion Engineering |
| OCE 5526 | Advanced Coastal Engineering Structures |
| Naval Architecture | |
| OCE 4531 | Instrumentation Design and Measurements Analysis |
| OCE 4572 | Structural Design of Marine Vehicles |
| OCE 4573 | Ship Design |
| OCE 5519 | Corrosion Engineering |
| OCE 5542 | Ocean Engineering Systems |
| OCE 5571 | Naval Architecture |
| OCE 5573 | Dynamics of Marine Vehicles |
| OCE 5575 | Applied Marine Hydrodynamics |
| OCE 5586 | Ocean Engineering Data Analysis |
| OCE 5590 | Design of Marine Propulsion Systems |
| Ocean Energy | |
| ECE 4681 | Introduction to Electrical Power Systems |
| ECE 5683 | Power Systems Operation and Control |
| ECE 5684 | Power System Reliability and Planning |
| ENS 5300 | Principles of Renewable Energy |
| OCE 4531 | Instrumentation Design and Measurements Analysis |
| OCE 5519 | Corrosion Engineering |
| OCE 5526 | Advanced Coastal Engineering Structures |
| OCE 5542 | Ocean Engineering Systems |
| OCE 5575 | Applied Marine Hydrodynamics |
| OCE 5586 | Ocean Engineering Data Analysis |
| Ocean Instrumentation | |
| MAE 4014 | Control Systems |
| MAE 4318 | Instrumentation and Measurement Systems |
| MAE 5316 | Mechatronics |
| OCE 4531 | Instrumentation Design and Measurement Analysis |
| OCE 4545 | Hydroacoustics |
| OCE 5542 | Ocean Engineering Systems |
| OCE 5586 | Ocean Engineering Data Analysis |
| Ocean System/Underwater Technology | |
| OCE 4531 | Instrumentation Design and Measurement Analysis |
| OCE 4545 | Hydroacoustics |
| OCE 4572 | Structural Design of Marine Vehicles |
| OCE 5519 | Corrosion Engineering |
| OCE 5542 | Ocean Engineering Systems |
| OCE 5573 | Dynamics of Marine Vehicles |
| OCE 5575 | Applied Marine Hydrodynamics |
| OCE 5586 | Ocean Engineering Data Analysis |
Master of Science in Oceanography–Biological Oceanography
| Major Code: | 8081 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The master of science degree can be earned in one of five options: biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography, or coastal zone management. The successful student is well prepared for a challenging professional career or for continuing with graduate studies.
Admission Requirements
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Students may be admitted during any semester, but for optimal scheduling, the fall term is recommended. Students with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation (up to 12 credit hours) may take deficiencies and courses for graduate credit concurrently. GRE General Test scores and a statement of objectives are required and should be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Although not required for admission, an on-campus interview is highly recommended.
The applicant should have an undergraduate major in one of the physical or life sciences with a background that includes computer science, mathematics through calculus and at least one year each of college biology, chemistry and physics. The biological background should include invertebrate zoology.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Oceanography – Biological Oceanography is conferred on students who have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (including thesis) of required and elective coursework. The nonthesis track requires a minimum of 33 credit hours and a final program examination.
Curriculum
To earn the master of science degree, the student must complete the following courses or their equivalents. Equivalent coursework can be substituted for required courses as recommended by the student’s adviser and program chair. Representative electives for each option are available from advisers. At least six credit hours of thesis or internship is required, and an additional three credit hours can be granted in place of the three credit hours of elective, subject to approval by the program chair. Thesis or internship registration must be continuous from the initial registration until graduation.
| CREDITS | ||
| OCN 5101 | Principles of Biological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5210 | Marine and Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| OCN 5301 | Principles of Geological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5401 | Principles of Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5990 | Oceanography Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Option Requirements | 15 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 30 | |
Option Courses (15 credit hours)
| CREDITS | ||
| OCN 5709 | Numerical Analysis of Biological Data | 3 |
| Two of the following | 6 | |
| OCN 5102 | Marine Phytoplankton | |
| OCN 5103 | Marine Zooplankton | |
| OCN 5104 | Marine Benthos | |
| Thesis | 6 | |
Master of Science in Oceanography–Chemical Oceanography
| Major Code: | 8082 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The master of science degree can be earned in one of five options: biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography, or coastal zone management. The successful student is well prepared for a challenging professional career or for continuing with graduate studies.
Admission Requirements
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Students may be admitted during any semester, but for optimal scheduling, the fall term is recommended. Students with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation (up to 12 credit hours) may take deficiencies and courses for graduate credit concurrently. GRE General Test scores and a statement of objectives are required and should be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Although not required for admission, an on-campus interview is highly recommended.
The applicant’s undergraduate major should be in chemistry, mathematics, physical science or engineering. The academic background should include computer science, mathematics through calculus, and organic, physical and analytical chemistry.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Oceanography – Chemical Oceanography is conferred on students who have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (including thesis) of required and elective coursework. The nonthesis track requires a minimum of 33 credit hours and a final program examination.
Curriculum
To earn the master of science degree, the student must complete the following courses or their equivalents. Equivalent coursework can be substituted for required courses as recommended by the student’s adviser and program chair. Representative electives for each option are available from advisers. At least six credit hours of thesis or internship is required, and an additional three credit hours can be granted in place of the three credit hours of elective, subject to approval by the program chair. Thesis or internship registration must be continuous from the initial registration until graduation.
| CREDITS | ||
| OCN 5101 | Principles of Biological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5210 | Marine and Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| OCN 5301 | Principles of Geological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5401 | Principles of Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5990 | Oceanography Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Option Requirements | 15 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 30 | |
Option Courses (15 credit hours)
| Electives | 9 | |
| Thesis | 6 |
Master of Science in Oceanography–Coastal Zone Management
| Major Code: | 8087 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The master of science degree can be earned in one of five options: biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography, or coastal zone management. The successful student is well prepared for a challenging professional career or for continuing with graduate studies.
Admission Requirements
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Students may be admitted during any semester, but for optimal scheduling, the fall term is recommended. Students with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation (up to 12 credit hours) may take deficiencies and courses for graduate credit concurrently. GRE General Test scores and a statement of objectives are required and should be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Although not required for admission, an on-campus interview is highly recommended.
The applicant should have an undergraduate major in one of the natural or physical sciences or engineering with coursework to include computer science, mathematics through calculus, chemistry, physics, and biology or geology.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Oceanography – Coastal Zone Management is conferred on students who have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (including thesis) of required and elective coursework. The nonthesis track requires a minimum of 33 credit hours and a final program examination.
Curriculum
To earn the master of science degree, the student must complete the following courses or their equivalents. Equivalent coursework can be substituted for required courses as recommended by the student’s adviser and program chair. Representative electives for each option are available from advisers. At least six credit hours of thesis or internship is required, and an additional three credit hours can be granted in place of the three credit hours of elective, subject to approval by the program chair. Thesis or internship registration must be continuous from the initial registration until graduation.
| CREDITS | ||
| OCN 5101 | Principles of Biological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5210 | Marine and Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| OCN 5301 | Principles of Geological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5401 | Principles of Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5990 | Oceanography Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Option Requirements | 15 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 30 | |
Option Course (15 credit hours)
| CREDITS | ||
| OCN 5801 | Coastal Systems Planning | 3 |
| Internship | 6 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
Master of Science in Oceanography–Geological Oceanography
| Major Code: | 8088 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The master of science degree can be earned in one of five options: biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography, or coastal zone management. The successful student is well prepared for a challenging professional career or for continuing with graduate studies.
Admission Requirements
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Students may be admitted during any semester, but for optimal scheduling, the fall term is recommended. Students with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation (up to 12 credit hours) may take deficiencies and courses for graduate credit concurrently. GRE General Test scores and a statement of objectives are required and should be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Although not required for admission, an on-campus interview is highly recommended.
The applicant should have an undergraduate major in physical or natural science or engineering. The background should include computer science, mathematics through calculus, and at least one year each of chemistry and physics. The geological background should include mineralogy, petrology, sedimentation and stratigraphy.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Oceanography – Geological Oceanography is conferred on students who have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (including thesis) of required and elective coursework. The nonthesis track requires a minimum of 33 credit hours and a final program examination.
Curriculum
To earn the master of science degree, the student must complete the following courses or their equivalents. Equivalent coursework can be substituted for required courses as recommended by the student’s adviser and program chair. Representative electives for each option are available from advisers. At least six credit hours of thesis or internship is required, and an additional three credit hours can be granted in place of the three credit hours of elective, subject to approval by the program chair. Thesis or internship registration must be continuous from the initial registration until graduation.
| CREDITS | ||
| OCN 5101 | Principles of Biological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5210 | Marine and Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| OCN 5301 | Principles of Geological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5401 | Principles of Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5990 | Oceanography Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Option Requirements | 15 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 30 | |
Option Courses (15 credit hours)
| CREDITS | ||
| OCN 5304 | Coastal and Estuarine Processes | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Thesis | 6 | |
Master of Science in Oceanography–Physical Oceanography
| Major Code: | 8083 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The master of science degree can be earned in one of five options: biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography, or coastal zone management. The successful student is well prepared for a challenging professional career or for continuing with graduate studies.
Admission Requirements
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Students may be admitted during any semester, but for optimal scheduling, the fall term is recommended. Students with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation (up to 12 credit hours) may take deficiencies and courses for graduate credit concurrently. GRE General Test scores and a statement of objectives are required and should be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Although not required for admission, an on-campus interview is highly recommended.
The applicant should have an undergraduate major in physics, mathematics, physical science or engineering. The background should include computer science, at least one year of chemistry, mathematics through differential equations, statistics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Oceanography – Physical Oceanography is conferred on students who have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (including thesis) of required and elective coursework. The nonthesis track requires a minimum of 33 credit hours and a final program examination.
Curriculum
To earn the master of science degree, the student must complete the following courses or their equivalents. Equivalent coursework can be substituted for required courses as recommended by the student’s adviser and program chair. Representative electives for each option are available from advisers. At least six credit hours of thesis or internship is required, and an additional three credit hours can be granted in place of the three credit hours of elective, subject to approval by the program chair. Thesis or internship registration must be continuous from the initial registration until graduation.
| CREDITS | ||
| OCN 5101 | Principles of Biological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5210 | Marine and Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| OCN 5301 | Principles of Geological Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5401 | Principles of Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5990 | Oceanography Seminar (each semester) | 0 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Option Requirements | 15 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 30 | |
Option courses (15 credit hours)
| CREDITS | ||
| OCN 5403 | Ocean Wave Theory | 3 |
| OCN 5405 | Dynamic Oceanography | 3 |
| OCN 5409 | Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
| Thesis | 6 | |
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science
| Major Code: | 9128 | Degree Awarded: | Doctor of Philosophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
Admission Requirements
An applicant for the doctoral program in environmental science must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution in environmental science, biology, chemistry or other appropriate science curriculum. In some cases, certain undergraduate courses must be taken to remediate areas of deficiency before a student can start the doctoral program.
For admission, a student should have a superior academic record and at least three letters of recommendation, including one from the master’s degree thesis adviser. Preference will be given to students with high scores on the Graduate Record Examination.
Included with the application should be a short but clear statement of the interest and objectives of the applicant. Although not absolutely required, an on-campus interview is highly recommended.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
The doctoral degree is primarily a research degree and is conferred in part in recognition of research accomplishments. Each student must complete an approved program of coursework; pass the comprehensive examinations; write an acceptable research proposal and petition for admission to candidacy; complete a program of significant original research; prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research; and present a seminar on the research. Each candidate is expected to publish a major portion of the dissertation in refereed national or international journals. A minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework and 24 credit hours of dissertation beyond a master’s degree are required.
General degree requirements are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog and on the Florida Tech graduate programs website.
Curriculum
A program of study must be approved by the student’s adviser and the program chair. A wide degree of latitude is allowed in course selection and research interest within the capabilities of the university and the student’s academic background.
Before admission to doctoral candidacy, the student may be required to demonstrate proficiency in a computer language or a reading proficiency of scientific literature in one foreign language. The chosen language should allow access to important literature in the student’s area of research. This requirement is imposed at the discretion of the doctoral committee.
After admission to doctoral candidacy, a yearly seminar demonstrating progress must be presented to the graduate faculty.
Doctor of Philosophy in Ocean Engineering
| Major Code: | 9084 | Degree Awarded: | Doctor of Philosophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
Admission Requirements
Admission to doctoral study is granted to a limited number of applicants, and normally requires a master’s degree, with a GPA of at least 3.3 out of 4.0, in a program that provides suitable preparation for doctoral-level studies in ocean engineering. Applicants must submit GRE General Test Scores for evaluation.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
The doctor of philosophy degree is awarded in recognition of scientific accomplishment and the ability to investigate scientific problems independently. The program consists of advanced studies to prepare the student for engineering research, and completion of a research project that leads to a significant contribution to the knowledge of a particular problem. Each student must pass the preliminary written examination, complete an approved program of study, pass the comprehensive written and oral examinations, complete a program of significant research, publish the results of the research, and prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research.
General degree requirements are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
| Coursework and Dissertation Summary | CREDITS |
| Doctoral coursework minimum credit hours beyond the master’s degree | 24 |
| Doctoral dissertation minimum credit hours | 24 |
| MINIMUM CREDITS BEYOND MASTER’S DEGREE | 48 |
Courses must be taken in several areas to assure that all graduates of the doctoral program possess the breadth of knowledge necessary to work in the field of ocean engineering. A minimum of nine credit hours of coursework must be taken in mathematics and computer science, and 21 credit hours must be taken in engineering, as part of the student’s graduate coursework (including master’s courses). A minimum of 15 credit hours of coursework must be directly related to the dissertation research.
The dissertation research is normally conducted on a topic related to current faculty research. The ocean engineering program faculty currently have research interests in coastal engineering, corrosion, naval architecture, submersibles, ocean systems and instrumentation.
After admission to doctoral candidacy, a yearly seminar demonstrating progress must be presented to the graduate faculty.
Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography
| Major Code: | 9081 | Degree Awarded: | Doctor of Philosophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The doctor of philosophy degree is offered to students who want to carry out advanced research in an area of existing faculty expertise. The doctoral degree is granted in recognition of high achievement in a program of study, required examinations and original research in the field of oceanography. Students may be admitted during any semester, but for optimal scheduling, the fall semester is recommended.
Admission Requirements
An applicant who has received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mathematics, natural science, engineering or related fields is eligible to apply for admission to the doctoral program. All applicants should have a high scholastic record (minimum of 3.3 GPA based on a 4.0 scale), three letters of recommendation and Graduate Record Examination General Test scores. Included with the application should be a short, clear statement of the applicant’s interests and objectives. Although not required for admission, an on-campus interview is highly recommended.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
The doctoral degree is primarily a research degree and is conferred in part in recognition of research accomplishments. Each student must complete an approved program of coursework; pass the comprehensive examinations; write an acceptable research proposal and petition for admission to candidacy; complete a program of significant original research; prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research; and present a seminar on the research. Each candidate is expected to publish a major portion of the dissertation in refereed national or international journals. A minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework and 24 credit hours of dissertation beyond a master’s degree are required.
General degree requirements are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Curriculum
A program of study must be approved by the student’s adviser and the program chair. A wide degree of latitude is allowed in course selection and research interest within the capability of the university and the student’s academic background. A student in one of the five concentrations available (biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography, and coastal zone management) must also develop a general knowledge of the various areas of oceanography.
Prior to admission to doctoral candidacy, the student may be required to demonstrate proficiency in a computer language or a reading proficiency of scientific literature in one foreign language. The chosen language should allow access to important literature in the student’s area of research. This requirement is imposed at the discretion of the doctoral committee.
After admission to doctoral candidacy, a yearly seminar demonstrating progress must be presented to the graduate faculty.