Overview

The physical oceanography curriculum combines a comprehensive program of course work with individually tailored specialization to meet student needs. At the start of each quarter during the first year, the guidance committee meets with students to discuss course work and their individual research interests. The Physical Oceanography program is offered by the University of California, San Diego.

For example, students might choose to focus on observational physical oceanography, theoretical physical oceanography, or atmosphere/ocean/cryosphere/shoreline interactions.

Research activities within this curricular group are both observational and theoretical and include:

Study of the general circulations of the oceans, including the relations of ocean currents to driving forces and constraints of the ocean basins

Fluctuations of currents, and the transport of properties

The mechanisms of transport of energy, momentum, and physical substances within the sea and across its boundaries

Properties of wind waves, internal waves, tsunami, and planetary waves

The thermodynamic description of the sea as a system not in equilibrium

Optical and acoustic properties of the sea

The influence of surf on near-shore currents and the transport of sediments

Programme Structure

Research activities:

Study of the general circulations of the oceans, including the relations of ocean currents to driving forces and constraints of the ocean basins

Fluctuations of currents, and the transport of properties

The mechanisms of transport of energy, momentum, and physical substances within the sea and across its boundaries

Properties of wind waves, internal waves, tsunami, and planetary waves

The thermodynamic description of the sea as a system not in equilibrium

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-03 00:00:00

Language

English

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Earth Sciences Oceanography View 27 other PhDs in Oceanography in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Candidates for admission should have a bachelor's (BS) or master's degree in one of the physical, biological, or earth sciences; in some cases a degree in mathematics or engineering science is accepted.

A scholastic average of B or better (3.0) in upper-division courses, or prior graduate study, is required.
A major in a physical science, including three years of physics and mathematics, is required.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36477 USD / year

≈ 36477 USD / year
Out-of-State

36477 USD / year

≈ 36477 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21375 USD / year

≈ 21375 USD / year

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Physical Oceanography.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Research activities within this curricular group are both observational and theoretical and include:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Diego

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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