January 10 for fall semester entry and October 1 for spring semester entry (submission prior to these dates is strongly encouraged). The following is a step-by-step procedure for applying to our program. To help you organize this process, refer to the Graduate School's checklist.

Department of Marine Sciences Application Process:

Applying to any graduate program is a big step and requires time and effort to make the best decision for your future. The first step is to accumulate as much information about a program and potential faculty advisors as possible. We recommend you read about our faculty and contact members whose research closely align with your interests. Go to the library or ask potential advisors for copies of their recent research articles to see the types of work they are currently conducting. This is an important consideration, because by choosing a supervisor you choose a research area.

• Communicate with Faculty by e-mail or phone, let them know you are interested in their research and ask if they have room available for a new student.
• Give them a short history of your education, research interests and career goals.
• Schedule a visit to the campus, if possible, talk to faculty and students about the graduate program and tour the facilities. Since we do not accept students who have not identified a potential advisor or a particular research interest, this phase is exceedingly important in the application process.

Contact information

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All items mailed to the Graduate School should be sent in one package. In addition to the information below, please refer to the Graduate School checklists for more information: domestic and international. 

Application – Obtain an application form, either from the Graduate Application web page or by contacting the graduate school directly. You will need to pay a nonrefundable fee at the time you submit the online application.

• Online applications are automatically sent to the Graduate School. Paper applications should be mailed to the Graduate School.

Official transcripts – must be formal (certified) copies. All transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended, either part-time or full-time, must be included. Applicants are expected to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in science degree or equivalent preparation in mathematics, physics and chemistry (at least one year in each discipline). Admission is very competitive and although a GPA of 3.0 is the minimum University requirement for graduate admission, successful applicants to Marine Sciences that are eligible for departmental financial support typically have GPAs considerably higher than the minimum, usually greater than 3.5 in the last four academic semesters.

• Collect and mail to the Graduate School. The most common reason for delayed consideration of graduate school applications is missing or unofficial transcripts.
• If you attended an international university, transcripts in both English and the native language of the university are required.
• If you completed a degree and that fact is not contained in your transcript, an official copy of your degree certificate or diploma is also required.

Personal statement of purpose – is a very important component of the application. The essay (2 pages) should clearly identify your interests, explain why you are pursuing a graduate degree, and why you feel UConn’s Oceanography Program is best suited for pursuit of your career goals. Make certain you target your essay to appropriate faculty members with whom you are interested in working. Your essay should also highlight your motivation for doing graduate work, any relevant training or professional and research experiences you have had, and academic honors, scholarships, etc. The objective is to provide as complete a picture of you as an individual as possible, including and stressing information that goes beyond just numbers and scores. Detailed and well thought-out comments are much more valuable than vague generalizations.

• Mail to the Department or e-mail marinesciences@uconn.edu a Word or PDF file.

Three letters of recommendation – should be selected carefully. When possible, have at least one letter from someone who has seen you work in a field or laboratory research atmosphere (e.g., an advisor for an undergraduate research project). Individuals providing a letter of reference should provide candid evaluations of your scientific aptitude, training, motivation, teaching talent, and ability to express yourself orally and in technical writing.

• Mail to the Department in sealed envelopes with the recommender's signature across the sealed flap. You may have recommenders send the letters directly to the Department or you may collect them and send them all at once. Letters should be sent on institution letterhead.

Graduate Record Examination scores –are required for admission consideration to the Department of Marine Sciences. High GRE scores can compensate for modest grades. However, a poor result on the GRE does not necessarily jeopardize your chances if the rest of your file is strong. Individuals reviewing the file realize that everyone can ‘have a bad day’. In recent years, applicants which have a combined Verbal and Quantitative score 1200+ and a writing score 5.0+ have tended to be most competitive for department-supported teaching and research assistantships.

• Send scores electronically to UConn code 3915. Scores must be less than 5 years old.

TOEFL-scores (if English is not your first language) – are required by the University to be considered for admission. In order to be admitted, you need a minimum overall score of 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or 80 for the internet-based test. The US now has additional federal policies and regulations governing international students (see below).

• Send scores electronically to UConn code 3915. Scores must be less than 2 years old.
• Your application will not be processed if you do not submit scores or if your scores do not meet the requirements listed above.

Resume or CV (optional) – mail to the Department or e-mail marinesciences@uconn.edu a Word or PDF file.

Financial aid request form (if you are eligible) – can be obtained from the Graduate School and are available on the following web site: www.grad.uconn.edu/financial_aid.html

• Mail to the Graduate School.

Passport (for international applicants) – Include a photocopy of your passport with your application materials. If you currently are here in the United States on a visa, please also submit a copy of your valid visa documentation.

• Mail to the Graduate School.

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Financial Support

Students may be supported by Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships. The Department can also nominate exceptional students for funding under the Outstanding Scholars Program, which offers 3 year fellowships. If a student receives 50% or more stipend support during the academic year, they will receive a University tuition remission. Stipends are also available for students engaged in research projects during the summer.

Most students are supported by research grants and contracts obtained by individual faculty members, and students supported in this way work on a specific project related to the grant. Learning about your potential advisor and communicating with her/him about your skills and scientific interests provide valuable information for the selection process.

We also strongly encourage you to apply for graduate school fellowships that are awarded by a number of federal and private agencies (e.g, National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research). These fellowships are highly competitive and if awarded, your acceptance to the Department is almost guaranteed. Start the application process early (your college or university should have access to information), as you will need to arrange letters of reference, etc. In addition, work with your identified graduate advisor to create a competitive proposal.

Information for international applicants or permanent resident aliens
International applicants or permanent resident aliens must provide evidence of their ability to meet all expenses for at least the first year of study and present a plan for financing the remainder of their program. Special information for international students interested in applying is available from the Department of International Services and Programs.