Dec 07, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025 
    
USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Biology (Marine and Environmental Biology) (PhD)


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Application deadline: January 15

In the PhD Biology with an emphasis in Marine and Environmental Biology MEB graduate program (MEBP), the curriculum is designed to increase student flexibility and specialization within the broad topic heading of marine and environmental biology, while maintaining high standards of education. The program optimizes each student’s curriculum to the needs and demands of their chosen research field. MEBP students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be considered in good standing in the program. 

For Admission Requirements, refer to the admissions section of Biological Sciences .

Four semesters of student seminar (1 unit each, 4 units total)


One semester of teaching practicum (2 units)


Statistics Requirement (3-4 units)


Core Electives (2-4 units)


Choose one course from among the following list of courses. Courses can count toward one requirement only.

Additional Requirements


A minimum total of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars and research credit. At least 25 of the minimum 60 total units required are to be formal graduate course work (lecture and seminar courses).

Screening Examination

Candidates must also pass a screening examination to determine competence and point out deficiencies, fulfill a research tool requirement (computer skills, biostatistics, quantitative chemistry), and meet the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School. This exam is completed before completion of 25 units in the program.

Student Teaching

Since most graduates in biological sciences will spend some part of their careers in academic work, teaching experience is considered an important part of graduate training. Each graduate student in the program is therefore required to serve at least one semester as a teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences. Students must enroll in BISC 593  either before or concurrent with their first semester as a Teaching Assistant.

Qualifying Examination

Before the end of the fourth semester, each student must pass a written and oral qualifying examination given by the student’s qualifying exam committee. The written part involves answering a number of questions at length. The oral part is in the area of the student’s intended research, based on a project selected and developed by the student into a written proposition. After passing the qualifying examination, the student completes the research investigation and any other requirements under the guidance of the research adviser who also chairs the dissertation committee.

Doctoral Dissertation

The dissertation is based on original, publishable and significant research conducted independently by the student under the guidance of the dissertation committee.

Defense of the Dissertation

The dissertation defense includes a formal public seminar, followed by a detailed defense meeting with the full Dissertation Committee.

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