Oceans dominate the Earth. This is not only a geographic fact—71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans—but also a psychological, societal and economic reality. From a psychological perspective, the ocean has a pull on our hearts and minds that is inexplicable, but real. Economically, the boundaries formed where land and oceans meet (coastal zones) are critical to the financial health of the United States, with coastal counties supporting almost one-half of the nation’s GDP. Globally, oceans are Earth's most valuable asset, contributing $70 trillion to the global GDP annually. It’s no surprise that 40% of the world’s population lives in coastal zones. The judicious stewardship of marine and coastal resources requires expanding our knowledge of the processes that influence the ecosystem services and goods that fuel our socioeconomic needs.
The University of South Alabama has a history of investment in marine sciences education and research, supporting a faculty of renowned experts in a range of marine-related disciplines. The Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences is designed to address pressing environmental concerns of the coastal regions. The school trains the next generation of marine and environmental scientists, conducts cutting-edge research, and extends the impact of this training and research through service activities.
The Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences embraces diversity in its individual differences, including ethnicity, gender identity, race, physical or mental ability, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and/or veteran status. These and other important attributes reflect the complexity of an increasingly diverse student body, local community, and national population in a global society.
The Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences values the considerable benefits diversity brings as we contribute to the world beyond our geographical region by training future scientists and connecting with citizens. By engaging in educational and research activities with an awareness of the contexts and complexity of global issues, we enhance our productivity and meaningful engagement with our communities. This, in turn, contributes to the development of an understanding, educated workforce and public that will be responsive to the needs of society. To that end, diversity, equity, and inclusion is aligned with our mission of providing students, staff, and the public with a superior education in service to the needs of southern Alabama, the nation, and the world.
Ph.D. and M.S. in Marine Sciences Opportunities at South and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The University of South Alabama offers a limited number of graduate fellowships for highly competitive students seeking Ph.D.s as well as extramurally supported graduate assistantship and university-based teaching assistantships for M.S. and Ph.D. students. All fellowships and assistantships offer competitive pay ($18,000 – $24,000), student health insurance and tuition remission.
