Application Procedure
Ph.D. in Coastal and Marine System Science (CMSS)

The application deadline is February 1 for consideration for financial aid award for admission to the Fall semester. Admission to this program is limited to 5 to 10 students each fall. In rare cases a student can be considered for admission for the spring semester. Admission of most students for the fall semester allows the students to be part of a cohort enrolling together in a suite of required core courses. The following classes are offered each fall:

• CMSS 6102: Seminar in Earth System Science
• CMSS 6330: Spatial Systems Science
• CMSS 6370: Coastal Management and Ocean Law
• CMSS 6401: Mathematical Concepts for System Science

The following classes are offered every spring:

• CMSS 6303: Systems Analysis
• CMSS 6305: Natural Systems Modeling

Additionally several CMSS courses are offered usually on a two year cycle including Experimental Design (CMSS 6323), Marine Geochemistry (CMSS 6334), Environmental Forecasting (CMSS 6352), Aquatic Ecotoxicology (CMSS 6355), Global Geochemical Cycles and Change (CMSS 6357), GIS Applications in Ecology (CMSS 6425), Marine Environmental Physiology (CMSS 6445) and several other classes. Additional classes include regular special topics classes, designated Independent studies, research and dissertation hours.

A limited number of Graduate Assistantship and Fellowships are also available. Applications for these positions are made separately by printing out and completing the form found here.

The main application deadline for program fall admission is February 1st. Depending on the number of applicants accepted other students can be considered past the March 1st deadline.

If you have not already done so, please examine the Ph.D. Faculty List and identify 2-3 potential mentors. A good fit between applicants and potential mentors is an important part of the decision process.

For the application itself, please follow the steps on the checklist below.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

	Complete the Texas Common Application and submit the application fee. Online applications are preferred. Special instructions to help foreign applicants can be found here.
	Submit an essay of not more than 1000 words describing your educational background, career interests, goals, challenges, and name faculty you have contacted.
	Submit a resume with relevant prior experience.
	Include as separate documents any relevant supplemental materials that you wish to be considered such as scientific publications.
	Request 3 letters of evaluation/recommendation. You should request evaluations/recommendations from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and potential. Ask them to address the following questions: Your potential for success in advanced study. Your initiative and ability to work on independent research. Your ability to work as part of a team. Your quantitative and analytical skills. Your potential as a teacher (if applying for a fellowship). If you have been out of school for a number of years and are unable to contact former professors, you may request evaluations/recommendations from people such as employers who are familiar with you and who can comment on your potential to succeed in the program. Completed evaluation/recommendations should be signed over the flap of the envelope by the person completing the form/letter and be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Studies, 6300 Ocean Drive, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 78412-5843.
	Request official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies. Transcripts from institutions outside of the united States must be translated and evaluated by an approved foreign transcript evaluation service. A list of such services is provided at this link.
	Request that the required test scores, GRE for all students and GRE and TOEFL for students whose first language is not English must be sent directly to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi using OGS Code R6849.

MAILING ADDRESS FOR MATERIALS:

Office of Graduate Studies
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive, NRC-2700
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5843

For additional information please contact:
Maria Martinez, (361)825-5740,
maria.martinez@tamucc.edu