The M. S. Degree with thesis option requires 24 semester hours of graduate level courses, including four courses covering the four core areas, and six hours of thesis research. At least, 12 credits hours must be at the 7000 level. The Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences (DOCS) has a non-thesis option which is designed for individuals interested in non-research careers (positions in regulatory agencies, management groups) where breadth of course work may be more valuable than research experience.

Students are accepted for this course of study through regular admission procedures of the LSU Graduate School and Department’s Academic Affairs Committee. Students may attend full or part-time.
Students must remain in “good academic standing” in the Graduate School and maintain at least a cumulative 3.00 grade point average.
36 credit hours of course work beyond the bachelor degree level are required for graduation