Oceanography Graduate Handbook

This guide is intended to give you information that is critical for your participation in the Florida State University Oceanography Graduate Degree Program. The Oceanography Graduate Degree Program offers a major in oceanography with tracks in biological, chemical, and physical oceanography.  Each of these is offered at both the Ph.D. and M.Sc. levels.  While students pursuing an M.Sc. in oceanography typically pursue a thesis-based track, each M.Sc. major also includes a non-thesis option. In addition to these tracks in oceanography, the Oceanography Degree Program is also home to the Aquatic Environmental Science (AQES) Program.  The AQES Program offers two M.Sc. majors.  The first is the M.Sc. degree which can be pursued in a thesis-based or non-thesis-based option.  The second is the Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree, which is intended for students who are looking for a more MBA-like program.  This degree is a non-thesis terminal MS degree with a capstone course that will focus on a project or internship.  The non-thesis AQES degree similarly requires a capstone course that will focus on a project or internship. These degree programs serve full time students in addition to working students who wish to further their education, and to earn an MS degree to improve their employment prospects and career choices. Also, in partnership with the FSU Law School, the Oceanography Graduate Degree Program also includes a joint graduate pathway in law and aquatic environmental sciences, J.D./M.S. in Aquatic Environmental Science/Oceanography, which permits the completion of both programs concurrently.

Please refer to this guide to ensure that you are properly progressing toward your degree. The complete record of policies and procedures is located in the Graduate Bulletin. Since policies and procedures sometimes change, be sure to pay attention to e-mail announcements from the University and the Department, which will be sent to your FSU email account. We are all here to help you; so please ask questions when you need help.

Please note that this handbook is in effect for students who entered their current program after Fall 2025 and before the next update to the handbook.

Orientation and Advising

Orientation

You will be required to attend graduate student orientation, both departmental and The Graduate School orientation.  Additionally, those who are incoming Teaching Assistants (TA’s) will also be required to attend a two-day Program for Instructional Excellence (PIE) training.  You will receive a schedule of August’s activities early in the summer.

Initial Advising

Most students in the Thesis-track Oceanography Majors are admitted with a specific major professor already chosen. The major professor should be consulted in the initial choice of classes. If the student does not have a major professor, they should consult with the oceanography graduate curriculum leader. Advising for 

Basic Timeline

There are some key markers along the graduate degree program that all students should achieve. 

For thesis-based M.Sc. students, these include: 1) Find a major professor within your first semester.  2) Form a committee (comprised of at least three faculty members) within your first academic year.  3) Complete your prospectus in semesters two or three.  The prospectus consists of a short written outline of the intended research project and an oral presentation to the committee.  4) Complete the written thesis and oral defense in semesters four to six.

For Ph.D. students, these include: 1) Find a major professor within your first semester.  2) Form a committee (comprised of at least five faculty members, including one University Representative from outside EOAS) within your first academic year.  3) Complete your preliminary exam in semesters three to five.  The preliminary exam includes both a written and oral section and can include both general knowledge (i.e., comprehensive exam) questions and questions more tailored to the student’s own individual research.  4) Complete your prospectus in semesters four to six.  The prospectus includes a written document (typically including a literature review of the research topic and an outline of the intended research project) and an oral presentation to the committee.  5) Complete the written dissertation and oral defense in semesters eight to fourteen.

Note that in the above we define semesters as academic semesters (i.e., fall and spring), although students are also typically enrolled during the summer semesters as well. Below we have more detailed timeline information.

AQES and PSM-AQES students will design their program of study in accordance with the academic guidelines with the program advisor. Since some of these students will be working full or part time the program of study will be tailored to their needs.

Summer Before the First Semester

• Make sure the Office of Admissions has the final copy of your transcripts from previous institutions illustrating degrees conferred
• Get an FSU Card
• Set up your FSUID and Webmail Account
• If you have an assistantship, sign any paperwork required with EOAS HR

Each Semester During Your Registration Window

After consultation with your major professor,If you need to take any of the classes below, fill out the DIS Request Form to register for the following courses:

• OCE5908 – Directed Individual Study (DIS): This course is a directed study by a professor (usually the students’ major professor) on a specific topic that is not offered in an existing traditional course.
• OCE5971 – Thesis: Master’s level students enroll in OCE5971 when they are writing their thesis. Students need to complete a minimum of 6 credit hours of OCE5971 to graduate. Students may enroll in 1-6 credit hours of OCE5971 in a semester. Students must enroll in at least 2 credit hours of OCE5971 during the semester that they graduate/defend.
• OCE6980 – Dissertation: PhD candidates must enroll in a minimum of 2 credit hours of OCE6980 each semester after completing the preliminary examination. 24 credit hours of OCE6980 are required for the completion of the PhD degree.

End of Each Semester

Complete any Incomplete (“I” grades) from the previous semester. Otherwise, incomplete grades will revert to the grade that you would have earned without completing all of the coursework/exams. This is often a grade of “F” and will be calculated into your GPA. It is your responsibility to follow-up with your professor for an explanation of what is expected for satisfactory completion. (Note: 0 credit courses do not turn into an “F”).

First Semester

Choose a major professor, and then select the other committee members in consultation with the major professor. Submit the committee form to the EOAS graduate academic coordinator (Adea Arrison).

End of First Year

Students with assistantships need to reclassify their residency for tuition purposes if originally classified as out-of-state. This can be completed over the summer but must be completed before the first day of classes in August.

Final Semester (see checklist)

Oceanography Admission Requirements

Any degree-seeking student with at least a B.S. or B.A. degree may apply to enter the Master's program. Most successful applicants, without a Master's degree in oceanography or environmental science or a closely allied field, are accepted into the Master's degree program. However, such applicants, as well as applicants with Master's degrees in oceanography or a related field, may also apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Admission to the M.S. or Ph.D. program is granted upon a favorable majority vote of the oceanography admissions committee and upon agreement of a faculty member to act as a major professor. AQES and PSM-AQES are reviewed and accepted by the AQES faculty committee.  A 3.0 average in one’s undergraduate studies is generally required but exceptions can be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Oceanography Graduate Degree Program Requirements

All Graduate Students must maintain a 3.0 (“B” average) Grade Point Average (GPA) for all of their graded courses to graduate from the Oceanography Program at FSU. Students who earn a GPA below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation.

Master's Degree

Each candidate for the M.S. must satisfy all University-wide M.S. requirements. The requirements listed below may exceed the minimum university requirements, depending on individual student preparation. 

All students must:

• Complete 33 semester hours, 18 of which must be earned on a letter grade basis for thesis-based masters and 21 of which must be earned on a letter grade for non-thesis masters
  • No more than 3 hours of Supervised Research (OCE 5910) and 3 hours of Supervised Teaching (OCE 5940) may be applied toward fulfilling the 33 hour degree requirement.
  • A graduate student registered for an individual study course (DIS, OCE5908) must attend at least one conference a week with their major professor.
  • Only courses numbered 5000 or above are normally to be taken by graduate students. A graduate student's committee or the department may, however, permit the student to take specified 4000 level courses in the degree program. Such 4000 level courses may be credited toward a graduate degree but they are not factored into the graduate GPA.
  • Each student must attain a grade of A or B in the introductory survey 'core' courses (see Course Requirements). Course credit may be transferred from another department or institution as a substitute for an oceanography core course if approved by the FSU instructor of that particular course, and so requested by the student's advisor and according to the rules set by the University.
• Complete the appropriate coursework for their major (and track within the oceanography major)

Additional requirements for Thesis Plan:

• Form a committee by the end of the second semester
  • Committee is comprised of the major professor and at least two other faculty
  • At least two of the members must be from the Oceanography program
  • At least two members must be well acquainted with the student's area of specialization
  • One committee member must be an EOAS professor whose work lies outside the student's specialty area
• By the end of the third academic semester of residence, submit to the committee a written thesis prospectus and defend this prospectus in an oral presentation. For example, a student entering the program in the fall would do this before the end of the next fall semester. This prospectus should outline briefly the research proposed by the student; it will be the basis for the subsequent thesis. A written copy, dated and signed by all the members of the advisory committee, must be placed in the student's departmental file.
• Completion of an acceptable written thesis of research, with at least 6 credit hours in OCE 5971.
• Registration for 0 credit hour OCE 8976 during the semester when the thesis is defended.
• A final draft of the thesis must be provided to the student’s committee members at least 2 weeks prior to the oral defense date.
• The oral defense must be arranged in consultation with the student’s committee members. The last date for defending in the semester that the student intends to graduate is 2 weeks prior to the university deadline for submitting the final thesis (post-defense, final content-approved thesis). However, students can schedule a defense date after this deadline if they choose to graduate in a subsequent semester.

Course Requirements for the Aquatic Environmental Sciences Major

Each semester, before registering for any courses, the student should confer with the AQES Program Director.

Students are required to complete four core courses from the list below. All courses are 3 credit hours unless indicated otherwise.

• EVR 5455C Wetlands
• OCB 5636 Marine Microbial Ecology
• OCB 5635 Coastal Ecology
• OCB 5930 Marine Pollution
• OCB 5050 Basic Biological Oceanography
• OCC 5050 Basic Chemical Oceanography
• OCE 5009L Coastal Oceanography and Marine Field Methods (4)
• OCE 5065 Marine Conservation Biology
• OCP 5050 Basic Physical Oceanography
• GLY 5827 Hydrology

And select two (2) of the following analytical courses (others with director approval). All courses are 3 credit hours unless indicated otherwise.

• GLY 5757C Remote Sensing and GIS (4)
• GLY 5595 Geostatistics (Advanced Topics in Sedimentation and Stratigraphy)
• BSC 5936 Quantitative Methods (Statistics)
• GIS 5100 & Lab Geographic Info Systems (4)
• GIS 5106 Advanced Geographic Information Science
• GIS 5305 Geographical Information Systems for Environmental Analysis and Modeling
• STA 5126 Introduction to Applied Statistics 
• STA 5206 Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments
• STA 5507 Applied Non-parametric Statistics 
• OCP 5930 Environmental Science Modeling

And select five (5) of the following elective courses based on the student’s primary interest and capstone paper topic. Once the 4 core course requirements that are listed above are met, any of the other core classes can be used as an elective. Other courses that are not core classes, nor listed below may fulfill the elective requirements if approved by the AES Program Director.

• OCB 5639 Marine Benthic Ecology  
• OCB 5930 Marine Pollution
• OCB 5930 Zooplankton Ecology
• OCB 5264 Coral Reefs
• OCB 5565 Primary Production
• OCC 5052 Aquatic Chemistry
• OCC 5415 Marine Geochemistry
• OCC 5417 Geochemical Ocean Tracers
• OCE 5018 Current Issues in Environmental Science
• OCG 5106 The Earth System
• GLY 5267 Stable Isotope Tracers
• GLY 5265 Nuclear Geology
• GLY 5575 Coastal Geology
• GLY 5887 Environmental Geology
• GLY 5736 Marine Geology
• MET 5607 Atmospheric Composition and climate
• MET 5105 Global Climate Systems
• MET 6480 Biogeochemical Cycles and Global Change
• CHM 5086 Environmental Chemistry I
• GEO 5377 Natural Resource Assessment Analysis
• PCB 5345C Advanced Field Biology
• PCB 5447 Community Ecology
• ZOO 4204 Biology of Higher Marine
• LAW 6470 Environmental Law

OCE5934r Capstone Experience. This course is required in the final semester, 3 credits. Guided by the Program Director students select topics to research and evaluate in a 20-25 page synthesis paper (double-spaced, 12-point, Times font). Alternately, students may do an internship and summarize their activities in a 20-25 page report. Successful students will demonstrate adequate knowledge of the environmental science field and the ability to synthesize information from several sources (including a variety of publications) into a cohesive and meaningful paper. The course culminates in students giving an oral presentation based on the content of their paper.

Course Requirements for the Professional Science Master's in Aquatic Environmental Science Major

Each semester, before registering for any courses, the student should confer with the AQES Program Director.

Aquatic Environmental Science Master’s students are required to complete four (4) courses from the list below. All are 3 credit hours unless indicated otherwise.

• EVR5455C Wetlands 
• OCB 5636 Marine Microbial Ecology
• OCE 5009L Coastal Oceanography and Marine Field Methods (4)
• OCB5050 Basic Biological Oceanography
• OCC 5050 Basic Chemical Oceanography
• OCP 5050 Basic Physical Oceanography
• OCB 5635 Coastal Ecology
• OCB 5930 Marine Pollution
• OCE 5065 Marine Conservation Biology.
• GLY 5827 Hydrology         

And complete three of the classes from the list below:

• MAN 5245 Organizational Behavior
• BUL 5810 Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
• COM 5450 Introduction to Project Management
• COM 5451 Advanced Topics in Project Management (after COM 5450)
• COM 5126 Organizational Communication theory and Practice
• COM 5115 Scientific Presentation and Posters
• ISM 5021 Information and Technology Management

Or various ENT classes with advisor approval.          

And Select two (2) of the following eight (8) analytical courses: (others with director approval)

• GLY5757C Remote Sensing and GIS (4)
• GLY 5595 Geostatistics (Advanced Topics in Sedimentation and Stratigraphy
• BSC 5936 Quantitative Methods (Statistics)
• GIS 5100 &L Geographic Info Systems (4)
• GIS 5106 Advanced Geographic Information Science
• GIS 5305 Geographical Information Systems for Environmental Analysis and Modeling
• STA 5126 Introduction to Applied Statistics
• STA 5206 Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments
• STA 5507 Applied Non-parametric Statistics

And select two of the following elective courses based on the student’s primary interest and capstone paper topic:  Once the 4 core course requirements are met, any of the other core classes can be used as an elective and are not re-listed below.  Other courses may be used upon consultation with the program director.

• OCB 5639 Marine Benthic Ecology
• OCB5930 Marine Pollution
• OCB5930 Zooplankton Ecology
• OCC5930 Geomorphology and Geochemistry
• OCC 5052 Aquatic Chemistry
• OCC 5415 Marine Geochemistry
• OCE 5018 Current Issues in Environmental Science
• OCG5106 The Earth System
• GLY 5885 Geologic Hazards Assessment
• GLY 5265 Nuclear Geology
• CHM 5086 Environmental Chemistry I
• OCB 5264 Coral Reefs
• OCB 5565 Primary Production
• OCC 5417 Geochemical Ocean Tracers
• GLY5267 Stable Isotope Tracers
• GLY5265 Nuclear Geology
• GEO 5377 Natural Resource Assessment Analysis  
• GLY 5575 Coastal Geology
• GLY 5887 Environmental Geology I
• GLY 5736 Marine Geology
• MET 5607 Atmospheric Composition and climate
• MET 5105 Global Climate Systems
• MET 6480 Biogeochemical Cycles and Global Change
• PCB 5345C Advanced Field Biology
• PCB 5447 Community Ecology
• ZOO 4204 Biology of Higher Marine
• LAW 6470 Environmental Law

OCE5934r Capstone Experience

This course is required in the final semester, 3 credits. Guided by the Program Director students select topics to research and evaluate in a 20-25 page synthesis paper (double-spaced, 12-point, Times font). Alternately, students may do an internship and summarize their activities in a 20-25 page report. Successful students will demonstrate adequate knowledge of the environmental science field and the ability to synthesize information from several sources (including a variety of publications) into a cohesive and meaningful paper. The course culminates in students giving an oral presentation based on the content of their paper.

Course Requirements for the Oceanography Major (Biological Oceanography track)

• Required*:
  • OCB5050 Biological Oceanography
  • OCC 5050 Basic Chemical Oceanography
  • OCP 5050 Basic Physical Oceanography
  • OCB 5565 Marine Primary Production (Phytoplankton)
  • OCB 5636 Marine Microbial Ecology
  • OCB XXXX Marine Plankton (Zooplankton ecology)
  • OCB 5639 Marine Benthic Ecology
• One of the following conservation courses
  • OCB 5065  Marine Conservation Biology
  • OCE 5930 Systematic Conservation Planning
  • OCB 5077 Marine Environment Pollution
• One of the following specialty courses
  • OCB 5077 Marine Environment Pollution
  • OCB 5065 Marine Conservation Biology
  • OCB 5930 Molecular Ecology
  • OCB 5264 Coral Reef Ecology
  • OCB 5635 Coastal Ocean Processes
  • OCB 5064 Ecology of Marine Sediments
  • OCE 5009L Deep-Sea Biology and Field Methods
  • OCE 5009L Coastal Oceanography and Marine Field Methods
  • OCE 5930 Systematic Conservation Planning
  • OCC 5930 Biogeochem & Ecol Modeling
  • OCG 5051 Basic Geological Oceanography
  • EVR 5455C Wetlands  
  • OCC 5417 Ocean Tracers
  • BSC XXXX Invertebrate Zoology
  • OCB 5930 Scientific Writing & Communication

*Note that any specific course requirements can be waived at the discretion of the student’s committee, typically because they are not offered or because equivalent courses were taken at a previous institution.

Course Requirements for the Oceanography Major (Chemical Oceanography track)

• Required*:
  • o OCC 5050 Basic Chemical Oceanography
  • o OCC 5939 Chemical Oceanography Seminar (when offered)
• Two of the following core courses:
  • o OCC 5052 Aquatic (inorganic) Chemistry
  • o OCC 5416 Organic Geochemistry
  • o OCC 5050 Basic Biological Oceanography
  • o OCP 5050 Basic Physical Oceanography
• Two of the following specialty courses
  • OCC 5930 Paleoclimate Data, Models, and Theory 
  • OCC 5417 Geochemical Ocean Tracers
  • OCC5930 Wetlands and Rivers
  • OCC5930 Polar and Alpine Biogeochemistry
  • OCB 5636 Marine Microbial Ecology
  • OCB 5565 Marine Primary Productivity (Phytoplankton)
  • OCB XXXX Plankton Ecology (Zooplankton)
  • OCB 5635 Coastal Ocean Processes
  • OCB 5077 Marine Environment Pollution
  • OCG5050 Geological Oceanography
  • OCP 5930 Environmental Science Modeling
  • OCP 5930 Fundamentals of Climate & Global Change
  • EVR 5455C Wetlands  
  • Met 5607 Atmospheric Chemistry
  • GLY 5267 Stable Isotopic Tracers in the Environment
  • GLY 5827 Principles of Hydrology
  • OCB 5930 Scientific Writing & Communication

*Note that any specific course requirements can be waived at the discretion of the student’s committee, typically because they are not offered or because equivalent courses were taken at a previous institution.

Thesis Defense (thesis-based M.S. only)

Registration shall be required in the final term in which a degree is granted and shall consist of a minimum of two semester hours of thesis credit even if the student has completed the requirements for the degree in previous semesters. This is to reimburse the university for the administrative costs of manuscript clearance and final degree clearance procedures.

When a student plans to defend a thesis, s/he should register for OCE8976 (Master's Thesis Defense) and sign up for graduation at my.fsu.edu. A student not defending during the anticipated semester will have to sign up for graduation again at the beginning of the following semester. S/He does not need to register for OCE8976 again. A copy of the University guidelines for writing and submitting the thesis may be found at https://gradschool.fsu.edu/academics-research/thesis-treatise-and-dissertation/formatting- guidelines. For clarification of information on the web page contact the Manuscript and Final Clearance Advisor in The Graduate School (314 Westcott).

The student must submit a copy of the thesis to committee members (electronic or paper as requested) at least four weeks before the announced defense. This defense copy should be essentially complete and legibly typed. The student should meet with each committee member prior to the defense to discuss the defense copy. An additional copy, approved by the student's major professor for this purpose, must be placed in the office of the Academic Coordinator (3008C EOA) at least two weeks before the defense; simultaneously, the student must announce the date, time and place of the defense to the department and separately submit this information to The Graduate School for posting.

The defense seminar will be open to the public and is designed to give the student an opportunity to present his/her research and to respond to criticism. The defense examination will be administered by the student's committee. After the thesis has been successfully defended, the student will prepare a final copy of the thesis acceptable to the student's committee. This corrected version will be signed by the committee and the Department Chair.

Guidelines for Bypassing the Master's Degree

It is also possible that a student in the Master's program may bypass the Master's degree upon completion of the following procedure. The student's M.S. committee should submit to the Admissions Committee:

1. A strong letter of recommendation for bypassing the M.S. degree. This letter should come from the entire committee.

2. The student's complete up-to-date departmental folder, including

a. Undergraduate record

b. Complete graduate record

c. GRE scores, and both undergraduate and graduate GPA's

d. All letters of recommendation for student's initial admission to FSU

e. Written records of all meetings of the student's MS committee.

If the Admissions Committee approves admission directly to the Ph.D., the admission must be further approved by a majority vote of the whole academic faculty of the Oceanography program. Following that approval, formal admission will be made through the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Doctoral Degree

Each candidate for the Ph.D. Degree must satisfy all University-wide Ph.D. requirements. The requirements listed below may exceed the minimum university requirements, depending on individual student preparation. 

Each doctoral student must have a major professor when beginning their studies. In consultation with their major professor, they must then form a doctoral supervisory committee prior to taking the preliminary examination. The committee should consist of:

• At least 5 faculty members (including the major professor), of whom at least 4 must have Graduate Faculty status
• One of these must be an oceanographer whose work lies outside the student’s specialty area
• Two of the members should be familiar with the student’s area of specialization
• One member (the University Representative) must be a tenured Florida State University faculty member with Graduate Faculty Status from outside the EOAS Dept.  The University Representative is responsible for ensuring that University policies are followed, and that decisions made by the supervisory committee reflect the collective judgment of the committee. Therefore, the graduate faculty representative must be someone who is free of conflicts of interest with other members of the committee. If questions arise they should be referred to the Dean of The Graduate School for resolution.

Students are required to meet with their committee at least once each year.

An annual evaluation form cosigned by the candidate and the major supervisor must be completed and submitted to the EOAS academic graduate coordinator (EOA Room 3008C). The PhD candidate must schedule an appointment with their advisor to discuss and complete this form. If the evaluation indicates “Official Concern” or “Does not meet expectations” then specific recommendations and remediation plans must be provided in writing as an addendum to the evaluation form.

If a student wishes to complete the non-thesis M.S. course plan as part of their PhD degree program, they should complete the coursework for the appropriate major and track as outlined above.

All students must:

• Complete 33 semester hours, 18 of which must be earned on a letter grade basis
  • A graduate student registered for an individual study course (DIS, OCE5908) must attend at least one conference a week with their major professor.
  • Only courses numbered 5000 or above are normally to be taken by graduate students. A graduate student's committee or the department may, however, permit the student to take specified 4000 level courses in the degree program. Such 4000 level courses may be credited toward a graduate degree but they are not factored into the graduate GPA.
  • Each student must attain a grade of A or B in the introductory survey 'core' courses (see Course Requirements). Course credit may be transferred from another department or institution as a substitute for an oceanography core course if approved by the FSU instructor of that particular course, and so requested by the student's advisor and according to the rules set by the University.
• Complete the appropriate coursework for their major (and track within the oceanography major)
• Complete the preliminary exam for admission to Ph.D. candidacy
  • The first attempt of the Exam can be taken as early as the third academic semester, but no later than the fifth academic semester in residence after admission to the Oceanography Ph.D. program.
  • The student should register for Preliminary Doctoral Examination (OCE 8964) at the beginning of the semester in which the exam is scheduled. In the event of a non-satisfactory exam and according to FSU policy, a student may be reexamined only once. The second and final exam attempt, if necessary, must be taken within two semesters of the first attempt. The second attempt at the preliminary exam shall occur no sooner than six full class weeks after the results of the first attempt are shared with the student. A “full class week” is defined as a week with five days during which classes are held at FSU. Students must be registered separately for their first and second attempt, if necessary within the same semester, and must receive either a “pass” or a “fail” grade for each attempt. An exception request regarding the timing of the re-examination can be submitted for consideration to the Academic Dean’s Office by either the student or the supervisory committee.
  • The Preliminary Examination will have both a written section and a subsequent oral section. It must be announced to all Oceanography faculty and to the student's committee at least two weeks before the written portion. The full Oceanography faculty must be solicited for written examination questions. The solicitation will include a list of the student's current and completed coursework (in the degree program), the names of the student's major professor and Ph.D. committee members, and the proposed topic of the dissertation. The student's committee will screen questions and prepare and administer the examination. The oral examination, given after the written examination, must be announced and be open to the full Oceanography faculty. Examination results must be reported to the Chair and to the academic dean. Passed examinations must be reported to the Registrar. Examination questions, scores and answers must be placed in the student's academic folder.
  • A folder containing copies of all written Preliminary Examination questions, identifying the authors of the questions, will be kept on file in the program office. The folder will be open to the students and faculty.
  • A student must be admitted to candidacy (i.e., passed student's Preliminary Examination) at least six months prior to the granting of the Ph.D. degree.
  • A student who has passed the Preliminary Examination is considered a candidate for the doctoral degree and is eligible to register for dissertation credits. Dissertation credits may under limited circumstances be retroactively added for the semester in which a preliminary exam was completed.
  • All requirements for the degree must be completed within five calendar years from the time the student passes the Preliminary Examination or the student's supervisory committee will require that a new Preliminary Examination be passed. However, it is the intent of the department that the student complete the Ph.D. degree program in no more than five years from the date of first registration.
• Once a student is admitted to candidacy, they must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 credit hours of OCE 6980 (Dissertation) every semester. The exact number of hours shall be determined by the major professor based on the proportion of faculty/staff time, facilities and other resources needed to support the student.
• Complete a dissertation prospectus and present the prospectus to the committee
  • The student’s dissertation prospectus should be submitted for consideration by the committee before the end of the semester following the successful completion of the Preliminary Exam.
  • The prospectus, outlining briefly the research proposed by the student, is the basis for the subsequent dissertation and must be discussed with the committee.
  • A written copy, dated and with signatures indicating committee approval, must be placed in the student's departmental file before the end of the second semester following the Preliminary Exam.
• Complete and defend a dissertation (see below)

Course Requirements for the Oceanography Major (Biological Oceanography track)

• Required*:
  • OCB5050 Biological Oceanography
  • OCC 5050 Basic Chemical Oceanography
  • OCP 5050 Basic Physical Oceanography
  • OCB 5565 Marine Primary Production (Phytoplankton)
  • OCB 5636 Marine Microbial Ecology
  • OCB XXXX Marine Plankton (Zooplankton ecology)
  • OCB 5639 Marine Benthic Ecology
• One of the following conservation courses
  • OCB 5065 Marine Conservation Biology
  • OCE 5930 Systematic Conservation Planning
  • OCB 5077 Marine Environment Pollution
• Two of the following specialty courses
  • OCB 5077 Marine Environment Pollution
  • OCB 5065 Marine Conservation Biology
  • OCB 5930 Molecular Ecology
  • OCB 5264 Coral Reef Ecology
  • OCB 5635 Coastal Ocean Processes
  • OCB 5064 Ecology of Marine Sediments
  • OCE 5009L Deep-Sea Biology and Field Methods
  • OCE 5009L Coastal Oceanography and Marine Field Methods
  • OCE 5930 Systematic Conservation Planning
  • OCC 5930 Biogeochem & Ecol Modeling
  • EVR 5455C Wetlands  
  • OCG 5051 Basic Geological Oceanography
  • OCC 5417 Ocean Tracers
  • BSC XXXX Invertebrate Zoology
• Math, Statistics or GIS classes should be included as needed
  • GLY 5757c GIS course
  • BSC 5936 Quantitative Methods I
  • GLY 5595 Geostats
• Writing and Development classes should be included as needed
  • OCB 5930 Scientific writing and communication
  • OCB 5930 Designing Scientific Presentations
  • OCE XXXX Professional Development

*Note that any specific course requirements can be waived at the discretion of the student’s committee, typically because they are not offered or because equivalent courses were taken at a previous institution.

Course Requirements for the Oceanography Major (Physical Oceanography track)

• Required*:
  • o MAP 5431 Introduction of Fluid Dynamics
  • o OCP 5056 Introduction to Physical Oceanography
  • o OCP5285 Dynamic Oceanography
  • o OCP 5285 Fluid Dynamics: Geophysical Applications
• At least one core course outside of Physical Oceanography
  • OCB 5050 Basic Biological Oceanography
  • OCC 5050 Basic Chemical Oceanography
  • OCG 5051 Basic Geological Oceanography

*Note that any specific course requirements can be waived at the discretion of the student’s committee, typically because they are not offered or because equivalent courses were taken at a previous institution.

Dissertation Defense

Registration shall be required in the final term in which a degree is granted and shall consist of a minimum of two semester hours of dissertation credit even if the student has completed the requirements for the degree in previous semesters. This is to reimburse the university for the administrative costs of manuscript clearance and final degree clearance procedures.

Prior to the defense of dissertation, the student should register for OCE 8985 (Dissertation Defense) and sign up for graduation at m my.fsu.edu, Apply for Graduation. A student not defending during the anticipated semester must remove themselves from the Registrar’s list and sign up for graduation again at the beginning of the following semester; and does need to register again for Dissertation Defense. A copy of the University guidelines for writing and submitting the dissertation may be found online at https://gradschool.fsu.edu/academics-research/thesis-treatise-and-dissertation. For clarification of information on the website contact the Manuscript and Final Clearance Advisor in The Graduate School (314 Westcott).

The student must submit a paper copy of the dissertation (unless otherwise requested) to all committee members at least four weeks before the announced defense. This defense copy should be complete and must be legibly typed. The student should meet with each committee member prior to the defense to discuss the defense copy. An additional copy, approved by the student's major professor for this purpose, must be placed in the office of the Academic Coordinator (EOA 3008) at least two weeks before the defense; simultaneously, the student must prepare and post a flyer announcing the date, time and place of the defense.

At least two weeks prior to the date of the examination in defense of dissertation, the student will present an announcement of the dissertation title, date and place of the defense seminar to The Graduate School. Note this is separate from the announcement of the defense to the department.

The defense seminar (required of all Ph.D. candidates) will be open to the public and is designed to give the student an opportunity to present the dissertation research and to respond to criticism. The subsequent defense examination will be administered by the student's committee, and open to all the departmental faculty. After the dissertation has been successfully defended, the student will prepare a final copy acceptable to the committee. This corrected version will be signed by the committee and the Chair.

As of August 2009, students must complete the entire manuscript clearance process within 60 days of the defense of their dissertation. If a student is unable to successfully complete the entire process within the 60 days, he/she will have to redo the defense.

For an overview of items that must be submitted to the Manuscript and Final Clearance Advisor see https://gradschool.fsu.edu/academics-research/thesis-treatise-and- dissertation/manuscript-clearance-portal  A copy of the final manuscript will be provided to the University libraries.

A University Representative Doctoral Defense Report form should be submitted online by the University Representative on the student’s committee to the Dean of The Graduate School, within one week after the date of defense. Students must complete the entire manuscript clearance process within 60 days of the defense of their thesis. If a student is unable to successfully complete the entire process within the 60 days, he/she will have re-do the defense.

The Major Professor

Because Ph.D. and thesis-based masters degrees from this program require research, a student must have a major professor. The major professor sponsors the student’s admission and provides guidance and facilities during the student’s tenure. A student may change major professors if a new major professor is willing to accept the role. The Chair and the original major professor should be notified in writing by the new major professor when such a change is made.

If a major professor dies, becomes incapacitated or leaves the department, the Chair will arrange for the student and the student’s advisory committee to meet with the Chair as soon as possible. At this meeting, the student’s options will be discussed and a time limit (typically no more than three months) set for a grace period during which the student does not have a major professor. If a student cannot find a major professor during this grace period, then the student will be informed in writing by the Chair that he or she is no longer a student in the department.

A major professor has the right to resign from the supervision of a student by notifying the student and the Chair in writing. Upon receipt of the resignation, the Chair will arrange for the student and the student’s advisory committee, minus the original major professor, to meet with the Chair as soon as possible. At this meeting, the student’s options will be discussed and a time limit set for a grace period (typically no more than three months) during which the student does not have a major professor. If a student cannot find a major professor during this grace period, then the student will be informed in writing by the Chair that he or she is no longer a student in the department.

Supervisory Committee

In addition to picking a major professor, students must also select additional supervisory committee members. This committee is chosen with the assistance of the major professor. It is strongly advised that the supervisory committee should be named no later than the end of the second semester of graduate study. Master’s student committees have a minimum of 3 tenure-track faculty members including the Major Professor.  The committees of Ph.D. candidates consist of 5 tenure-track faculty members including the Major Professor and an Outside Member/University Representative. The student should schedule meetings with their committee at least once per year. Typically, the preliminary examination (Ph.D. only), prospectus defense, and dissertation/thesis defense will count as one of the annual meetings. The supervisory committee should be consulted about the student’s research goals and methods, as well as planned courses.

Minimum Standards

In order to remain in the Oceanography Graduate Program, a student must

1. be registered or be on a departmentally approved leave of absence (see below)
2. be enrolled for 9 – 12 hours each semester as advised
3. maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0
4. make satisfactory progress in research (if in the Ph.D. or thesis-based M.Sc. tracks)*
5. comply with all other University requirements as stated in the Florida State University General Bulletin
6. have a major professor

*Satisfactory progress in (4) is determined by the student’s supervisor committee.

Committee Meetings

The student’s thesis/dissertation committee should meet with the student at least once a year and report the student’s progress to the Chair.

Leaves of Absence

A student who cannot register for any semester (including summer) should submit a written leave-of-absence request, approved by the major professor, to the Chair of the department.

A student not registered for two or more successive semesters must comply with the University requirement and apply for admission through the University’s Office of Admissions. Such admission will not be automatic, but must be reviewed by the student’s thesis/dissertation committee and the program faculty.

FSU Card

Besides serving as a picture I.D., the FSUCard offers many important features. It is your library card and will be used to gain entry into the EOA Building.  Therefore, all students are required to have a photo FSUCard.  There is a charge for the first card, which you will pay with your tuition. If you should lose or damage the card, the FSUCard Center (located on the bottom floor of the Woodward Ave. Parking Garage) will replace it for a fee. The FSUCard Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; (850) 644-7777, fsucard.fsu.edu.

FSU Email Accounts

Much of the business you will conduct with the University will be done through the Student Central application. Academic and non-academic resources, course information, and other tools are housed in the Student Central application. You must activate your FSUID and create a password to access these services, your FSU email account and course registration.

Your FSUID set up is an easy process. When you activate your FSUID, you will have access to your FSU email account. FSU email accounts can be accessed from anywhere in the world by using the FSU Webmail system at webmail.fsu.edu. You can also forward email from your FSU email address to your personal email address. Always use your FSU Email if you are contacting anyone at the university and check your email often as this is the only email we use to communicate with you.

EMPLID

FSU will assign you a unique employee identification number (EMPLID), which will be used on important documents and forms. To find your EMPLID, follow the steps listed in servicecenter.fsu.edu.

Building Access

To gain access to the EOA building and the department computer labs after hours or on weekends, you will need to have your FSUCard enabled with EOAS security codes. Bring your FSUCard to the Graduate Academic Coordinator or the Oceanography Graduate Program Committee Chair to request activating your card.

If you still have issues accessing the EOA building with your FSUCard then contact Arthur Cooper, System Administrator of EOAS.

Contact Info: ascooper@fsu.edu

Arthur Cooper — system Administrator, Computer, network, printer problems: support@lists.eoas.fsu.edu

Health Insurance/Health Compliance

*You must either waive, provide evidence of,  or buy health insurance before each semester, or you will not be able to register* Health Compliance Forms: studentinsurance.fsu.edu

Health History Form

Student Immunization Record Patient Disclosure Authorization

The State Board of Education requires all entering students born in or after 1957 to present documented proof of immunity against measles (Rubella and Rubeola) prior to registration. Failure to comply will result in a stop being placed on your registration. Call the Student Health Compliance Office (850) 645-8583, or 645-0624 for more information or email them at healthcompliance@fsu.edu.

Effective January 2003, new immunization laws enacted by the State of Florida mandate that all university students must be informed of the risks of meningitis and hepatitis B. Log on to studentinsurance.fsu.edu/immunization-requirements for more information.

You can purchase or waive the Health Insurance on studentinsurance.fsu.edu/purchase-insurance. You can find out more information about the graduate student health insurance subsidy at gradschool.fsu.edu/funding-awards/subsidy-benefit.

Students with Disabilities

The FSU Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) is the university’s designated office for coordinating academic support services at no cost to qualified students with disabilities. To be eligible for services, you must have a diagnosed disability and provide appropriate documentation to and register with the Center. To learn more about the Center, go to dsst.fsu.edu/oas. You can also request information by emailing oas@fsu.edu or by calling (850) 644-9566 (voice) or (850)270-5370 for D/deaf or OAS FSU for Skype for D/deaf.

Parking

To obtain a parking permit you will need to have an FSU Card and be registered for classes. For more information on how to acquire your virtual parking permit, visit parking.fsu.edu. Be sure to download the free FSU Bus app and parking app, which lets you know the parking availability in real time. As an FSU student you are also able to take advantage of the Tallahassee bus system for free as well.

The Registration Process

Students can search the class schedule and register via the myFSU website:  my.fsu.edu

If necessary, fill out and turn in the DIS request form to the academic coordinator, also found on the Graduate Student Canvas Site.

You must be registered for at least one course by the close of the registration window prior to the given semester (new students are exempt), or a late fee of $100 will be charged to your account. If you are receiving an assistantship you need to be registered for all classes prior to the first day of classes. All other students must be registered for all your classes by the fourth day of classes. You will be charged for all classes that are on your schedule on that day.

*Please note that no student will be allowed to register until the required Health Compliance Forms are completed and accepted by the Student Health Services.  Also, health insurance has to be purchased or waived.

Students will be assessed $100 for Late Registration and $100 for late payment.

Course Load

Nine (9) hours per semester (fall and Spring) constitutes a full-time load for graduate students. Those receiving an assistantship must register for a minimum of 9 hours each semester to be granted full-time status. Three traditional courses per semester is considered a full class load.

Directed Individual Study (DIS)

If you are interested in studying a particular topic not covered in the regular course offerings, you may be interested in registering for a Directed Individual Study (DIS, OCE5908). You must find a faculty member who is willing to direct your study. You and the professor will agree on how much credit (1 to 3 hours) you will receive, and what you must do to earn it. You will have to obtain a DIS form through the Graduate Student Canvas Site and have it signed by the faculty member. You will then turn it into the Academic Coordinator. It is expected that students will plan their program of studies so as to enroll in regularly scheduled courses, which fulfill degree requirements.

First Class Meeting

Attendance at the first class meeting is mandatory unless properly excused by the class instructor. Students who do not attend the first class meeting of a course for which they are registered will be dropped from the course by the academic department that offers the course.  This policy applies to all levels of courses and to all campuses and study centers. It remains the student's responsibility to verify course drops and check that fees are adjusted.

Grade Reports

Semester grades are available via FSU secure applications site in Canvas and Student Central. All Graduate Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA (“B” average) in their graded courses taken as a graduate student, otherwise they will be placed on academic probation or dismissed from the program.

Drop/Add and Withdrawal Policy

Drop/Add Policy

The deadline for students to drop courses without their academic dean’s permission or grade liability is the end of the 7th week of the semester. The exception is courses involved in allegations of academic dishonesty.

Withdrawal Policy

The deadline to officially withdraw from the University without grade liability is the end of the 7th week of the semester. For information about withdrawing from the University, please contact the Office of Withdrawal Services through withdrawal.fsu.edu or (850) 644-1741.

Students are financially liable for tuition for all courses that appear on their schedule after the 4th day of classes (the end of the official Drop/Add period).

Change of Schedule After Drop/Add

A Drop/Add form must be completed by the professor and the Academic Coordinator and returned to the Office of the University Registrar, after approval by the Dean of Arts and Sciences. The student must then pay for additional course hours within five (5) calendar days to avoid the late payment fee. Students should retain a copy of the Drop/Add form for their records.

Academic Dismissal

EOAS graduate degree programs follow the FSU graduate program policies for academic dismissal as detailed in the academic bulletin (bulletin.fsu.edu).  The University reserves the right to dismiss graduate students and terminate their enrollment in an academic program based on a number of different criteria, beyond that of GPA alone. Oversight is provided by The Graduate School, Office of Faculty Development and Advancement, and Office of the Registrar. Additional details on the steps involved in the process are available for faculty and administrators from the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement and for graduate students at the Graduate School. Reasons for program terminations include but are not limited to:

• Inability to conduct independent research in a fashion appropriate with the accepted norms in the earth sciences.
• Inability to function within a team environment to the extent that it negatively affects the learning and/or research of other undergraduate student, graduate student, or postdoctoral researchers.
• Failure to complete important degree milestone requirements (e.g., preliminary exams and prospectus for Ph.D. students) along the expected timeline.
• Receipt of more than two unsatisfactory (U) grades in a S/U course.
• Failure to identify a new major professor within three months after leaving a research group or after the major professor resigns from the student’s supervisory committee.
• Failure to be approved for an extension of time
• Failure to address deficiencies resulting in “Not in Good Standing” within one semester. Possible reasons for being placed in “Not in Good Standing” status include but are not limited to:
  • Failure to make satisfactory progress toward degree milestones on the expected timeline.
  • Receiving an unsatisfactory rating on the Annual Academic Progress Review.
  • Failure to submit a progress report assigned by the major professor or supervisory committee on time
  • Receipt of more than a single unsatisfactory (U) grade in a S/U course.
  • Having a cumulative GPA in FSU graduate courses of less than 3.0
• Being placed in “Not in Good Standing” status more than once.
• Failure to enroll in courses in two subsequent terms.

Fee Payment Regulations

Tuition payment liability is incurred at the time of registration. Students who enroll must pay fees and tuition in full or initiate an installment contract by the tuition and fees payment deadline. Students who fail to pay tuition in full by the fee payment deadline will be assessed a late payment fee of $100.00. All waivers, vouchers, Intern Participation Certificates, agency billings, and department billings for all students, including those receiving financial aid, must be submitted by the fourth day of the semester. You may pay by check or electronic payment (electronic checks, FSU Card and Visa, American Express, Discover or MasterCard). The Florida State University will accept credit card payments only over the Internet at https://fees.fsu.edu.  There is a fee to cover the cost of providing this service. Classes added after the Drop/Add deadline must be paid for within five (5) calendar days. Foreign and two-party checks are not accepted. Make checks payable to The Florida State University and include the student's FSUSN, local phone and address on each check.

Billing

You may obtain your online billing statement on the web at fees.fsu.edu. Tuition payment is generally the second Friday of each semester as posted on the Academic Calendar at registrar.fsu.edu. Check studentfinance.fsu.edu for upcoming deadlines.

Financial Holds

Students who owe $0.01 or more to the University will not be able to register for classes, receive transcripts or receive a diploma. The stop will not be removed, and such students will not be permitted to register, until the debt is paid in full. Payments can be made in person, by mail or online at fees.fsu.edu. Collection fees are added to accounts that are outstanding debts for 120 days or longer and are sent to one of the collection agencies contracted by the state.

Installment Contracts

Students incurring tuition fees greater than $150 are eligible to execute an installment fee payment agreement for Fall and Spring semesters only. The initial payment, which must be one half of the total tuition, is due by the tuition payment deadline.  Failure to pay the balance of tuition by the second installment deadline will result in a $100 late payment fee.  All credit and records will be held if the balance is not paid by the end of the semester.  A fee will be assessed at the time of first payment for this option. Students should make payment in person to initiate and sign the agreement/receipt or send a letter requesting the installment plan and include the fee plus half of the tuition. This payment plan is not available on the Internet.  Once an installment contract is executed, any course added at a later date must be paid in full within five (5) calendar days.  It will not be covered under the previously executed contract. Failure to pay tuition in full for such a course will result in the assessment of a late payment fee ($100). Failure to pay the second installment by the due date will result in the assessment of a late payment fee.

Delinquent Accounts

All delinquent university accounts must be paid before students may complete registration. Outstanding accounts, including delinquent current semester tuition, will prevent you from registering until all delinquent fees are paid. Diplomas and official transcripts will not be issued if any amount is owed the University. Delinquent accounts are referred to a collection agency if fees are not paid in full. Collection costs are added to your outstanding balance. Delinquent accounts must be paid by cash, money order or cashier's check.

Financial Assistance

Information about fellowships, assistantships, and other forms of financial aid for graduate students can be found at gradstudies.fsu.edu/Funding-Awards.

Loans

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid, 4400A University Center A (UCA). By telephone: (850) 644-0539, online: finaid.fsu.edu.

Outside Employment

Faculty and academic staff at Florida State University interested in seeking outside employment must respect the guidelines set out in the Florida Statutes. We require, as departmental policy, that graduate students adhere to the same guidelines as faculty members. The guidelines guard against conflict of interest between university obligations and outside employment, and selected highlights of these rules are stated below. Fuller discussion can be found in the 1991 Florida State University Faculty Handbook.

Florida Statutes, Part III, Chapter 112, provide that no faculty or staff member shall engage in any outside activity which interferes with the full performance of his or her assigned duties.

The 1991 edition of the Florida State University Faculty Handbook states that "outside activity" is defined to mean any private practice, private consulting, additional teaching or research, or other activity, compensated or uncompensated, which is above and beyond a faculty or staff member's assigned duties and for which the University has provided no compensation.

Faculty and academic staff members have the responsibility to check the possibility of conflict of interest between their outside employment activities and work at the University.

Before engaging in any compensated professional activity or any outside activity which a faculty or academic staff member should reasonably conclude may create a conflict of interest, the faculty or staff member shall submit to the department chair a written statement on the Florida State University Faculty Outside Employment Statement Form.

Inventory

Every year FSU requires each department to account for equipment issued to them by the university. In order to do this, equipment with an FSU property tag must be scanned by a designated person in the department. However, sometimes, equipment gets damaged, stops working, or becomes obsolete. When this happens, you must contact the department first for instructions. Additionally, if you want to move something out of the room it is currently in, contact the department first (Oceanography Graduate Academic Coordinator).

Facilities

Members of the oceanography program enjoy the benefits from advanced scientific equipment and a cooperative research environment with the Meteorology program, the Geology Program, the department of Mathematics, the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute, the Center for Ocean-Atmosphere Prediction Studies, and the School of Computational Science and information Technology (CSIT). Scientific computations are handled by workstations and microcomputers within our facilities. A full suite of applications/software is available to access, manipulate, and display meteorological data. This and other program computer systems communicate through a local area Ethernet network that provides access to the campus computing and supercomputing processors, and a tightly linked FSU High Performance Computing cluster.

There are more than 1.7 million books and periodicals with extensive holdings of maps, governmental documents and microfilm materials are housed in the University libraries. The University also has a Science Library (The Paul Dirac Science Library), which supplements the central university library (The Robert Manning Strozier Library). This facility houses a substantial collection of scientific volumes and periodicals conveniently located near the EOAS building.

The program also maintains an instrumentation laboratory to support education and research. Furnished with state-of-the-art measurement systems, students are exposed to practical fieldwork situations and laboratory problem solving.

Specialized oceanographic studies can also make use of the air and water chemistry laboratories in the EOAS building, the electron microscope in the Biology department, and the particle accelerator in the Physics department. There are extensive laboratory facilities for simulating large-scale atmospheric and oceanic motions in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute. The Edward Ball Marine Laboratory, located 45 miles south of Tallahassee on the Gulf of Mexico, has research and teaching facilities for marine environmental studies.

Many oceanography students also work with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, which is headquartered at FSU in Tallahassee. The MagLab provides multiple different types of cutting-edge research equipment that enable unparalleled research opportunities for EOAS students. 

The program has close ties with the Meteorology Degree Program through its direct connection with the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS). Meteorology and Oceanography are jointly involved in numerous research projects, including ocean modeling with supercomputers, current meter deployment and retrieval, analysis of environmental pollution, and ocean biology.

EOAS facilities include laboratories for radiochemistry, trace element analysis, organic geochemistry, water analysis, phytoplankton ecology, numerical modeling, and fluid dynamics.

Initial Appointments

The initial appointment will in most cases be at the one-half time rate. Less than one-half time appointments may be offered to students in cases when students who wish to take an academic course load greater than that recommended for one-half time assistants. All graduate assistants are expected to take a normal course load of 9 credit hours per semester and pay the full registration fee. Matriculation and/or out-of-state tuition may be waived for graduate assistants appointed at one-quarter or greater time rate, depending on availability of waivers and the availability of stipend funds.

Initial HR documents:

TAs work with EOAS HR to complete necessary paperwork. You will need your ORIGINAL Social Security Card and Driver’s License.

RAs talk to their Major Professor about who to speak with about getting paid from grant. You will need your ORIGINAL Social Security Card and Driver’s License

Continuing Appointments

Graduate assistants will ordinarily be appointed from semester to semester and from year to year provided they are:

1. making satisfactory progress toward a degree, and
2. are performing satisfactorily in their research and/or teaching duties.

During the academic year, graduate assistants will not be appointed at a rate exceeding one-half time, except in cases approved by the EOAS Faculty.

Summer Appointments

Summer appointments may be available provided:

1. The student enrolls for the appropriate number of credit hours and
2. there is a need for their services for teaching duties (TAs) or on the contract or grant (RAs) on which they are employed.

Graduate assistants are usually appointed for the appropriate bi-weekly pay periods covering the period of registration, classes, and final exams for each semester. If graduate assistants wish to be employed during the break periods (i.e., at Christmas, in May, and mid-August) they must make the appropriate arrangements with the contract supervisor. Since graduate students do not earn leave time, they must work if they expect to be paid during official break periods.

Continuation of Support

Graduate research assistants should realize that the existence of their student assistantship is because the major professor has been awarded grant funding to carry out a specific research objective. The continuation of this funding requires the wholehearted cooperation and support of the student. Research assistantships are contingent upon satisfactory progress on the assigned research project and the availability of funds. Progress on your research project will be subject to continuing review by your major professor.

Graduate study is normally considered a full-time, professional commitment. If a student sees a special need for outside employment this should be discussed with the major professor well in advance.

Added Stipend for TA's

An added stipend may be paid to students who take on teaching duties, significant supervisory and/or service functions but only during the semester or term that such duties are being performed. It is felt that such duties often distract from progress toward the M.S. or Ph.D. degree and that special compensation is justified. The research supervisor and/or the EOAS Department Chair will decide when graduate assistants qualify for extra compensation of this type.

Those on fellowship may receive a stipend in addition to their fellowship. Such additional stipend - if approved - is available only to the extent the department or a contract is willing to provide such support.

Termination or Reduction of Appointments

Graduate assistantships are subject to termination or reduction if the incumbent fails to attain satisfactory grades or fails to perform the assigned research or teaching duties in a satisfactory manner, as determined by the appropriate supervisor.

Tuition Waivers

The Meteorology Program follows the University rules for tuition waivers which consist of a matriculation waiver and/or an out-of-state tuition waiver, and are summarized below: Students receiving waivers because of a graduate assistantship must

1. be at least .25 FTE; for the academic period (15 weeks for fall or spring and 13 weeks for summer);
2. be paid at least $1500 for the academic period; and
3. be enrolled and performing satisfactorily in coursework directly pertaining to their degree program.
4. If the assistantship does not meet the above guidelines, the waivers will be cancelled. (as of Fall 2000)

Waivers cover 9 - 12 credit hours.

Students must be aware the waiver does not cover the full fees assessed. There are additional charges (a health fee, financial aid fee, building fee, etc.) which are typically not waived and for which the student must arrange payment.

Courses not related to the academic degree will not be covered by waivers. No recreational courses (bowling, sailing, aerobics, tennis, etc.) will be covered.

You must become a Florida Resident before the beginning of your 2nd year at FSU because out-of-state tuition waivers are available for only the first year of graduate school for domestic students. (This is not necessary for international students or students using the academic common market.)

To become a Florida resident, you will need to prove you have been living in Tallahassee for 12 months. You will first apply for residency during the summer of your first year. 

Please note: All residency reclassification requests are subject to Florida Statute 1009.21 and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.044 which was adopted by the Florida Board of Governors on September 6, 2006.

Declaring Domicile

To begin the 12 month process to declare domicile, get your Florida driver’s license and license plates as soon as you can. The sooner you do these things, the more likely it will be that you will be able to declare residency a year from now without any problems.

Before the first day of classes, go to 301 South Monroe Street, Official Records, Leon County Courthouse, with your current driver’s license (any state) and Declaration of Domicile form at leonclerk.com under Official Records to declare domicile in Florida (a small fee is required).

Leon County Clerk of Courts
313 South Calhoun Street,
Tallahassee, Florida 32302
850-577-4030
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fee: $15

Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration

Locations can be found at flhsmv.gov/locations/leon

Required Documentation

Driver’s license: Be sure to bring your social security card and current driver’s license. If you have a valid out-of- state driver’s license you will only have to take a vision test. If you own a vehicle, you must have Florida tags and title before you can get a license and you must take your vehicle registration with you. For more information, visit flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/.

Vehicle Registration: Bring title, vehicle, insurance card, social security card, and an ID (out of state license is okay). Visit flhsmv.gov/new-resident/ for more information. (If the car you drive is not in your name, you cannot get it registered in Florida.)

Housing Receipts/Lease

When you declare residency at the Registrar’s Office, you should bring your mortgage or rent receipts    to show that you have been living in Florida for one year. You should know that university dormitories and other FSU campus addresses are not permanent addresses for residency purposes.

After 12 months have elapsed and before the first day of fall second year classes, finalize the residency requirements.

Required Documentation (at least 2):

Bolded documents are the easiest to obtain for proof of residency. However, it is recommended that you submit as many required documents as possible to justify your claim of Florida residency for tuition purposes

• Florida Driver's license or for non-drivers, a State of Florida identification card
• Florida voter registration card 
• Florida vehicle registration
• Proof of purchase of a permanent home in Florida that is occupied as a primary residence of the claimant
• Proof of homestead exemption in Florida
• Transcripts from a Florida high school for multiple years if the Florida high school diploma or GED was earned within the last 12 months
• Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida for at least 30 hours per week for a 12 month period (Graduate students on Assistantship should complete and submit the Graduate Assistant Verification Form)

Supporting Documentation (at least 1):

It is recommended that you submit as many supporting documents as possible to justify your claim of Florida residency for tuition purposes.

While all documents are important, the most critical is the Declaration of Domicile that you obtained one year ago. Please note: No claim of residency will be valid without at least two required documents and at least three documents total.

• Declaration of domicile in Florida ("filed date" must be 12 months prior to first day of classes)
• A Florida professional or occupational license
• Florida incorporation
• Documents evidencing family ties in Florida
• Proof of membership in Florida-based charitable or professional organizations

Any other documentation that supports the student's request for resident status, such as:

• Lease agreement and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments. FSU dorms don’t count.
• Utility bills and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments
• Bank records
• Benefit histories from Florida agencies or public assistance programs
• State, federal, or court documents evidencing legal ties to Florida

If you have questions or need more information, please contact:

Florida State University Office of Admissions and Records
A3900 University Center 282 Champions Way
P.O. Box 3062480
Tallahassee, Fl 32306-2480
(850) 644-1050
Enrollment Management Specialist

Adea Arrison
Contact for: Graduate academics
EOA 3008
850-644-8582
aa25bq@fsu.edu

EOAS HR
Contact for: Personnel
850-644-2059

Alan Michels or Major Professor
Contact for: Office keys
850-644-6862
ammichels@fsu.edu

Edward Peirce
Contact for: Computer issues
850-644-2522
epeirce@fsu.edu

Arthur Cooper
Contact for: Computer issues
850-644-1550
ascooper@fsu.edu

Important Links

• Canvas
  • Look under EOAS Graduate Students in Meteorology to find a lot of useful information and forms
• FSU Card
• Residency
• Graduate Student Resource Center
• FSU Graduate Admissions
• Graduate School Handbook
• Academic Common Market
• Registrar
• Academic Calendar
• Parking
  • Make sure to download the FSU Bus app as well as the Parking App that shows you how full parking garages are in real time.
• Financial Services
• IT Services and Support
• myFSU
• Health Compliance and Insurance Info
• FSU Graduate School