A statement of purpose presents a narrative explaining your reasons for applying to the Graduate Program in Marine Biology as well as professional goals. To complete the application process, it is required that you submit your statement of purpose through your application.
Marine Biology: Future Students
Applicants can only apply to one track (M.S. non-thesis, M.S. thesis-option, or Ph.D.) per admissions semester . Applicants for the M.S. thesis-option or Ph.D. should have an advisor agreement with a single faculty member. For information regarding the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Marine Biology in general and applying to Texas A&M University at Galveston contact Ms. Holly Richards (richardh@tamug.edu) in the Research and Graduate Student Office or visit Frequently Asked Questions.
*for M.S. Thesis-Option and Doctoral applicants only.
Before applying to M.S. Thesis-Option or the Doctoral track in the Marine Biology graduate program you will need to identify a mentor who will guide you along your career path. A mentor needs to be identified prior to admission to the Graduate Program in Marine Biology for the M.S. thesis-option or doctoral degree. M.S. non-thesis option students will be assigned a faculty advisor upon acceptance.
It is recommended to start contacting potential mentors 9-12 months in advance of your anticipated start date in the program. For students seeking the M.S. thesis-option or Ph.D. dissertation degree, this allows the potential faculty mentor to determine if your research interests match their own, and if proper funding and space are available. The research interests and contact information for faculty members in the Graduate Program in Marine Biology can be found here.
Please fill out the GraduateCAS Application form. It is recommended that an applicant submits an application before submitting other required admissions.
Procedure Details
- A Statement of Purpose
- Resume/CV
- Recommendations
- Official Transcripts
- GRE Scores - NO LONGER REQUIRED for certain entrance dates
- Pay Application Fee
- International Applicants
Fall Entrance
September 1 - Application available
December 1 - Early Decision Deadline (for those wanting early decisions)
February 15 - Final application deadline for Research Applicants Requesting Funding
May 1 - Applications due for all Applicants
Spring Entrance
September 1 - Applications available
October 1 - Applications due for all Applicants
Summer Entrance
Not Available
Not seeing what you’re looking for? Take a look at the links for Galveston Applicants and Students below.