The Florida State University Biogeochemical Dynamics program offers both master of science and doctor of philosophy graduate degrees. No undergraduate major or minor is available.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the Biogeochemical Dynamics program must hold, or be a candidate for, a baccalaureate degree from an approved college or university and be in good standing at the school last attended. Applicants will have to meet the GPA, GRE, and TOEFL requirements of the department to which they wish to apply: Biological Science, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geological Sciences, and Oceanography.

A student usually enters the Biogeochemical Dynamics program with a degree in some basic science and should have substantial undergraduate work in at least one of the following areas: biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, mathematics, meteorology, or physics. Applicants for graduate study will select an area of specialization in biogeochemistry. The student's prior training should support the chosen area of specialization.

Master's and Doctoral Degrees

Graduate students working toward a degree in Biogeochemical Dynamics will acquire a basic background in all aspects of biogeochemistry and at the same time develop a high level of excellence in their chosen specialty, demonstrated by performing original research and then submitting a thesis or dissertation. Master's candidates in the thesis program must complete at least 33 semester hours of course work. Doctoral candidates complete 18 semester hours beyond the thesis M.S. degree, with considerable freedom in course load commensurate with their interest and prior training. Graduate students in biogeochemistry are encouraged to take courses outside their main department that supplement offerings in biogeochemistry.

Financial Aid

The majority of biogeochemistry students are supported by grant-related research assistantships. There are also a limited number of departmental teaching assistantships, as well as university fellowships: Biological Science, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geological Sciences, and Oceanography. All applicants will be considered for financial assistance unless they decline consideration. Applicants are encouraged to write directly to any faculty member whose areas of research interest them.

How to Apply

To make formal application for admission to graduate study in biogeochemistry at Florida State University, submit the required forms and documents nine months before anticipated enrollment to the appropriate department: Biological Science, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geological Sciences, and Oceanography. Applications for fall semester enrollment ordinarily are acted upon between 1 November and 15 February. See the on-line application page for specific instructions and deadlines.