The Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (DOCS) at LSU provides unique graduate-level M.S. and Ph.D. programs that focus on ecological and oceanographic processes extending from the coastal zone to the deep ocean. DOCS is a component of the School of the Coast and Environment (SC&E). Our department contains four research institutes that reflect our strengths in the fields of coastal ecology, coastal fisheries, wetland soils and vegetation, and physical and geological oceanography.

Our department is interested in recruiting highly qualified graduate students who can benefit from our interdisciplinary perspectives. The overarching theme of our graduate courses and research is understanding and predicting ecological changes across gradients that extend from coastal areas across the continental shelf. DOCS graduate students benefit from academic and research programs that draw from faculty expertise in physical, biological, geological and chemical oceanography and ecology.

Compared to many other American institutions, LSU has a tremendous advantage in oceanography and coastal sciences. Our proximity to the Mississippi River Delta, extensive estuaries and coastal wetlands, and abundant natural resources combined with the quality of our faculty and students are unrivalled. DOCS is nationally recognized as a center for research on deltaic wetland ecology, sedimentary geology, stratigraphy, sediment transport and coastal ecology. Our research program brings in over $5.4 million in external funding to LSU. We are the primary university user of the State of Louisiana's excellent marine laboratory (LUMCON).

The LSU campus, located in the southern part of Baton Rouge, is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River. Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and has a population of 500,000. Our subtropical climate and densely wooded makes outdoor activities popular year round and the city has thriving cultural activities including a symphony, ballet and theatre. Our proximity to New Orleans and Acadiana provide easy access to annual events such as Mardi Gras, Jazzfest, the Festival Internationale de la Louisianne and dozens of other regional festivals. There's always something interesting and enjoyable going on in this part of Louisiana.

Pre-application

We are seeking highly motivated and qualified students for our M.S. and Ph.D programs. If you are interested in a career in Oceanography or Wetland Sciences, we'd like to hear from you.

Click here to complete our online Pre-application today.