Department of Coastal Sciences

The Department of Coastal Sciences (COA) is a research and graduate education department offering programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science degrees. As a research intensive unit COA's graduate program offers excellent opportunities for students to
immerse themselves in applied as well as basic research to help the state of Mississippi and the nation better protect, manage, and enhance its marine resources. Investigator and institutionally-initiated research programs support graduate and postdoctoral students in investigations of marine fisheries, marine aquaculture, environmental and animal health, marine biology, coastal chemistry, coastal geology, and marine science teacher education. Currently, over 30 resident graduate students are seeking graduate degrees under the direction of the 17 COA faculty. Active faculty research programs provide students with opportunities to interact in multi-disciplinary research, travel to scientific meetings, and conduct original studies providing COA graduates a competitive edge in the job market.