Masters+

Ph.D.+

Why Study Marine, Estuarine & Environmental Sciences?

UMBC is located in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region, so your laboratory is at your doorstep. Explore everything from oceanography to environmental chemistry and prepare to make an impact.

A Ph.D. in MEES allows you to draw from the best of the best at every University System of Maryland institution and create a degree program tailored to your needs. Study pollution in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, explore biotechnology solutions to environmental challenges, investigate how societal forces intersect with environmental issues, and much more, all guided by expert faculty.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Marine, Estuarine & Environmental Sciences?

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Doctor of Philosophy in Marine, Estuarine & Environmental Sciences Requirements

Statement describing applicant’s interests in environmental sciences and reason for pursuing a MEES degree; specific course requirements depending on area of specialization; identification of mentor must be resolved as part of application process

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All Students:
Apply (Rolling Admissions) by January 1

Spring Semester

All Students:
Apply (Rolling Admissions) by January 1

UMBC Graduate School Application UMBC Grad School Admissions Info UMBC Grad School Admissions Policies

Contact Information

Marine, Estuarine & Environmental Sciences Program Contacts

Main Contact

Dr. Robin Cresiski
rcresisk@umbc.edu

Interim Graduate Program Director

Dr. Robin Cresiski
rcresisk@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Aubrie Zepp
azepp1@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy in Marine, Estuarine & Environmental Sciences