Freshwater and Marine Sciences - PhD

The Freshwater and Marine Sciences (FMS) Program is an interdisciplinary graduate training program that offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees to students interested in the science of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Students enrolled in the program are advised by faculty in several departments in the College of Letters & Science, the College of Engineering, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the School of Veterinary Medicine.

On a national scale, the program is unique in its emphasis on the science of freshwater and marine systems from physical, chemical, and biological perspectives. The program is designed to highlight its interdisciplinary scientific strength, and thus core course requirements are limited so that course work can be tailored to students’ needs and interests. The primary focus is to promote excellence in research through faculty mentorship. Affiliated faculty are active researchers who provide students with diverse, interdisciplinary training opportunities.

UW-Madison is recognized worldwide as a leader in the field of limnology and aquatic ecology. The FMS Program began in 1962 as the oceanography and limnology program. The program combines research and teaching from several fields and departments to develop a greater understanding of aquatic systems—their origins, inhabitants, phenomena, and impact on human life.

The FMS Program emphasizes limnological studies and is based on the premise that limnology and marine sciences are integrated fields requiring a broad base in the fundamental disciplines. Students may specialize in limnology or in marine sciences, or they may focus on processes common to both environments.