The importance of the oceans to planet Earth and to human endeavors is well established. Advances in knowledge of the oceans, their interactions with the atmosphere, land, and modern civilizations, must keep pace with the demands of human life, underpinned by wise use and effective stewardship of planetary resources. In addition, research into the natural phenomena of the oceans, present and past, is intrinsically exciting and rewarding.

The MIT-WHOI Joint Program offers one of the largest oceanographic faculties in the world and the resources of two preeminent institutions in support of graduate education in ocean sciences and oceanographic engineering. Research interests of the faculties encompass a wide range of theoretical, observational, and experimental approaches to understanding the oceans. Thesis topics can involve one, two, or all three of these approaches within one of the disciplines or within a multidisciplinary framework. Thesis committees are drawn from both institutions as well as from outside MIT and WHOI.

The information presented in the following web pages is intended to assist potential applicants in their decision to apply to the Joint Program. Faculty research interests are listed on this website. We encourage you to contact individual faculty members who have research interests that match or overlap with your graduate educational goals.

Alumni and alumnae of the Joint Program have made, and continue to make, substantial contributions to our knowledge of the oceans while exercising leadership roles in the academic, industrial, and government sectors. We are proud of them and of our current students. On behalf of the faculty and staff, we appreciate your considering an application to the MIT-WHOI Joint Program.