Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ covers questions specific to the graduate program, and is organized by category. If you would like a question answered that isn't covered here, email Christina Neumann or call (907) 474-5840.
For questions specific to the undergraduate fisheries program, visit the undergraduate fisheries program FAQ.
Index of questions
Application FAQ
General FAQ
Masters FAQ
- How long, typically, should it take to get my Masters?
- How much will a Fisheries masters student get paid?
- How much will an Oceanography or Marine Biology masters student get paid?
Ph.D. FAQ
- How long, typically, should it take to get my Ph.D.?
- How much will a Ph.D. Fisheries student get paid?
- How much will a Ph.D. Marine Biology or Oceanography student get paid?
Questions and answers
Application FAQ
When is my application due?
Fall Semester: June 1st for Fisheries, May 1st for Marine Biology or Oceanography
Spring Semester: October 15th for Fisheries, September 15th for Marine Biology or Oceanography
These are current deadlines for submitting the graduate application online or by mail. The Statement of purpose, reference letters, transcripts and other miscellaneous application materials may follow shortly after. For complete instructions, read the fisheries graduate program application instructions or graduate program application instructions for marine biology and oceanography.
What should I include in the statement of purpose?
The statement should focus on you and your goals. You should include your short term goals (graduate school), long term goals (career), why you are interested in this field of study, what excites you about it, why have you chosen this particular university, whether or not you have a specific professor you would like to work with and why.
Dr. Gordon Haas, former Assistant Professor in Fisheries, has written some suggestions on what you might include in your statement of purpose.
General FAQ
At which campus would I be doing my studies?
The deciding factor of where you will conduct your studies and research work is where your major professor and your research is located, and what your degree program is. You may spend a couple of semesters taking classes in Fairbanks or Juneau and do majority of your research in Seward or Kodiak or at other locations around the state.
How do I pick my advisor?
Most students are admitted with funding and are assigned to a major advisor. Students without funding are assigned a temporary advisor. In this case, it is the student’s responsibility (with guidance from the program head) to find a faculty member to be their major advisor before they arrive or as soon as possible after their arrival. If a student is interested in working with a specific professor it is highly recommended that the request be expressed in the statement of purpose.
fisheries faculty • marine biology faculty • oceanography faculty • complete faculty listing
Masters FAQ
How long, typically, should it take to get my Masters?
All coursework listed on your advancement to candidacy form and all other degree requirements must be satisfactorily completed within seven years. Normally it takes a full-time masters student 3 years to finish.
How much will a Fisheries masters student get paid?
A Fisheries student accepted as a Research or Teaching assistant, as of the fall 2008 semester, starts out at $19.67 per hour their first year in the program. After the student completes the majority of his or her coursework, the pay increases to $21.34 per hour. During the academic year a students is allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Depending on the availability of funding and on the research a student is eligible to work up to 40 hours a week during the summer months.
How much will an Oceanography or Marine Biology masters student get paid?
An Oceanography or Marine Biology student accepted as a Research or Teaching Assistant starts out earning $19.67 per hour for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Once the student passes their comprehensive exams (usually taken during the second year of studies) they are eligible for an increase in pay to $21.34 per hour. Depending on availability of funding and the research, a student is eligible to work up to 40 hours a week during the summer months.
Ph.D. FAQ
How long, typically, should it take to get my Ph.D.?
All coursework listed on your advancement to candidacy form and all other degree requirements must be satisfactorily completed within 10 years. Normally, a full-time Ph.D. student can complete the program in approximately 5–6 years.
How much will a Ph.D. Fisheries student get paid?
A Ph.D. student accepted as a Research or Teaching Assistant is eligible to work up to 20 hour per week during the academic year and depending on the availability of funding can work up to 40 hours per week during the summer. A Ph.D. Research and Teaching Assistant starts out at $23.02 per hour and after successfully passing the comprehensive exam the stipend will increase to $25.53 per hour.
How much will a Ph.D. Marine Biology or Oceanography student get paid?
A Ph.D. student accepted as a Research or Teaching Assistant is eligible to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and depending on the availability of funding can work up to 40 hours per week during the summer. A Ph.D. Marine Biology or Oceanography Research and Teaching Assistant will start out at $23.02 per hour and after passing their comprehensive exam the stipend will increase to $25.53 per hour.