Physical Oceanography is focused on the interaction between oceans and atmosphere and how that interaction influences and shapes our world.<br>Professors guide students in their study of wave motions, tides, currents, salinity and temperature of the oceans and how those properties influence weather and climate. Other avenues of study involve the transmission of light and sound through water and the ocean's interactions with its boundaries at the seafloor and the coast. Physical oceanography requires a basic understanding of geophysical fluid dynamics (the study of fluid motion on a rotating sphere), classical physics, and applied mathematics.<br>Any degree seeking student with at least a B.S. or B.A. degree in a basic science may apply to enter the Master's program. Most successful applicants without a Master's degree in oceanography or a closely allied field are accepted into the Master's degree program. However, such applicants, as well as applicants with Master's degrees in oceanography or a related field, may also apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Admission to the M.S. or Ph.D. program is granted upon a favorable majority vote of the faculty and upon agreement of a faculty member to act as a major professor. The candidate for the Ph.D. degree is required to take at least 18 semester hours in areas related to the student's specialty in addition to the general M.S. requirements. The content of these 18 hours will be determined by the student, their advisor and the student's supervisory committee. These requirements apply to students entering the Ph.D. program with an M.S. degree in a related field as well as students with an M.S. in Oceanography. Also, all students must take 24 semester hours of dissertation (OCE6980). If a student is working toward the Ph.D. degree without completing the M.S. degree, the M.S. minimum course requirement of 33 semester hours must be fulfilled as well as the Ph.D. requirements. Students completing the Florida State University M.S. degree may be readmitted to the Ph.D. program upon a favorable majority vote of the faculty. Each Ph.D. student must be continuously enrolled for at least 24 hours in any 12 month period.