Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences

Welcome to LSU's Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences

The Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences (DOCS) provides powerful insights into complex questions about the coastal and ocean environments. By studying the interdependent and constantly changing dynamics across land, water, and air, DOCS discovers and shares knowledge about coastal systems and their long- and short-term impacts on human, marine life and coastal habitats. 

LSU’s DOCS offers the only master’s and doctoral programs in oceanography in Louisiana. It is unique among oceanography graduate programs nationwide for its integrative focus linking Earth’s oceans and coastal zones. We are interested in recruiting highly qualified graduate students who can benefit from our interdisciplinary perspectives.

Faculty Directory

Learn about our department

 

Aerial view

Degrees in Oceanography & Coastal Sciences

We offer the following degrees:

Aerial viewA school of fish over a coral reef on the Department of Oceanography & Coastal Studies website

A legacy of discovery

Since the founding of the Coastal Studies Institute in 1952, LSU coastal scientists and oceanographers have been conducting groundbreaking research and advancing knowledge about coastal and marine ecosystems. These timelines celebrate our legacy of discovery and recognize the men and women who have brought us to where we are today.

Coastal Milestones

Academic Achievements

 

Nancy Rabalais TED Talk

NANCY RABALAIS: THE DEAD ZONE OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Watch DOCS professor, Nancy Rabalais, give a TED Talk on "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico -- where there isn't enough oxygen in the water to support life. The Gulf has the second largest dead zone in the world; on top of killing fish and crustaceans, it's also killing fisheries in these waters.

Image

LSU FEATURED TIGER, MATT ROBERTSON

LSU Biological Oceanography graduate student Matt Robertson shares his experience while doing research in Tanzania, Africa. His research involves examining the link between mangroves, fish and fisheries and he hopes this work will aid in solving some of the challenges in Louisiana's ecosystem and eroding coastline.