Funding resources

Some of the funding opportunities available for current and prospective MLML graduate students. Due dates are approximate, based on previous years, and subject to change.

Internal funding sources (MLML, CSU)

  • MLML Scholarships Multiple awards ranging in amount. Students currently enrolled in the MLML graduate program are eligible. Applications due early spring semester (February).
  • COAST Student Funding The CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science & Technology
    • Graduate Student Research Awards can be used for living expenses, research-related expenses or both. Applications due early spring semester (January).
    • Student Travel Awards to present results at meetings and conferences. Rolling application deadline.

External funding sources

  • Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program (NOAA) Support for master’s and doctoral studies in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology and all other science, engineering, social science and resource management disciplines involving ocean and coastal areas particularly by women and members of minority groups. Up to $42,000 per year for multiple years. Prospective students eligible. Applications due late fall semester (December).
  • NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program  Three-year annual stipend of $34,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees. Highly competitive selection process based on intellectual merit and broader impacts of proposed research. Prospective students eligible. Applications due early fall semester (October).
  • AMS Graduate Fellowships American Meteorological Society, publisher of the Journal of Physical Oceanography. One-year stipend. Prospective students only. Applications due winter break/early spring semester (January).
  • NASA Fellowships and Scholarships Student authored and independently conceived graduate research proposals. Up to $25,000 stipend and $10,000 tuition and fees. Applications due in spring (March).
  • Switzer Foundation Fellowships One-year fellowships for graduate students in New England and California whose studies and career goals are directed toward environmental improvement. Master’s degree candidates must have completed at least one semester or quarter of course work to apply. $15000 award and leadership training.
  • Association for Women Geoscientists Several opportunities, including scholarships and travel grants. AWG Minority Scholarship of $6000 available for African-American, Hispanic and Native American women in physical oceanography and other fields, applications due June 30.
  • Myers Trust grants - $1000-2000 for research, depending on availability of funding. Priority given to students from institutions in central California, and those studying Monterey Bay. Cannot be used for stipends, tuition, publication costs or travel. Applications due early spring semester (February).
  • American Academy of Underwater Sciences  Several opportunities for research involving diving.

Additional resources