Universidad Veracruzana

The Doctorate in Marine and Coastal Sciences (DCMC) is designed to comprehensively train competent professionals capable of designing cutting-edge research projects in marine and coastal sciences that address fundamental questions. This is achieved through the development of skills and competencies, including the ability to gather, understand, and incorporate knowledge, coupled with a respectful attitude toward human rights and the rights of other species.

Graduates of the DCMC will be equipped to apply their knowledge in the prevention and remediation of complex socio-environmental problems, requiring interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary collaborations that contribute to local, regional, and global development with a focus on human rights, sustainability, and social responsibility.

To achieve this, it is essential to understand global scientific and technological advancements, contributing to their growth and consolidation while addressing national environmental challenges and the policies needed to resolve them.

For this reason, the general lines of knowledge generation and application in the program have been restructured as follows:

1. Biology and ecology of marine and coastal ecosystems, local and regional effects, and global climate change.
2. Sustainable use, remediation of marine and coastal ecosystems through advanced processes, restoration, management, and/or social participation.

These lines serve as the foundation for linking the research conducted by faculty with the projects that students may develop, focusing on topics of global interest.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Doctorate in Marine and Coastal Sciences, both Mexican and international, must follow the admission process governed by the current Student Statute and the admission call for postgraduate programs issued by Universidad Veracruzana.

Academic Requirements:

1. Master’s degree in biological, chemical, biochemical, or life sciences.
2. Pass the EXANI III General Knowledge Exam administered by CENEVAL.
3. Present an English proficiency exam: EXAVER II, TOEFL (450 points), PET from Cambridge, or equivalent.
4. International applicants whose native language is not Spanish must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish.
5. Join the thesis advisor’s research group, preferably three months prior to the interview with the Postgraduate Program Selection Committee.
6. Attend an interview with the Postgraduate Program Selection Committee on the scheduled date.
7. Achieve a satisfactory result in the interview.
8. Comply with all other requirements outlined in the corresponding call for applications.

Academic Documentation:

1. Copy of birth certificate and CURP (Unique Population Registry Code).
2. Copy of the master’s degree diploma or proof of final examination, along with a complete transcript indicating the GPA (or a letter confirming the GPA). A minimum GPA of 80 is required.
3. Copy of an updated CV.
4. Two academic recommendation letters from researchers or professors holding a doctoral degree.
5. Copy of Spanish proficiency certification for international applicants whose native language is not Spanish.
6. A statement of purpose addressed to the Postgraduate Program Selection Committee, clearly explaining the motivation for joining the program.
7. A commitment letter agreeing to dedicate full-time and exclusive attention to the doctoral program (40 hours/week).
8. Submission of a research proposal (written and oral) to the Postgraduate Program Admission Committee, aligned with one of the program’s knowledge generation lines.

The research proposal (minimum 15 and maximum 20 pages) must include the following structure:

1. • Cover page
   • Index
   • Introduction
   • Background
   • Objectives
   • Study Area
   • Materials and Methods
   • Timeline
   • References

Use APA (American Psychological Association) guidelines for citations and references.

Comply with all other requirements outlined in the corresponding call for applications.