Marine Science (Biological Oceanography) MS

Overview

The School of Ocean Science and Engineering offers the Master of Science in Marine Science (M.S.) degree with an emphasis in biological oceanography.

The purpose of the M.S. program in Marine Science is to enable students to develop research, analytical, computational, and writing skills and a mastery of knowledge in specific fields in order to prepare students for technical and support positions in marine-related occupations in academic, government, and private organizations.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Admission Requirements and Procedures  for all graduate programs as set forth in this Bulletin, regular admission to the master’s program in marine science requires:

1. Successful completion of the Graduate Record Examination (all sections) and a high grade point average for the last two years of undergraduate study. Successful applicants have highly competitive scores and have grade point averages of 3.0 or above.
2. Resumé
3. Three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.
4. A letter of intent should also be addressed to the school director expressing personal academic, research, and career goals. This letter is used in two ways in the admission process. It provides a sample of the applicant’s writing competency and communication skills, and provides information concerning the compatibility of the applicant’s interests with school research interests.
5. A minimum score of 84 is required on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for applicants whose native language is not English.

Applicants who are not eligible for regular admission may be considered for conditional admission. Students admitted conditionally must maintain a 3.0 GPA for the first nine (9) hours of coursework numbered 500 and above or on all coursework taken while completing this nine (9) hour requirement. If this requirement is not met, the student is not allowed to remain in the program. Upon recommendation by the school director and approval by the dean, the student admitted conditionally may have his or her admission status changed to “regular admission.”

For students wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships for the academic year beginning in the fall semester, application materials should be received no later than March 1.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information .

Course Requirements (34 hours)

• MAR 600 - Biological Oceanography 3 hrs.
• MAR 600L - Biological Oceanography Laboratory 1 hr.
• MAR 621 - Geological Oceanography 3 hrs.
• MAR 621L - Geological Oceanography Laboratory 1 hr.
• MAR 640 - Marine Chemistry 3 hrs.
• MAR 640L - Marine Chemistry Laboratory 1 hr.
• MAR 660 - Physical Oceanography 3 hrs.
• MAR 660L - Physical Oceanography Laboratory 1 hr.
• MAR 689 - Seminar in Marine Science 1 hr. (2 hrs. required)
• MAR 698 - Thesis 1-6 hrs. (6 hrs. required)
• Approved Electives (500 level or above) up to 10 hours. May include MAR 691  or MAR 697 .