Degree
Master of Science in Marine SciencesContact
Ursula Roese, Ph.D.
Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee, School of Biological Sciences
uroese@une.edu
Charles Tilburg, Ph.D.
Academic Director, School of Marine and Environmental Programs
ctilburg@une.edu
Mission
The mission of the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at the 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í is to help our students gain an understanding of the natural world, develop critical thinking skills, and become scientifically literate. Together, we lay a foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful productive contributions to society.
The Marine Sciences degree encompasses a wide variety of disciplines that seek to understand the way the ocean functions, how it is related to earth systems sciences, and how humans interact with the environment. Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings and applications of disciplines from biology to chemistry, geology, and physics. These disciplines are critical to life as we know it on the planet. Students will be able to apply these disciplines to solving real problems in ocean sciences and beyond.
Program Description
The Master of Science in Marine Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in continuing their education in the marine sciences. The classroom curriculum provides a strong background in all aspects of the marine sciences. The program focuses on a thesis research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.
Program Goals
- Provide a knowledge base in the marine sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
- Foster participation in the production of new knowledge through excellence in research.
- Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
- Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through written and oral presentations.
Curricular Requirements
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| MAR 503 – Research Methods | 3 |
| MAR 512 – Marine Science Center Seminar | 1 |
| MAR 530 – Graduate Research Seminar | 1 |
| MAR 566 – Adv Oceanography I: Bio & Geo | 3 |
| MAR 568 – Adv Oceanography II: Phy & Chem | 3 |
| Sixteen (16) credits of MAR 590 – Marine Science Research/Thesis (repeated for additional credit) | 16+ |
| Nine (9) credits of 500-level Elective Coursework* | 9 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 36 |
|---|
*Students may substitute Thesis/Research credits for electives with the approval of their advisor
Graduation Requirements
Students must successfully complete all required courses with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 and successfully pursue, complete, and defend publicly an approved research thesis.
Academic and Technical Standards
Satisfactory Academic Progress
To remain in the M.S. in Marine Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0. A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.
Program Completion Timeline
Students have