Marine Science

The Marine Science major provides a strong foundation in science and math via eight required related programs in chemistry (2), biology (2), physics (1), calculus (2) and statistics (1). All students take Introductory Oceanography (CAS ES 144), three "marine breadth" programs, and the Marine Semester. For the Marine Semester, students choose four programs from among approximately 12 diverse program offerings. A grade of C or higher is required in all of the aforementioned programs to receive credit in the major. All programs are 4 credit hours.

Year 1

• Biology
• Introduction to Earth and Ocean Sciences
• Chemistry/Physics

Plus one of the following:

• Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics

Year 2

• Introduction to Earth and Ocean Sciences
• One of: Sediments and the Biosphere or Applied Statistics

Plus two of the following:

• Botany
• Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Microbiology
• Applied Mathematical Science
• Zoology

Year 3

• Introduction to Marine Ecology
• Marine Geoscience

Plus one of the following:

• Botany
• Microbiology
• Zoology
• Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Mathematical Science

Year 4

• Advanced Topics in Marine Science

Plus one of the following:

• Marine Microbial Processes
• Marine Zoology
• Marine Plant Science
• Chemical Oceanography
• Physical Oceanography

• Stephen L. Newman
• William T. Roy
• Eunice W. Andrews

• Fundamental principles in marine science and oceanography, including (a) principles of atmospheric sciences, biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography; (b) the interconnectedness of the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere; and (c) how human activities affect these connections.
• The scientific method, including formulation of hypotheses, the use of varied approaches (experimental and observational) for testing hypotheses, appropriate interpretation of data encountered in class, lab, or the scientific literature.
• Function successfully in laboratory and field settings, including use of basic equipment and techniques, and putting into practice the basic steps of the research process.
• Employ the scientific method using real-world data, including formulation of hypotheses, the use of varied approaches (experimental and observational) for testing hypotheses, and appropriate interpretation of data encountered in class, lab, and the scientific literature.
• Conduct literature reviews to obtain scientific information, including accessing all forms of scientific literature to investigate topics, critiquing sources, and organizing information in a scientifically meaningful way.
• Synthesize a cogent argument in the language of science, including written and oral communication skills, and presentation of results using graphs and equations.

The cost of full-time study (9 or more credit hours) for Academic Year 2014-2015 is:

• $12,500* (In-State)
• $28,000* (Out-of-State) 

*Students are also required to register for a minimum of 2 credit hours during the summer session. Full-time enrollment is considered 3 credit hours. Summer 2015 tuition rates are $430 per credit hour (in-state students) and $1,100 per credit hour (out-of-state students) plus an $80 comprehensive/registration fee.

• Oceanography
• Environmental Science