Degree Requirements
All students will be required to take the fifteen - hour required core curriculum as listed below. This core will provide a strong, broad multidisciplinary investigation of marine sciences with emphasis on coastal environments. Through seminar and technical writing and communication courses, students will investigate marine issues and develop professional skills in critical thinking, logical interpretations and professional-quality presentations. With this common core background, the program of study provides three major tracks: Track 1 - Traditional Marine Science Research, Track 2 - Applied Marine Sciences, and Track 3 - Professional Advancement. Each track, chosen by the student in consultation with an advisor and committee, has specific curriculum requirements as well as options for courses within three curricular areas: a) Policy and Law, b) Research Tools, and c) Science.
Track 1-Traditional Marine Science Research, is designed for students: a) who plan to obtain a M.S. degree in Marine Sciences and continue into a Ph.D. program, or b) who wish to obtain a traditional research-based MS degree. Curriculum emphasis in this track is on science and original research.
Track 2-Applied Marine Sciences, is designed for students who wish to obtain a MS degree in Marine Sciences which provides them with the opportunity to learn and develop scientific skills applicable to marine science related industries, resource management, fisheries, aquaculture, and research. Curriculum emphasis in this track is on the acquisition of research tools and applied skills.
Track 3-Professional Advancement, is designed for students who are presently employed in a related field and wish to earn a master’s degree in Marine Sciences for possible professional development and advancement (e.g. students presently employed as teachers; federal, state and local government agency personnel, and persons currently working in industry and the private sector). The curriculum in this track requires the student to take courses from all three curricula areas and allows additional flexibility for additional courses, which are most applicable to his/her, particular professional development needs.
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