About our Master of Science in Marine Sciences
The mission of the Master of Science in Marine Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and research skills in the marine sciences.
Our curriculum seeks to understand the way the ocean functions and how it is related to earth systems science and human interactions with the environment. You'll study the theoretical underpinnings and applications of disciplines from biology and chemistry to geology and physics, and you'll learn to apply these disciplines to solving real-world problems.
Our M.S. in Marine Sciences also focuses on a thesis research experience in which you'll conduct research and prepare a thesis on a topic selected in consultation with a faculty advisor.
What Will You Study? M.S. in Marine Sciences Curriculum
| 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 a maximum of five (5) years to complete the graduation requirements. After two (2) academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a thesis continuation credit per semester to remain in the program.
Probation/Dismissal
A graduate student whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below 3.0, or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one (1) fall or spring semester to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second class grade below B-. Marine Programs and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will consider for dismissal any student who fails to meet these criteria.
Who Can Apply to the M.S. in Marine Sciences degree program?
To apply to our graduate Marine Sciences degree program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or international equivalent.
Financial Aid at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥
Finance your education through loans, grants, and scholarships. We are committed to making our Marine Science master’s degree program as affordable as possible.
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Ready to begin your future in ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s M.S. in Marine Sciences program?
M.S. in Marine Sciences Admissions FAQ
You will receive an email confirming receipt of your verified application from the Office of Graduate Admissions. All communication from Graduate Admissions will be sent to the email address listed on your GradCAS application. If you wish to check the status of your application please email the Office of Graduate Admissions.
There are no quotas for Maine or New England students. Prospective students from all geographic regions are encouraged to apply for admission.
Yes, updates can be made post-submission. Experiences can be added, but edits of previously submitted information is not allowed. Coursework can be updated; however, updates are not verified and will not affect any GPA calculations.
Applicants reapplying to the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Master of Science in Marine Sciences need to resubmit all application materials for any new cycle in which they apply, including: primary CAS application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, written statements and responses, fees and payments, and any additional required documentation. Applicants should also actively update their experiences, extracurricular activities, clinical involvement, and volunteering each cycle as well, to reflect the most up-to-date engagement.