Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

School of Marine Science and Policy


Dr. Joanna York, Coordinator of Undergraduate Program
Email: jyork@udel.edu
School of Marine Science and Policy
Robinson Hall
Newark, DE 19716

Telephone: (302) 831-7040
SMSP web page

About the School

The mission of the School of Marine Science and Policy (SMSP) is to advance knowledge and education critical to the understanding, stewardship, and conservation of estuarine, coastal, and ocean environments.

Housed within the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, the school has an internationally recognized faculty and offers exciting educational and research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students interested in all areas of marine science and policy. Our curriculum is multidisciplinary, and students are encouraged to explore areas outside of their own specialties.

The School of Marine Science and Policy has faculty, staff, students, and facilities on the main campus in Newark, DE and at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, DE. The University of Delaware’s Newark campus houses research laboratories, offices, and classrooms supporting programs in marine science, marine policy, physical ocean science and engineering, geological sciences and geography. The majority of our undergraduate courses are offered here, and Robinson Hall, located on the Green, serves as the administrative base of the college. In addition to our presence on the Newark Campus, the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, DE, is comprised of offices, classrooms, two primary laboratories, a meeting and conference facility, a fully equipped modern library, and electronic meeting facilities. SMSP also provides housing for up to 90 undergraduate and graduate students in residence at the Sharp campus. The harbor is home to state-of-the-art research vessels, including our 146-foot flagship, the R/V Hugh R. Sharp.

Our academic program offerings for undergraduates

Our undergraduate offerings include the Bachelor of Science in Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Biology or the Honors Bachelor of Science in Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Biology.  These degree programs emphasize a broad scientific understanding of the character, function, and analysis of ocean systems, and the habitats and biota that live there. Marine Biology students benefit from a broad-based program that is rigorous in both math and science. The degree is designed to assist students in understanding the connectedness of science and society; giving students a strong understanding of the scientific concepts of marine biology while challenging them to use analytical skills and tools to explore issues and to integrate and synthesize information and communicate scientific issues and concepts clearly in oral and written format throughout their coursework. SMSP also offers a minor in Marine Studies, a concentration within the Environmental Science degree program, as well as a multitude of courses appropriate for students in various disciplines.

The minor in Marine Studies is designed for those students who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the world ocean, the seabed, and the coastal zone. Students may choose either of two tracks: Physical Ocean Science or Marine Ecosystems.
 
Additionally, SMSP is ranked among the top institutions for marine education and research in the United States. We offer graduate level programs (Master’s and Doctoral Programs) in Marine Biosciences, Marine Policy, Oceanography, and Physical Ocean Science and Engineering.  We have numerous opportunities for undergraduates majoring in various disciplines who have an interest in marine science and the marine environment to undertake research with our award-winning faculty.

Programs

    MajorHonors DegreeMinor