School of Marine Science and Policy

Dr. Adam Marsh, Coordinator of Undergraduate Program
Email: amarsh@udel.edu
School of Marine Science and Policy

About the School

The mission of the School of Marine Science and Policy (SMSP) in UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Envrionment is to advance knowledge and education critical to the understanding, stewardship, and conservation of estuarine, coastal and ocean environments. Internationally recognized faculty offer exciting educational and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students interested in all areas of marine science and policy. The curriculum is multidisciplinary and students are encouraged to explore areas outside of their selected concentration.

SMSP has faculty, staff, students and facilities on two UD campuses: main campus in Newark and the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. The Newark campus-where the majority of undergraduate courses are offered-houses research laboratories, offices and classrooms supporting programs in marine science, marine policy, and physical ocean science and engineering. The Lewes campus houses offices, classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, electronic meeting facilities, library space and a marina for several state-of-the-art research vessels, including our 146-foot R/V Hugh R. Sharp.

Through a unique Semester-in-Residence program, students have an opportunity to study, work and live at the Lewes campus. The program provides field and research-intensive experiences and coursework that utilize the natural marine habitats. Off-campus housing is available for up to 90 graduate and undergraduate students in Lewes.

SMSP offers an undergraduate degree in marine science with a concentration in marine biology or oceanography. A minor in marine science is available for students interested in a broad understanding of biological and oceanographic processes in world oceans, seabeds and coastal zones. This minor provides a range of marine courses most appropriate for students in other natural science disciplines.

SMSP is ranked among the top institutions for marine education and research in the United States. Graduate level programs are available in marine biosciences, marine policy, oceanography, and physical ocean science and engineering.

Marine Science

The Bachelor of Science in Marine Science emphasizes a broad scientific understanding of the character, function and analysis of ocean systems, and the habitats and biota that live there. The program explores the connections between science and society, which are particularly relevant in marine science where environmental, economic and social factors are deeply intertwined. Students develop a strong foundation in scientific principles of marine biology and oceanography, build analytical skills and tools to explore complex issues, and learn to integrate and synthesize information and clearly communicate scientific ideas.

Students pursuing a B.S. in Marine Science select a concentration in marine biology or oceanography. Marine biology is a broad-based program that is rigorous in math and science.

4+1 Marine Science

An interdisciplinary 4+1 Master of Science in Marine Science program, with concentrations in marine biology or oceanography, includes a thesis research project in the fourth year and graduate course requirements in the +1 year. The overlapping curricula provide an integrated progression of expertise and knowledge from starting as an undergraduate completing the B.S. program, participating in a Semester-in-Residence, nurturing a passion for inquiry and research in our 4+1 program, and then graduating with a B.S. and M.S. in Marine Science.

Programs

Major

Minor

Marine Science Minor

Honors Degree

Marine Science Honors (HBS)

4+1