Marine Studies - Marine BioSciences Concentration (MS)

The objective of the degree is to train scholars with research experience and an ability to analyze and provide marine bioscience relevant information in all practical settings. Students that complete this program will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts in marine bioscience
Analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific data in marine bioscience
Demonstrate an understanding of environmental and societal issues in the context of marine bioscience
Formulate informed, testable hypotheses in marine bioscience
Develop group management and task management skills
Develop professional oral and written communication skills
Perform novel marine bioscience research
Effectively communicate marine bioscience research results in oral and written scientific presentations and manuscripts
Effectively present in professional and public forums

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Requirements for the Degree:

Requirements:

All students in the master’s program are required to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits. A course outside of the Marine Biosciences Program and the student’s area of concentration is also required. All students must write a thesis. Students may bypass the master’s degree and work directly toward the PhD upon petition. Written and oral qualifying examinations are required before students are admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.

Required courses:

MAST 623 - Physiology of Marine Organisms Credit(s): 3
MAST 634 - Marine Molecular Sciences Credit(s): 3
MAST 821 - Marine Biology/Biochemistry Seminar Credit(s): 1 or equivalent must be taken at least one semester during each year of residence until all other requirements are met. [1 cr each]

One course (minimum 3 credits) outside of the program.

This may be one of the specially designed introductory courses or a more advanced course. Introductory courses include

MAST 602 - Physical Oceanography Credit(s): 3
MAST 637 - Geological Oceanography Credit(s): 3
MAST 646 - Chemical Oceanography Credit(s): 3
MAST 660 - International and National Ocean Policies Credit(s): 3

Additional graduate-level coursework: 12 credits

Students will work with they/their advisors to determine what additional coursework must be completed and how many research credits must be taken to account for the remaining credit hours for a minimum total of 30 prior to graduation.

Master’s Thesis

MAST 869 - Master’s Thesis Credit(s): 1-6 (6 credits)