Marine Related Majors

Marine & Coastal Science (B.S)

Program Description

This degree is designed to provide students with the opportunity to engage in coastal and marine-focused research and active learning experiences. The program also helps them develop into confident, thoughtful, ethical scientists who are ready to address the growing challenges affecting our marine and coastal environments. The degree incorporates the chemical, physical, biological, and geological aspects of the ocean.

Sample Major Courses

• Marine Geological Processes
• Marine Physical Processes
• Marine Chemical Processes
• Marine Ecological Processes
• Marine Science & Society

Unique Aspects

• Broader study of marine science & systems
• Student cohort model
• Early research experience 

Experiential Opportunities

• Introduction to marine and coastal science research
• Capstone Course

Admissions Overview

1. Declare pre-major
2. Complete preparatory courses
3. Apply to major
4. Start major courses

Biology (B.S.)

Program Description

This degree provides a thorough introduction to the basic areas of biology and supporting sciences while allowing specialization in marine biology. Students explore the structure and function of marine organisms and their relationship with the environment. Marine biology is the study of life in the ocean.

Sample Major Courses

• Ecology Laboratory
• Marine Ecology
• Invertebrate Zoology
• Biology of Marine Mammals

Unique Aspects

• Focused on marine biology
• Focused on structure & function of marine organisms and relationship to the environment 

Experiential Opportunities

Faculty led study abroad

Admissions Overview

1. Declare pre-major (phase 1)
2. Complete preparatory courses
3. Apply to major (phase 2)
4. Start major courses

Environmental Science (B.S)

Program Description

Environmental Science draws on basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological, and quantitative aspects of natural systems. The knowledge of how natural systems work is applied to solving problems. Often these problems are represented by disturbances in the functioning of natural systems as humans alter their own life-support systems—the air, the water and soil.

Sample Major Courses

• Oceanography
• Fundamentals of Ecology
• Marine Invertebrates and the Environment
• Marine Conservation

Unique Aspects

• Focused on marine ecology
• Focused on conservation, systems, and environmental problems and policy 

Experiential Opportunities

• Senior thesis
• Internship
• Senior project
• International study

Admissions Overview

1. Declare pre-major
2. Complete preparatory courses
3. Apply to major
4. Start major courses

Geology (B.S)

Program Description

Geology is a diverse discipline, incorporating aspects of physics, chemistry, biology and natural history in the attempt to solve earth-related problems. Geoscientists provide basic information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety, and welfare.

Sample Major Courses

• Oceanography
• Paleontology
• Volcanology
• GIS & Geologic Mapping

Unique Aspects

• Focused on the changing dynamics of planetary systems through time
• Focused on the land-ocean transition and coastal processes
• Student engagement in research

Experiential Opportunities

• Field camp
• Lab camp
• Senior thesis option

Admissions Overview

1. Declare major (phase 1)
2. Complete preparatory courses
3. Start major courses