Marine Sciences, M.S.

Contact

Carrie Byron, Ph.D.
Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee, CAS
Professor, School of Marine and Environmental Programs
cbyron@une.edu
 
Bryan Franks, Ph.D.
Director, School of Marine and Environmental Programs
bfranks1@une.edu

Mission

The mission of the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at the University of New England is to help our students gain an understanding of the natural world, develop critical thinking skills, and become scientifically literate. Together, we lay a foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful productive contributions to society.

The Marine Sciences degree encompasses a wide variety of disciplines that seek to understand the way the ocean functions, how it is related to earth systems sciences, and how humans interact with the environment. Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings and applications of disciplines from biology to chemistry, ecology, geology, and physics. These disciplines are critical to life as we know it on the planet. Students will be able to apply these disciplines to solving real problems in ocean sciences and beyond.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Marine Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in continuing their education in the marine sciences. The classroom curriculum provides a strong background in all aspects of the marine sciences. The program focuses on a thesis research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.

Academic Policy

Incomplete Grades

A student who believes they are unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussion with the instructor. At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed six weeks following the end date of the course. This agreement must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (such as death in the family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be made in writing, reviewed and signed by the instructor and the student’s advisor.

Transfer Credit

Transfer Credit

  1. Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another Marine Science program.
  2. Transfer credits will be reviewed and awarded on a case by case basis.

Advanced Standing

No advanced standing available.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.

Admissions

See Graduate Admissions for more information.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. Please consult this catalog’s Financial Information page for specific tuition and fees information.

Continued Enrollment

After two academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except their thesis will be required to pay for a thesis continuation credit plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program.

Other Expenses

Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student. Currently, there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

Information on Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships can be found on the School of Marine and Environmental Programs website.

Curricular Requirements

Program Required Courses
MAR 503Research Methods3
MAR 512Marine Science Center Seminar1
MAR 516Responsible Conduct Research1
MAR 519Scientific Literacy and Literature Review3
MAR 566Adv Oceanography I:Bio & Geo3
MAR 568Advanced Oceanography II: Chemical and Physical Oceanography3
MAR 590Marine Science Research/Thesis18-19
Three to Four credits of 500-level Elective Coursework 13-4
Total Hours36
1

Marine Sciences M.S. students may request to substitute research credits for elective coursework with approval from their thesis advisor. A formal written request must be submitted to the Graduate Program Committee (GPC), including a justification for the request. If approved by the GPC, students will submit a Course Substitution Form (available on the Office of the Registrar's webpage), which requires approval by the School of Marine and Environmental Programs (SMEP) Academic Director and by the CAS Dean, to the Registrar in preparation for graduation.

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 years to complete the graduation requirements. After two 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 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.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate expertise in their thesis research field.
  2. Students will increase their proficiency in written and professional oral communication skills to publication quality.
  3. Students will demonstrate mastery of the concepts and principles of the Marine Sciences.
  4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of research design and have the ability to carry out a research project.

Program Goals

  • Provide a knowledge base in the marine sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
  • Foster participation in the production of new knowledge through excellence in research.
  • Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
  • Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through written and oral presentations.