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Master of Science in Marine Science and Oceanography

The Master of Science in Marine Science and Oceanography is a graduate program offered by Florida Atlantic University. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the marine sciences and prepare them for careers in research, education, and conservation.

Program Overview

The program requires a minimum of 37 credits and offers two degree options: Thesis and Non-Thesis. The Thesis option requires completion of a research project and thesis, while the Non-Thesis option requires completion of a comprehensive exam.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree with a STEM background (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) from an accredited institution. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better is required for admission. Two letters of recommendation and an optional statement of goals and interests are also required.

Program Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 37 credits, including core courses, electives, and thesis or comprehensive exam credits.
• Core courses include Physical & Geological Oceanography, Biological Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, and MSO Colloquium or Marine Science Seminar.
• Electives can be chosen from a list of approved courses, including Special Topics and Directed Independent Research.
• Thesis students must complete a thesis proposal and defense, while Non-Thesis students must complete a comprehensive exam.

Thesis Option

The Thesis option requires completion of a research project and thesis. Students must take a minimum of 12 credits of core courses, including:

• Physical & Geological Oceanography (OCE 6097; 3 credits)
• Biological Oceanography (OCB 6066; 3 credits)
• Chemical Oceanography (OCC 6050; 3 credits)
• MSO Colloquium (OCE 6922; 1 credit) or Marine Science Seminar (BSC 6938; 1 credit)
• Marine Science and Oceanography Thesis Proposal (OCE 6974; 1 credit)
• Marine Science and Oceanography Defense (OCE 6975; 1 credit)

Non-Thesis Option

The Non-Thesis option requires completion of a comprehensive exam. Students must take a minimum of 11 credits of core courses, including:

• Physical & Geological Oceanography (OCE 6097; 3 credits)
• Biological Oceanography (OCB 6066; 3 credits)
• Chemical Oceanography (OCC 6050; 3 credits) or Chemistry for Environmental Scientists (CHS 6611; 3 credits)
• MSO Colloquium (OCE 6922; 1 credit) or Marine Science Seminar (BSC 6938; 1 credit)
• Marine Science and Oceanography Comprehensive Exam (OCE 6965; 1 credit)

Comprehensive Examinations

The comprehensive exam is a written test that covers three specialty areas chosen by the student and their committee. The exam is administered by the student's Graduate Supervisory Committee and must be completed by the end of the fourth semester.

Time to Degree Completion

All Master's students are expected to complete all requirements for the degree within two years of entering the program. No student may take more than seven years to complete a Master's degree.

Satisfactory Progress and Good Standing

Students are expected to maintain good academic standing and make adequate progress toward completing their degree. Students who do not comply with the minimum requirements will be placed in Not in Good Standing status and may be ineligible for Teaching Assistantships and other fellowships.

Leave of Absence

Graduate students who find it necessary to temporarily suspend their studies may apply for a leave of absence from graduate study. Leave of absence is intended for students who are unable to pursue their studies at all, rather than for students who are actively working on a thesis or dissertation after completing coursework.

Grievance and Appeal Procedures

The MSO Program recognizes that these guidelines cannot anticipate all circumstances that may affect a student's progress in the Program. Therefore, exceptions to these regulations may be sought by the student through a petition submitted to the MSO Graduate Program Committee. If this committee does not resolve the matter to the student's satisfaction, he/she may bring the matter before the Program Directors who, in consultation with the faculty, will make a final decision.