Program Overview

Introduction to the Marine and Estuarine Science Program

The Marine and Estuarine Science Program is a specialization of existing graduate programs in the Biology Department and the Department of Environmental Sciences. Students participating in this program must apply and be admitted through one of these departments.

Application Process

The application process allows students to be considered by either or both academic units, with the choice of advisers reflecting the student's primary research interests. The advisers' departmental affiliation determines the department(s) to which the applicant must apply.

Application Requirements

• Undergraduate transcripts
• Three letters of reference
• A letter of intent describing research interests and identifying potential faculty advisors
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required

Program Structure

Students in both environmental science and biology programs can work with faculty and staff at the Shannon Point Marine Center to complete their thesis research. However, the thesis committee chair must be from the academic unit through which the student is admitted, and the degree will be granted by the Graduate School through the academic unit in which the student is matriculated.

Admission Requirements

Department of Biology

• Master's candidates matriculated through the Biology Department (M.S. in biology) are admitted fall quarter only
• The deadline for priority consideration is February 1
• Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree and departmental permission
• Incoming graduate students are expected to have the course preparation that is equivalent to a typical bachelor's degree in biology
• Deficiencies in undergraduate coursework may need to be corrected; consult with your potential advisor
• Required coursework:
  • One year of general chemistry
  • One year of general biology
  • One course in statistics or data analysis
  • Alternatively: one year of general chemistry, one year of physics, two courses in calculus, one course in statistics, and one additional physical science or engineering course
  • Commensurate coursework as approved by proposed faculty mentor

Department of Environmental Sciences

• Master's candidates matriculated through Environmental Sciences (M.S. in environmental science) are admitted fall quarter only
• For priority consideration, completed applications should be received by February 1
• Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree and departmental permission
• Incoming graduate students are expected to have the course preparation that is equivalent to a typical bachelor's degree in environmental science
• Deficiencies in undergraduate coursework may need to be corrected; consult with your potential advisor
• Required coursework:
  • One year of general chemistry
  • One year of general biology
  • One course in statistics or data analysis
  • Alternatively: one year of general chemistry, one year of physics, two courses in calculus, one course in statistics, and one additional physical science or engineering course
  • Commensurate coursework as approved by proposed faculty mentor

Program Requirements

• 45 credits minimum
• Including:
  • ESCI 501 - Research in Environmental Science (3)
  • 30 credits of elective coursework, including 3 courses chosen from the marine and estuarine science specialization
  • ESCI 690 - Thesis Research (12)
• Written thesis
• Departmental seminar
• Final oral examination by the thesis committee