Program Overview

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M.S. in Marine Science Program

The M.S. in Marine Science program at Nova Southeastern University provides students with the opportunity to dive deep into the study of marine systems, learning about a variety of special topics, including shark research, coral reef conservation, and more.

Program Overview

The program is designed to give students immersive learning experiences in laboratory and classroom settings, as well as in the field. With the university's unique location at the edge of diverse marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, students, faculty, and researchers can engage in multidisciplinary studies.

Concentrations

The program offers three concentrations:

• Marine Biology: Become an expert in the nature and ecology of marine life.
• Coastal Zone Management: Focus on contemporary problems and conflicts arising from increased use of coastal areas.
• Marine Environmental Science: Use science and policy to gain a deeper understanding of marine environmental issues.

Curriculum

The M.S. in Marine Science is a 36-credit program, consisting of:

• 9 credits of core courses
• 21 credits of electives in the chosen concentration
• At least 6 capstone or thesis credits

Core Courses

• MSMS 5010: Biostatistics (3 credits)
• MSMS 5040: Marine Chemistry (3 credits)
• MSMS 5060: Scientific Communication (3 credits)

Marine Biology Concentration

Choose a minimum of 18 credits from the following courses:

• MSMS 5020: Marine Ecosystems (3 credits)
• MSMS 5050: Physical Oceanography (3 credits)
• MSMS 6001: Marine Physiology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6002: Coral Reef Ecology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6003: Deep-Sea Biology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6004: Marine Fisheries (3 credits)
• MSMS 6005: Invertebrate Zoology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6006: Tropical Marine Invertebrates (3 credits)
• MSMS 6007: Marine Mammalogy (3 credits)
• MSMS 6008: Biology of Sharks and Rays (3 credits)
• MSMS 6010: Marine Apex Predators (3 credits)
• MSMS 6011: Marine Avian Ecology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6012: Corals from the Inside Out (3 credits)
• MSMS 6014: Marine Larval Ecology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6016: Ichthyology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6017: Tropical Fish Biology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6021: Histology and Ultrastructure of Marine Organisms (3 credits)
• MSMS 6022: Methods in Marine Community Ecology (3 credits)

Coastal Zone Management Concentration

Choose a minimum of 18 credits from the following courses:

• MSMS 6101: Coastal Policy for U.S. Living Marine Resources (3 credits)
• MSMS 6102: Ocean and Coastal Law (3 credits)
• MSMS 6103: Invasive Species (3 credits)
• MSMS 6212: Stable Isotopes in Marine Ecology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6213: Coral Reef Biogeochemistry (3 credits)

Marine Environmental Science Concentration

Choose a minimum of 18 credits from the following courses:

• MSMS 5030: Marine Geology (3 credits)
• MSMS 6201: GIS & Environmental Remote Sensing (3 credits)
• MSMS 6203: Climate Change (3 credits)
• MSMS 6204: Anthropogenic Impacts in Marine Environments (3 credits)
• MSMS 6208: Aquaculture (3 credits)
• MSMS 6209: Biodiversity (3 credits)
• MSMS 6210: Scientific Method and Experimental Design (3 credits)
• MSMS 6211: Genomics (3 credits)

Capstone or Thesis

• MSMS 6400: Thesis (3 credits)
• MSMS 6450: Capstone (3 credits)

Admissions Requirements

• Completed NSU Graduate Application and $50 Application Fee
• Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions, including degree conferral
• Undergraduate GPA of 2.85 or higher to apply
• English-language proficiency (for non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions)
• Resume or Curriculum Vita
• Two references (ideally academic sources, but relevant professional sources are still welcome)

Prerequisite Courses

• Applied Statistics or Biostatistics
• Biology I with Lab
• Biology II with Lab
• Chemistry I with Lab
• Calculus I or higher
• One or more of the following: Anatomy, Ecology, Geology, Physiology (general or basic level)

Career Outcomes

• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists: $66,350 Median Salary Per Year
• Geoscientists: $93,580 Median Salary Per Year
• Environmental Scientists and Specialists: $73,230 Median Salary Per Year

Start Dates and Delivery Options

• Admissions is on a "rolling" basis with program start dates offered in August (Fall term), May (Summer term), and January (Winter term)
• Classes for the M.S. in Marine Science are offered at NSU's Oceanographic Campus only
• Classes are held in the mornings and evenings and typically meet one to two times per week

Tuition and Application Deadline

• Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information
• Application deadlines:
  • Fall 2026: Friday, July 17, 2026
  • Winter 2026: Friday, November 14, 2025
  • Summer 2026: Friday, April 17, 2026