Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Master of Science program in Coastal and Marine Science and Management provides core knowledge and professional skills needed to ensure success as the next generation of scientists, resource managers, community leaders, policymakers, innovators, researchers, and educators prepare to support and sustain resilient coastal and marine ecosystems for the future.

Program Description

The program prepares students with skills in context-specific and solutions-oriented research, geospatial and statistical data analysis, and written and oral communications, which are needed to lead their communities and organizations, locally and globally, in the stewardship of coastal and marine resources. Through the program coursework and culminating experience, students have the option to conduct use-inspired research and work within communities and both government and nongovernmental agencies on solutions-based projects focusing on coastal and marine science and management, in turn supporting societal needs and the university's mission.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

• 30 credit hours and a thesis, or
• 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SEA 597)
• Required Core (4 credit hours)
  • SEA 505 Current Topics in Ocean Futures (1)
  • SEA 585 Graduate Ocean Futures Workshop (3)
• Electives and Research (20 credit hours)
  • electives (17)
  • quantitative electives (3)
• Other Requirements (0 or 3 credit hours)
  • SEA 596 Ocean Futures Capstone Prep (3)
• Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
  • SEA 597 Graduate Ocean Futures Capstone (3) or
  • SEA 599 Thesis (6)
• Additional Curriculum Information
  • Students choose one of two culminating experience options, the thesis or the capstone.
  • Most students in the program will pursue the capstone and will need to take three credit hours of SEA 596 in preparation for the capstone course.
  • Students who would like to pursue the thesis will need to have an approved faculty advisor upon entry into the program or very early in the program and will need to gain the support of two additional faculty members to be part of their supervisory committee.
  • For electives, students should see the academic unit for approved coursework that supports their educational and career objectives.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements:
  • All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biological sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental studies, geography, marine science, natural resource management, oceanography, sustainability, urban planning, geography, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Applicants are required to submit:
  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. professional resume
  4. two letters of recommendation
  5. written statement
  6. proof of English proficiency
• Additional Admission Information
  • An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
  • The written statement should not exceed 600 words and should describe how the applicant's background will contribute to success in the program, and describe how completion of the degree will support long-term career goals.
  • The statement should elaborate on key research questions the applicant wishes to address or problems to solve as part of the plan of study, and it should identify potential faculty advisors.
  • Letters of recommendation must be from two people who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional achievements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall
  • Session | Modality | Deadline | Type
    • Session A/C | Online | | Rolling
• Spring
  • Session | Modality | Deadline | Type
    • Session A/C | Online | | Rolling

Global Opportunities

• Global experience
  • Study abroad is encouraged for graduate students.
  • Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit.
  • In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
• Beyond these, students in the MS program in coastal and marine science and management have special opportunities to enhance their learning in locations like Bermuda and Hawai'i.
• Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit.
• Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
• Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website.
• These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
• Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study, and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.

Career Opportunities

With the increasing recognition that global oceans and coastal communities play a critical role in protecting future well-being, marine professionals are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including county, state, and federal agencies, as well as nongovernmental and community organizations.

• Career paths include:
  • community planner
  • conservation manager
  • education
  • environmental consultant
  • environmental scientist
  • marine scientist
  • natural resource manager
  • researcher

Additional Information

• Accelerated programs
  • Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
• Concurrent programs
  • Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees, and receive two diplomas.
• Joint programs
  • Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units.
• New programs
  • ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently.
• Online programs
  • ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
• WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)
  • The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify.