Program Overview

Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences, MS

Overview

The M.S. program offered by SoMAS takes a rigorous approach to oceanography, atmospheric, and sustainability sciences with interdisciplinary course work and a research thesis. It is designed to prepare students for positions in research, management, environmental protection, and resource development. The program provides students with a firm basis for more advanced study, but also is designed to equip students with the background and tools needed for effective careers without additional training.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a B.A. or B.S. with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B)
• Acceptable scores on the TOEFL (paper: 600, computer: 230, iBT: 90) or IELTS (6.5) for foreign students
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcript(s)
• B.A. or B.S. degree in a discipline related to the intended field of study, or coursework equivalent to such a degree
• At least eight semesters total of some combination of introductory coursework in mathematics, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, sustainability, and/or related disciplines, with more advanced work in at least one of these disciplines
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required; however, we will accept and consider scores for applicants who feel it strengthens their application

Degree Requirements

• Completion of the MS Program requires 30 credits
• A 3.0 GPA, is required, both overall and in Core/Foundation courses

Requirements Overview

• Four Core courses (4 credits)
• Two Foundation courses (6 credits)
• Three Specialty courses (9 credits)
• MAR 590 - Research for MS Students (at least 6 credits)
• Five additional credits of elective coursework
• Master’s research proposal due by end of first year, signed by advisor and two readers
• Oral presentation of thesis work
• Submission of approved thesis

Core Courses (4 credits)

• MAR 527 - Current Issues in Global Climate Change (2 credits)
• MAR 543 - Reading and Proposal Development (1 credit)
• MAR 591 - RCRS and Professional Development (1 credit)
• MAR 580 - Seminar (0 credits), 2 semesters
• OR
• SUS 580 - Research Seminar (0 credits), 2 semesters

Foundation Courses (6 credits)

• Two courses selected from the following:
  • MAR 501 - Physical Oceanography (3 credits)
  • MAR 502 - Biological Oceanography (3 credits)
  • MAR 503 - Chemical Oceanography (3 credits)
  • MAR 504 - Statistics and Experimental Design (3 credits)
  • MAR 506 - Geological Oceanography (3 credits)
  • MAR 508 - Found Mar Sci 1:Biogeochemical (3 credits)
  • MAR 509 - Found Mar Sci 2Physics of Oceans, Atmos, Climate (3 credits)
  • MAR 516 - Ecosystem Science for Fisheries Management (3 credits)
  • MAR 541 - Foundations of Atmospheric Sciences I (3 credits)
  • MAR 542 - Foundations of Atmospheric Sciences II (3 credits)
  • MAR 545 - Paleoceonography and Paleoclimatology (3 credits)
  • MAR 547 - Geophysical Fluid Dynamics I (3 credits)
  • SUS 502 - Perspectives on Sustainability (3 credits)

Specialty Courses (9 credits)

• Three courses chosen from among all the regular (3 credit) MAR and SUS graduate courses, including up to but no more than 3 credits of MAR 552 - Directed Study, to best support each student’s academic goals

Elective Courses (5 credits)

• Five additional credits of elective coursework, including additional credits of MAR 590 - Research for MS Students

Core Courses for the M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences

• MAR 527 - Current Issues in Global Climate Change (2 credits)
• MAR 543 - Reading and Proposal Development (1 credit)
• MAR 580 - Seminar (0 credits)
• MAR 591 - RCRS and Professional Development (1 credit)
• SUS 580 - Research Seminar (0 credits)

Foundation Courses for the M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences (all three credits)

• MAR 501 - Physical Oceanography (3 credits)
• MAR 502 - Biological Oceanography (3 credits)
• MAR 503 - Chemical Oceanography (3 credits)
• MAR 504 - Statistics and Experimental Design (3 credits)
• MAR 506 - Geological Oceanography (3 credits)
• MAR 508 - Found Mar Sci 1:Biogeochemical (3 credits)
• MAR 509 - Found Mar Sci 2Physics of Oceans, Atmos, Climate (3 credits)
• MAR 516 - Ecosystem Science for Fisheries Management (3 credits)
• MAR 541 - Foundations of Atmospheric Sciences I (3 credits)
• MAR 542 - Foundations of Atmospheric Sciences II (3 credits)
• MAR 545 - Paleoceonography and Paleoclimatology (3 credits)
• MAR 547 - Geophysical Fluid Dynamics I (3 credits)
• SUS 502 - Perspectives on Sustainability (3 credits)