Program Overview

Overview

The M.S. in Marine Ecosystems and Society (MES) program is designed for students who work at the intersection of science and society, addressing pressing ocean, coastal, and climate challenges central to long-term sustainability and resilience. The program allows students to acquire knowledge and expertise critical to ensuring the sustainability of natural resources, with course selections tailored to match individual research and career objectives.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the M.S. in Marine Ecosystems and Society program, applicants must possess a B.S. or B.A. in any relevant academic field. The GRE score is not required for admission, but individual faculty members may consider GRE scores as part of a holistic evaluation of the candidates. Applicants whose first language is not English must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550.

Curriculum Requirements

The MES M.S. degree requires 30 total credits, consisting of:

• Core Courses: 3 credits
  • Students are required to complete one of the following:
    • EVR 624: Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy
    • RSM 612: Statistics for Marine Scientists
• Electives: 21 credits
  • Course enrollment and scheduling are defined by the student and their Chair.
  • Students are affiliated with one or more of the EVR tracks and are expected to adhere to all relevant academic requirements.
• Thesis Research: 6 credits
  • EVR 810: Master's Thesis
• Additional Requirements:
  • RSM 700: Research Ethics
  • EVR Seminars: Students are expected to attend EVR department and student seminars.
  • Proposal Defense: Students are required to compose a full proposal and defend it before the start of their third semester in residence.

Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan of study for the M.S. in Marine Ecosystems and Society program is as follows:

• First Year:
  • Fall: EVR 624 or RSM 612 (3 credits), Approved Elective (3 credits), Approved Elective (3 credits), RSM 700 (0 credits)
  • Spring: Approved Elective (3 credits), Approved Elective (3 credits), Approved Elective (3 credits)
• Second Year:
  • Fall: Approved Elective (3 credits), Approved Elective (3 credits)
  • Spring: EVR 810 (3 credits)
  • Summer: EVR 810 (3 credits)

Mission

The M.S. in Marine Ecosystems and Society program fosters innovative, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research and education centered on the conservation and sustainability of marine ecosystems and the services they provide to society.

Goals

The program aims to provide students with knowledge and expertise critical to ensuring the sustainability of natural resources, tailored to their career objectives. Students develop expertise in quantitative and qualitative disciplines for integrating the human and natural dimensions of environmental resources and understanding the implications of policy and regulatory frameworks.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a range of marine-related disciplines, specifically relevant to their research.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills through the development and execution of an original research plan, including the application of appropriate methodologies.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas effectively and professionally, both in writing and orally.