Marine Science, B.S.

Students completing the B.S. in marine science (MCSI) will have an understanding of major concepts across all four marine science subdisciplines and be able to quantitatively integrate marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, and physical oceanography to critically evaluate and apply these skills, practical training, and related technology to coastal and oceanic marine systems. Students completing the B.S. in MSCI will be well prepared for their pursuit of advanced degrees or employment in marine-science-related fields including research, management, education, and/or policy at government agencies, universities, and private industry firms.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a B.S. in marine science should be able to:

Explain the principles, concepts, applications, and inter-relations of biology, chemistry, geology, physics and mathematics as they apply to the marine environment;
Use the principles of scientific inquiry to describe, analyze and solve scientific problems involving marine science and related fields;
Exhibit proficiency in the use of technology, critical thinking, and quantitative tools used in marine-science applications;
Communicate effectively with peers, mentors, and the larger community, and
Successfully pursue entry-level jobs or enter graduate programs in various scientific fields.

The marine science major integrates the study of biology, chemistry, geology, physics and mathematics and applies these to the marine environment. Major courses are selected from marine science, biology, chemistry, computer science, geography, geology, mathematics, statistics, or physics. Students are encouraged to select an area of emphasis in marine biology, marine geology, marine chemistry, or physical oceanography. Integrated lecture, laboratory, and field experiences provide a well-rounded scientific program. The facilities available for marine science majors include a lecture and laboratory complex, computer research labs, ocean-going and estuarine research vessels, and a full complement of oceanographic sampling equipment. Laboratory activities and research projects are conducted in various coastal habitats including Waties Island, a barrier island, marsh and upland complex owned by the University, and through collaborative arrangements with a variety of research centers. Marine science graduates are employed as marine and environmental researchers for government agencies, universities, and private industry; marine and environmental educators; high school and middle school science teachers; and in the fields of marine and environmental management and policy. Outstanding students are encouraged to pursue graduate study.

Double Majors:

Students may double major in any program which offers a B.S. degree. To complete a double major, students must satisfy the major requirements for both programs and complete a minimum combined total of 48 upper-level credits in the two majors, all with a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Degree Requirements (120 Credits)

Core Curriculum Requirements

Core Curriculum (36-40 Total Credit Hours)

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements (3-6+ Credits) *

Foundation Courses (34-46 Credits) *

Complete the following courses:

Note:

A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in all foundation courses except BIOL 121 and CHEM 111 and CHEM 111L .

* BIOL 121 , BIOL 121L , BIOL 122 , BIOL 122L , MATH 160 , MSCI 111 , and MSCI 111L also satisfy core curriculum math, science, and communication requirements. Though listed above under foundation courses, their credits are counted toward the total credits for the core curriculum and not toward the foundation total.

Major Requirements (36 Credits)

Complete the following courses:

MSCI 301 Physical Oceanography - 3 credits AND
MSCI 301L Physical Oceanography Laboratory - 1 credit
MSCI 302 Marine Biology - 3 credits AND
MSCI 302L Marine Biology Laboratory - 1 credit
MSCI 304 Marine Geology - 3 credits AND
MSCI 304L Q Marine Geology Laboratory - 1 credit
MSCI 305 Marine Chemistry - 3 credits AND
MSCI 305L Marine Chemistry Laboratory - 1 credit
Choose marine science courses at the 300 level or above, or preapproved MSCI credit at the 300 level or above offered through a study abroad program (8 Credits)

Choose science courses from the following: (12 Credits)

Marine science courses numbered 306 and above
Chemistry courses at the 300 level or above except CHEM 301 and 306
CSCI 140 Introduction to Algorithmic Design I - 3 credits AND
CSCI 140L Introduction to Algorithmic Design I Laboratory - 1 credit
CSCI 150 Introduction to Algorithmic Design II - 3 credits AND
CSCI 150L Introduction to Algorithmic Design II Laboratory - 1 credit
Geology courses numbered at the 300 level or above
Mathematics courses numbered at 240 or above, except MATH 329, 330, 348 and 403
Physics courses numbered at the 300 level or above
Statistics courses numbered at the 300 level or above
Approved study abroad transfer credit (1-12)

Biology courses from the following list:

Note:

A grade of ‘C’ or better is required for all major requirements. No more than six credit hours of an independent study, internship, and/or directed undergraduate research and/or senor thesis may be used for major credit.

Cognate or Minor Requirements (0 Credits)

Students majoring in marine science are not required to complete a minor or cognate. However, they may elect to minor in any field in which Coastal Carolina offers a minor. If the minor includes courses which can be used for marine science major credit, then up to eight credit hours of those courses may also be applied toward the marine science major’s upper level science requirement of 36 credit hours. Students seeking minors must have an adviser selected from the department offering the minor in addition to their marine science advisor.

Electives: 0-13 Credits

Total Credits Required: 120 Credits

Click here for information on Double Major requirements.

Coastal AIMS

The Coastal Accelerated Integrated Marine Science (Coastal AIMS) program offers a comprehensive pathway for highly motivated students to complete all coursework requirements for both the B.S. in Marine Science and the M.S. in Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies within five years. Highly motivated students would enroll in above-average course loads during their first three years of study, enabling them to take up to 12 graduate credits via the transitional study program and/or the accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program during their fourth year, or after completion of at least 90 undergraduate credits for the B.S. in marine science. Eligibility requirements for these two programs vary and each student should consult their academic advisor to determine the appropriate program for their Coastal AIMS pathway. To be eligible for Coastal AIMS, a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and an average GPA of 3.0 or better in the 300-level MSCI core courses must be maintained. Full acceptance to the CMWS program will occur at the completion of the B.S. in marine science degree requirements, fulfillment of the above-listed academic standards, and application to the graduate program by submitting a graduate application and all required supporting documents. GRE scores and application fee will be waived for this application. Also required with the application are two letters of recommendation from CCU graduate faculty, and to pursue the thesis track, a written commitment from a graduate faculty member to serve as the student’s M.S. thesis adviser. In addition to offering an expedited pathway to both the B.S. in marine science and M.S. degrees, students eligible for Coastal AIMS may use elective course substitutions for up to two graduate core courses, and could potentially double count up to 9 credits through the accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program. For more information, contact the chair of the Department of Marine Science or send an email to marine_graduate_info@coastal.edu.