Marine Science, M.S. Degree Requirements


Marine Science, M.S. ~ Degree Requirements

Credits Required

Credits in the program: 30

Outcomes, Courses, and Assessment

All MLML students must meet high standards of competency in the core areas of oceanography, marine biology, and quantitative analysis as described in the Learning Outcomes (LO) listed below. You are encouraged to discuss alternative assessment options with your advisor; however, the hands-on, integrative nature of the MLML program necessitates a course-based path, followed by independently conducted research, for the majority of students.

LO 1 Quantitative Foundations ~ ability to apply fundamental mathematical and statistical constructs used to communicate quantitative information within the context of marine science; ability to demonstrate proficiency with biological, chemical and physical data acquisition, analysis, display, and communication.

LO 2 Oceanography Foundations ~ ability to apply principles and methods of the major field of oceanography (physical, chemical, geological and biological).

LO 3 Marine Ecology Foundations ~ ability to apply advanced scientific concepts and methods to solve complex problems within an integrative ecological framework; ability to examine linkages between marine organisms and their environments; ability to recognize common patterns of change in real systems, build simple models that generate those patterns, and describe potential limitations of systems models as decision-making tools.

LO 4 Area of Concentration Competency ~ ability to demonstrate depth in a chosen area of marine science by completing an appropriate sequence of learning experiences that fulfill the learning outcomes of a self-designed, MLML-approved concentration.

LO 5 Scientific Inquiry Competency ~ ability to design, conduct, and interpret independent scientific investigations of an advanced nature, and to understand the ethical norms that guide scientific processes and methods.

LO 6 Effective Communication Competency ~ ability to present clearly, in written and oral formats, analyses of complex scientific issues.

Required Courses
  • Complete: MLML 404 (MLML Catalog: MS 104) Quantitative Marine Science (does not count toward 30-credit requirement).
  • Choose three of the following five courses: MLML 503 (MLML Catalog: MS 103) Marine Ecology; MLML 541 (MLML Catalog: MS 141) Geological Oceanography; MLML 542 (MLML Catalog: MS 142) Physical Oceanography; MLML 543 (MLML Catalog: MS 143) Chemical Oceanography; MLML 544 (MLML Catalog: MS 144) Biological Oceanography.
Concentration and Elective Courses
  • Complete a minimum of 15 required credits of upper-division graduate-level courses (MLML 600-level or higher).   This includes 2-4 units of MLML 685 (MLML Catalog:  MS 285) Graduate Seminar and 4 units of MLML 699 (MLML Catalog:  MS 299)  Thesis Research , and up to 15 MLML 400-level or 500-level courses to total 30 credits.
  • The remaining three units may be electives from either 500- or 600-level courses (100- or 200-level courses within the MLML Catalog) as long as the majority of the coursework is composed of 600-level courses.
  • A thesis approved by the student's thesis committee.  The thesis must meet the academic standards of the graduate program at MLML and conform to the rules set forth by the CSUMB campus for thesis publication.
  • An oral thesis defense in the form of a seminar open to the general public.  The student's thesis committee must be present, may require further oral questioning after the seminar, and will evaluate the success of the presentation.

Please note that MLML 504 (MLML Catalog:  MS 104)  Quantitative Marine Science and MLML 505 (MLML Catalog:  MS 105) Marine Scientific Diving cannot be used toward your 30-unit requirement.