To be well prepared for entry into the Marine Science B.S. degree program and to graduate in four years (for new freshman) or two years (for transfer students), the following coursework should be taken prior to entering CSUMB:
High School Preparation
- Pre-calculus
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- 2 years of foreign language (Spanish recommended)
Preparation for Community College Transfer Students
- Area A: Written and Oral Communication, Critical Thinking, 9 units
- Area B: Natural Science and Mathematics, 22-32 units
Math: Complete Pre-calculus (CAN MATH 16) and Calculus (either CAN MATH 18 or 30), 6-10 units
Chemistry: Complete CAN CHEM Sequence A, 8-10 units of General Chemistry 1 and 2 with labs
Biology: Complete CAN BIOL Sequence A, entire sequence, 10-12 units for biology majors) -
Area C: Humanities and fine arts (2 different disciplines), 9 units
Note: C-area should include two semesters in a foreign language to count towards CSUMB's foreign language requirement. -
Area D: Social Sciences (3 different disciplines), including U.S. History, Constitution and American Ideals, and California state and local government, 9 units
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Area E: Vibrancy: 1 course in personal development theory and 1 activity course, 4 units
CSUMB Lower-Division
If you enter CSUMB as a freshman and are considering Marine Science as your major, we recommend that you begin taking MATH and CHEM courses during your first year. Please consult the Major Requirements and Course Pathways on this website, or speak with a science advisor (see Advising ) for required lower-division coursework and recommended course sequencing.
You may declare Marine Science as your major at any time in your college career. Be sure to contact a science advisor as soon as you declare this major.