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
- Four years of math, including Pre-calculus and calculus
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Any AP science courses
- 2 years of foreign language (Spanish recommended)
Preparation for Community College Transfer Students
(Note that junior transfers with over 60 CSU-transferrable units do NOT need to fulfill CSUMB's foreign language proficiency requirement)
- 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 BIOLOGY for BIOLOGY MAJORS year-long sequence, 10-12 units for biology majors) -
Area C: Humanities and fine arts (2 different disciplines), 9 units
Note: C-area should include one semester in a foreign language to count towards CSUMB's foreign language requirement. - Area D: Social Sciences (3 different disciplines), including 1) U.S. History, 2) US Constitution & American Ideals with California state and local government; and 3) Economics, 9 units
- Area E: Vibrancy: 1 course in personal development theory, 3 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.