CSUMB offers a Master of Science in Marine Science through Moss Landing Marine Labs. Both campuses are located near the shores of Monterey Bay, an extraordinary place that is home to one of the greatest concentrations of marine science research and education institutions anywhere in the world. CSUMB is located only 20 minutes south of MLML and is by far the closest of the seven CSU consortium campuses affiliated with MLML.
You can enroll through CSUMB and can take advantage of CSUMB housing and other resources, while doing most of your masters work with MLML faculty in MLML facilities. The MLML masters program is widely known and respected as one of the top marine science programs in the nation. It will build upon your existing bachelors degree to give you the knowledge, skills, experience, and professional contacts you'll need to take your marine-related career to a new level!
Required Courses
Courses with the MLML prefix are found in the CSUMB Catalog; courses with the MS prefix appearing in parens are found in the MLML Course Catalog.
Complete ALL of the following courses:
- MLML 504: Quant Mar Science (MS 104) - this course does not count toward the 30-unit requirement
- MLML 685: Grad Sem Mar Bio (MS 285)
- MLML 699: Masters Thesis (MS 299)
Complete THREE of the following courses:
- MLML 503: Marine Ecology (MS 103)
- MLML 541: Geol Oceanograph (MS 141)
- MLML 542: Phys Oceanograph (MS 142)
- MLML 543: Chem Oceanograph (MS 143)
- MLML 544: Biological Ocean (MS 144)
Complete THREE of the following courses, not already selected above (selections must total 12 units):
- MLML 601: Grad Std: Lib Resrch (MS 201)
- MLML 602: Mar Instrum Analysis (MS 202)
- MLML 604: Exper & Sampl Design (MS 204)
- MLML 606: Molec Biological Tech (MS 206)
- MLML 608: Scientific Methods (MS 208)
- MLML 611: Eco Mar Bird/Mamm (MS 211)
- MLML 612: Adv Top Mar Vert (MS 212)
- MLML 621: Adv Top Mar Inver (MS 221)
- MLML 631: Bio Of Seaweeds (MS 231)
- MLML 633: Adv Marine Ecol (MS 233)
- MLML 634: Adv Bio Oceanogr (MS 234)
- MLML 642: Plate Tectonics (MS 242)
- MLML 646: Geol of Mtry Bay Regi (MS 246)
- MLML 648: Marine Benth Hab Mapp (MS 248)
- MLML 651: Marine Geochem (MS 251)
- MLML 661: Ocean Circul/Mix (MS 261)
- MLML 663: Appl Comp Ocean (MS 263)
- MLML 671: Population Bio (MS 271)
- MLML 672: Subtidal Ecology (MS 272)
- MLML 673: Mar Env Std Gulf CA (MS 273)
- MLML 681: Coastal Dynamics (MS 281)
Learning Outcomes
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 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.
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.
Oceanography Foundations
Ability to apply principles and methods of the major field of oceanography (physical, chemical, geological and biological).
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.
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.
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.
Effective Communication Competency
Ability to present clearly, in written and oral formats, analyses of complex scientific issues.