This option prepares students for professional opportunities in oceanography, the biological sciences, and related fields. It differs from the other four options in requiring students to complete one of several minor and certificate programs offered by the School of Arts and Sciences or the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, either the Professional or Technical Writing Certificate (355), the Minor in Education (300), the Certificate in Professional Youth Work (300), the Certificate in Environmental Geomatics (372), the Minor in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior (374) or the Minor in Fisheries Science (392). This requirement is included in order to ensure that students in this option will acquire a focused set of knowledge and skills to complement their marine science studies, and to help them find employment upon graduation. Students in this option should choose the minor or certificate program that fulfills part of their major requirements no later than in their fourth semester of study at the university. This option is only available to SEBS Students.

Graduation Requirements for the Major

Students majoring in Marine Science must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0.
All students in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences must complete the SEBS Core Requirements, plus the additional Major requirements below.
All students in the School of Arts and Sciences must complete the SAS Core Requirements, plus the additional Major requirements below.
Professional Ethics: Ethical issues in marine sciences are addressed throughout the program in both introductory and advanced courses, especially within the framework of the experience-based educational requirement.

Directed Marine Studies option

Required courses (credits)

- 01:119:115-116 General Biology (4,4)

- 01:119:117 Biological Research Laboratory (2)

- 01:160:161-162 General Chemistry (4,4)

- 01:160:171 Introduction to Experimentation (1)

- 11:216:351352 Principles of Ecology (3) and Principles of Ecology Laboratory (1)

NOTE: For students matriculating in Fall 2017 and afterwards, 216:351 and 352 will be electives.

- 01:447:380 Genetics (4) or 11:776:305 Plant Genetics (4)

- 11:628:120 Introduction to Oceanography (3)

- 11:628:320 Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems (4)

- 11:628:363 Oceanographic Methods and Data Analysis: Biology and Chemistry (3) or Oceanographic Methods and Data Analysis: Physical Processes (3)