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Master of Science in Marine Sciences

Type
Master (ISCED 2011 level 7)
Language

English

Duration 3 semesters
Entry level Bachelor
Cost TUITION FEES PER CREDIT HOUR - IN STATE $442.00 / OUT OF STATE $884.00

Recognizing the importance of marine and coastal environments to the socioeconomic welfare of Alabama, the University of South Alabama developed a graduate program in the marine sciences that is both applied and theoretical. The faculty of the department is committed to training the next generation of marine scientists, pursuing excellence in research, and assisting in the sustainable management of marine resources through service.

 Prospectus Completion (1.5 yrs max)

Coursework Completion (2 yrs max)

Written Exam Completion (not relevant)

Degree Completion (3 yrs max)

 

Structural components
Thesis/Dissertation
Laboratory training
Practical/Field work
Research Project

Grant opportunities

The Department of Marine Sciences offers at-large fellowships to MS students annually on a competitive basis. In addition, there are a variable number of research assistantships that are sponsored by externally funded grants and contracts. The current stipend for MS students is $17,000 per year. Additional funding for tuition fellowship may also be available through extramural grants. Prospective students must submit applications by February 1 to receive consideration for at-large fellowships to the Department of Marine Sciences.

Prerequisites

Minimum Requirements For Admission

Application before January 15 is encouraged; beginning February 1, the admission committee will make initial recommendations about applicants for the following Fall class, with formal letters sent to applicants by the end of March. Although students are normally admitted in the Fall Semester, depending on availability of space and funding, applications may be approved and students admitted throughout the year. In addition to the general admissions requirements of the Graduate School, minimal requirements for admission in full standing to the Marine Sciences MS Program are:

  1. A baccalaureate degree in marine sciences or in a discipline related to marine sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, physics) from an accredited four year college or university.
  2. An undergraduate minimum grade-point average of 3.0 overall (4.0 point system).
  3. A minimum score of 300 combined on the verbal and quantitative subtests of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

The applicant will be required to submit:

  1. A completed application including a statement indicating the student's interests and professional goals.
  2. Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended.
  3. Three letters of recommendation.
  4. Official scores from the Graduate Record Exam (General Test).

 

Assessment of credentials will be supplemented by evaluation of letters of recommendation and the educational background of the student. Foreign applicants will be required to pass the TOEFL exam with a score of 525 or greater, or equivalent score on computer administered tests.

Provisional admission may be granted upon recommendation of the departmental admissions committee. Full standing can be attained after conditional admission by satisfactorily completing (with a grade of no lower than "B") nine (9) semester hours of course work in marine sciences at USA.

 

To insure compatibility between the student's research interests and the faculty expertise in the Marine Sciences Department, particular attention will be given to the statements of research interests. A faculty member will be asked to act as a "mentor" for the applicant based on the statement of interest and, if necessary, a personal interview. Through this process the student's interests will be matched to the expertise available within the faculty. Moreover, the mentor also may be able to offer the student financial support if a departmental stipend is not available. Students whose interests do not correspond to those of a faculty member and/or have not identified a faculty willing to serve as a mentor, will not be admitted into the MS degree program in marine sciences.

ISCED Categories

Biology
Ecology
Physical and chemical oceanography
Statistics
Fisheries