Marine Science (B.S.)

Marine science is the interdisciplinary study of the oceans, estuaries, and inland seas of the world. For more than 50 years, Jacksonville University has claimed the dolphin as its mascot. Now can you imagine living with real dolphins – plus manatee, sharks, stingrays and more – in your own backyard? Our marine science students have direct campus access to the St. Johns River and are only minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, within two hours, you can be in an estuary, spring-fed river, sea grass marsh, mangrove, coral reef or cypress swamp. There’s no better place to experience a range of marine environments. 

• Our faculty have active, grant-funded research projects that provide ample opportunities for students to get involved.
• You can spend a semester in the Florida Keys (learn more about our study away program: Reef Semester in the Keys), plan activities with student clubs, and pursue internships in jobs in marine science and environmentally related fields.
• Please take a moment to visit the Manatee Research Center Online (MARCO).

Jacksonville University's marine science graduates have gone on to successful careers in a variety of areas. Some of their employers include Sea World, Naval Oceanographic Office, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Division of Parks and Recreation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

Learning by Doing

The Marine Science major at Jacksonville University emphasizes the multi-disciplined approach necessary to understand the marine environment. The major includes elements of chemistry, physics, and physical science, as well as life sciences. Students may focus their studies in one or more of these areas by careful selection of their elective courses.

The Reid Medical Sciences, Nelms Science buildings, and the Marine Science Research Center house the marine science programs. The R/V Dolphin, a 25-foot Boston Whaler with a LORAN navigation system, enables student to participate in off-campus field work assignments. The Department of Biology and Marine Science has a working wet lab with an aeration system, numerous aquaria and facilities to maintain various marine and freshwater organisms. The department also provides a variety of spectrophotometers, centrifuges, incubators and microscopes for the use of students and faculty in laboratory and research settings

For a summary of the program, please click on the link: Download a summary of the program.