Marine Environmental Science
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Minors in Marine Biology and Meteorology & Oceanography
The Marine Environmental Science major is designed to provide students with a strong multidisciplinary scientific background and laboratory skills in physical, earth and life sciences. The program incorporates fundamental courses in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, oceanography, meteorology and mathematics with specialized classes in environmental chemistry, environmental pollution, and environmental law and policy. The program prepares students for a diversity of careers by combining a rigorous eight-semester academic program with up to three summers of hands-on “professional” experiences. Students minor in either Marine Biology or Meteorology & Oceanography and may choose to pursue a USCG Third Mate License in addition to their Bachelor of Science degree.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Marine Environmental Science program are diverse and students may tailor elective courses to focus on a particular scientific area. Examples of careers our graduates are prepared for include:
- laboratory or field technician or scientist with a federal, state, educational, or private agency
- sea-going marine technician
- aquatic chemist or biologist
- aquarium technician
- meteorologist
- climatologist
- weather router
- marine science educator
The Marine Environmental Science program also offers the scientific foundation and skills for graduate study in environmental science, marine biology, meteorology, oceanography and related fields.
The Science Department laboratories were renovated in 2006 and are equipped with state of the art equipment for undergraduate student use. The College’s vessels are available for use in many of the biology and oceanography laboratory courses. The Science Department is also home to an automated weather station, part of the National Weather Service’s national observation network, to which students have access.
