Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Science
Recognizing the critical role that the oceans play in the earth’s environment, it has become evermore urgent to:
- understand fundamental dynamic ocean processes,
- map the state of the ocean and its coasts,
- observe and model atmosphere/ocean interactions,
- monitor coastal processes and changes due to natural and human impacts,
- apply new technologies to enhance our understanding of the oceans, and
- assess the health of oceanic ecosystems.
Beginning in fall 2007, The University of Southern Mississippi will offer the only Bachelor of Science in Marine Science degree program in the state of Mississippi. This program will educate students in the multidisciplinary field of marine science and provide a basic understanding of the underlying principles and processes of the oceans. Initially, the program course work will focus on marine technology and ocean observing, which are broadly applicable across the various disciplines in the field of marine science. It is anticipated that the scope of the degree program will expand into other areas in the future.
The educational objectives of a marine science curriculum are to provide students with both knowledge of fundamental and technical marine science concepts and with the problem-solving skills that need to be applied to this field. Even though this marine science degree program will prepare graduates who can readily enter into marine science graduate programs of study, it will primarily be aimed at preparing students for careers in private industry or government agencies after completion of their undergraduate studies. This program will produce graduates who will meet industry demands for individuals who understand the science behind marine science and the technologies that make this science possible.
Admission standards for this undergraduate marine science program will be consistent with the university’s generate undergraduate admission standards as outlined in the “Admission Procedures for Freshmen” section of the most recent Undergraduate Bulletin. Students entering this program should have a strong high school mathematics background. Transfer students will be admitted to this degree program. The admission standards for transfer students will be consistent with the university’s admission standards as outlined in the “Application Procedures for Transfer Students” section of the most recent Undergraduate Bulletin.
Credit Hours and Curriculum
The general categories of courses required for the marine science degree are:
| General Education Curriculum | 27 semester credit hours |
| Major Course Requirements | 39 semester credit hours |
| Other Required Courses | 43 semester credit hours |
| Elective Courses | 15 semester credit hours |
| Total | 124 semester credit hours |
For more information, call 1.800.644.4207 or 228.214.3444 or e-mail marine.science@usm.edu.