Marine Science
Jacksonville University’s Master of Science in Marine Science and Master of Arts in Marine Science (MS/MA in MSC) degree programs are designed to provide its graduates with the specific knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a variety of marine-related positions in industry, government and education, as well as, for entry into doctoral marine science programs. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning through either the completion of an original thesis project under the mentorship of an experienced marine science researcher, or a non-thesis option that requires extensive laboratory/field study. The graduate program continues the undergraduate emphasis on individualized programs of study that ensure students the best possible preparation based on their interests, background and abilities.
Marine Science faculty and researchers currently work in many fields critical to the understanding and sustainable use of marine resources and systems including aquaculture, benthic ecology, marine and estuarine ecology, coral reef ecology, environmental chemistry, phycology, environmental microbiology, toxicology, marine mammal physiology, invertebrate zoology and ichthyology.
The program is designed to be completed in two years for full-time graduate students. All students must take a core 4-course sequence, appropriate elective courses, and complete (1) a successful thesis research project for the MS degree or (2) two laboratory courses selected in conjunction with their graduate advisor for the MA degree. State-of-the-art research and laboratory facilities at the Marine Science Research Institute will be utilized, with opportunities to conduct research at other facilities also possible.
Admissions Requirements
Students eligible to take 500-level courses or any courses for graduate credit are:
- Students who have been admitted to the MS/MA in Marine Science Program of Jacksonville University.
- Students who hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Students who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and who are not presently seeking a degree. These students should apply as non-degree
- A baccalaureate degree is required. GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and undergraduate transcripts will be utilized for admissions purposes. It is expected that the majority of entering students will have a degree in the natural sciences. Regardless, strong preparation in the basic sciences (chemistry, physics, and biology) and mathematics is required. Students with academic deficiencies may be admitted so long as they enroll in appropriate undergraduate courses (determined by the Faculty) as needed.
Non-degree seeking students with the proper preparation may enroll in courses for the purpose of professional development. See the Admission section of this catalog for more information.
A completed graduate admission application form is required. In addition to all program admission requirements listed above, all international student applicants must also meet the JU Admissions requirements as outlined under International Students in the Admissions section of the catalog
Tuition
Fall, spring and summer semesters - $615 (per semester hour)
Degree Requirements
Program is designed to be completed in approximately two-years of full-time study, but may be completed in a part-time manner if done within 7 years of starting first graduate course. Only six (6) semester hours of marine science-related graduate work can be transferred from another regionally accredited institution and applied to the MS/MA in Master of Science in Marine Science at JU.
All graduate students shall successfully complete 30 semester hours with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better in each course. Depending on the specific degree desired, students will complete either a comprehensive exam with required laboratory course work (MA degree) or a written thesis project with an oral defense as well as required coursework (MS degree).
All students admitted to the MA/MS degree program shall maintain continuous enrollment in the graduate program until all degree requirements are met. If a student receives lower than a "B" in a core course, the student may retake one course. Two courses with grades below “B” (3.0) can result in the student being removed from the graduate program. Students are encouraged to complete their degree requirements within three years.
Probation and Dismissal
A graduate student will be placed on Academic Probation at the conclusion of any semester in which the student’s cumulative GPA is less than a 3.0(B). The student has the following one semester (or two courses) to raise the cumulative GPA to a 3.0. A graduate student will be dismissed from the program if the student does not raise the cumulative GPA to a 3.0 within one semester (or two courses) of being placed on Academic Probation. A graduate student placed on Academic Probation more than one time during the program will be dismissed from the program. A graduate student earning one grade of “F” in any graduate course will be dismissed from the program.
Program Requirements
Requirements for the MS degree in Marine Science:
- Four-course core: MSC 501, MSC 502, MSC 503 and MSC 504.
- A thesis proposal approved by the student’s thesis committee. The Thesis Committee will be composed of minimum of three (3) individuals, including the Student’s Thesis Advisor and two other members, one of which may be from outside the Department or University.
- An oral thesis defense must be completed in the form of a seminar open to the general public. The student’s thesis committee must be present, may require further oral questioning after the seminar, and will evaluate the success of the presentation.
- The MS degree will be approved upon submission of a final written thesis approved by the Student’s Thesis Committee.
- A total of 30 semester hours graduate-level work (500 or above) with approval of the student’s graduate advisor.
- One semester of practical experience as a teaching assistant in an undergraduate marine science or biology laboratory.
Program Requirements
Requirements for the MA degree in Marine Science:
- Four-course core: MSC 501, MSC 502, MSC 503 and MSC 504.
- A laboratory experience of not less than six (6) semester hours approved by the graduate advisor.
- A total of 30 semester hours graduate-level work (500 or above) with approval of the student’s graduate advisor.
- A written comprehensive examination to be taken at the completion of all degree coursework.
- One semester of practical experience as a teaching assistant in an undergraduate marine science or biology laboratory.