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Marine Science

Jacksonville University’s Master of Science in Marine Science, and Master of Arts in Marine Science (MS/MA in MSC), and Master of Science in Marine Studies (MS in MST) 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 MS/MA in MSC programs emphasize 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 MS in MST program offers a fully-distanced option providing flexibility and accessibility to a greater number of students. 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 to three years for full-time graduate students with 30 credit hours required within all 3 degree programs which includes a core four-course sequence.  For the MS in MSC degree students must complete a successful thesis project based on original research with a public defense and approved by a thesis committee.  For the MA in MSC degree, student must complete either two field/laboratory courses selected in conjunction with their graduate advisor or two field/ laboratory-based courses in accelerated summer sessions.  For the MS in MST degree students must complete a 6-credit hour capstone sequence with an original capstone research project in their final year of study. Both the MA in MSC and MS in MST degrees require the passing of a comprehensive written exam to be taken at the completion of all coursework. 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 or MS in Marine Studies 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

 

Degree Requirements

Program is designed to be completed in approximately two-years to three years of full-time study with 30 semester hours, including a four course sequence, but may be completed in a part-time manner if done within seven years of starting first graduate course. Only six semester hours of marine science-related graduate work can be transferred from another regionally accredited institution and applied to the graduate programs in Marine Science and Marine Studies 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 (MA in MSC; MS in MST) with required laboratory course work (MA in MSC degree) or capstone sequence (MS in MST) or a written thesis project with an oral defense (MS in MSC degree).

All students admitted to the MA/MS degree programs 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 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.
  • Up to 6 semester hours of coursework may be taken as thesis preparation/research and up to 6 semester hours of coursework may be completed in an online setting if seats are available in
    online sections. Core courses should be taken in the in-person setting.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the MA degree in Marine Science:

  • Four-course core: MSC 501, MSC 502, MSC 503 and MSC 504.
  • A total of 30 semester hours graduate-level work (500 or above) with approval of the student’s graduate advisor.
  • For six of the 30 semester hours, choose one of the following two options:
    •  A field and/or laboratory experience of not less than six semester hours approved by the graduate advisor.
    • Six credit hours of residential summer, intensive field or laboratory experience taken as MSC 595 (3 weeks, 3 SH) and MSC 695 (3 weeks, 3 SH) to be completed over one or two summer periods.
  • A written comprehensive examination to be taken at the completion of all degree coursework.
  • The remaining 24 semester hours may be fulfilled with completion of courses offered in an online or in-person setting, or a combination of both.
  • We are now offering a low-residency option for students in our MA in MSC program. This option allows students to take up to 24 credit hours of the degree online. The only credits that will need to be taken in person are the six credit hours of field/lab experience. Students will have the option to take these in-person lab courses during the traditional 14-week semester or in three-week accelerated summer sessions (in one or two sessions).