The Marine Science curriculum prepares individuals for a variety of marine-related occupations such as marine conservation, water analysis, marine scientific research support and commercial fishing. Individuals will be prepared as naturalists within the ecotourism industry and be trained in observational and measurement techniques aboard a variety of vessels including ocean-going research vessels.
Course work includes a unique blend of traditional and contemporary vocational, technical, and scientific marine education. Course work specific for Marine Sciences includes instruction in biological sciences, environmental sciences, and marine sciences. Field and laboratory experiences prepare students to identify, observe, and collect scientific data associated with the fauna and flora found in the rivers, estuaries, sounds, and ocean. Course work in Marine Technologies includes instruction in the use of physical, chemical, meteorological, biological, and geological oceanographic instrumentation and sampling equipment.
Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities with aquariums, fisheries, corps of engineers, marine patrol, ecotourism companies, commercial fishing industries, entry-level field or laboratory positions with industries, state and federal agencies, and educational facilities associated with marine science and research. Career opportunities include oceanography, environmental science, marine biology, geophysical exploration, and fisheries-related employment.
This program focuses on the scientific study of the ecology and behavior of microbes, plants, and animals inhabiting oceans, coastal waters, and saltwater wetlands and their interactions with the physical environment. Potential course work includes instruction in chemical, physical, and geological oceanography; molecular, cellular, and biochemical studies; marine microbiology; marine botany; ichthyology; mammalogy; marine population dynamics and biodiversity; reproductive biology; studies of specific species, phyla, habitats, and ecosystems; marine paleocology and palentology; and applications to fields such as fisheries science and biotechnology.