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The mission of the Department of Marine Sciences at 91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵ is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the marine sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society.

The Marine Sciences encompass a wide variety of disciplines that seek to understand the way the ocean functions, and how it is related to earth systems science, as well as to human interactions with the environment. Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings and applications of disciplines from biology, to chemistry, geology and physics. These disciplines are critical to life as we know it on the planet, and beyond. Students will be able to apply these disciplines to solving real problems, not only in ocean sciences, but in fields as far ranging as meteorology and space exploration

The Marine Sciences program offers a baccalaureate education to students interested in all facets of the marine environment.  The classroom curriculum provides a strong background in the marine sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics and geology of the oceans and their surroundings. The program focuses on hands-on activities, internships and research experiences in addition to classroom work.

The marine sciences major is designed to provide students with a strong science foundation upon which to build their marine specialty courses. The program is flexible and students are encouraged to explore many areas of the marine sciences through courses and internships emphasizing "hands-on" experiences. An additional goal of the major is to provide students with an adequate background for entry level career positions and for graduate study in marine science programs, or any field requiring a strong science background. The University is located on the Saco River where it joins the Atlantic Ocean, providing numerous marine, estuarine, and fresh water habitats to study on or adjacent to campus.

Courses previously completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program.  Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the marine sciences courses offered at 91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵin order to count as exact equivalents.  Otherwise, they will transfer as general electives. All Science/Math courses previously completed must be no older than five years.  Other options and restrictions apply.  See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Graduation Requirements:

A minimum grade of C- must be achieved in all science and mathematics courses used toward graduation in any of the programs in the Department of Marine Sciences. A 2.00 cumulative average in sciences is a requirement for graduation in any of the programs in the Department of Marine Sciences.

Program Completion Timeline:

Students have a maximum of seven years to complete the graduation requirements

We offer qualified students the option of participating in our Honors Program (  ) and graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member.

Curricular Requirements for track in Marine Biology or track in Oceanography 

Secondary Education Certification

The department offers Marine Sciences majors the opportunity to select all of the EDU secondary education certification courses (listed below) as their electives in order to become middle or high school teachers (grades 7 - 12) in the area of life science. While providing a solid foundation in the biological sciences, this program includes extensive coursework in education, which, when combined with the secondary teaching internship, will result in State of Maine teacher certification upon completion of the degree program. This program is approved by the State of Maine Board of Education.

See Education Department for more details.

1. Students demonstrate a strong foundation in the Marine Sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and geological aspects of the oceans.
2. Students will integrate knowledge and skills from all areas of study to address interdisciplinary problems. 
3. Students communicate effectively in both oral and written skills to convey their scientific knowledge and results to peers, the public, and scientific audiences.
4. Students will independently design and execute well conceived scientific studies.
5. Students demonstrate critical thinking skills.
6. Students demonstrate proficiency in quantitative skills.
7. Students value ethics in the conduct of science and their lives. 

A marine sciences minor requires 6 courses, and can follow either of the two tracks in the major, Marine Biology or Oceanography.  

A minimum grade of C- must be achieved in all science and mathematics courses used toward graduation in any of the programs in the Department of Marine Sciences. A 2.00 cumulative average in sciences is a requirement for graduation in any of the programs in the .

Program Completion Timeline

Students have a maximum of seven years to complete the graduation requirements.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Lab Fees

Courses with laboratory components have separate fees that vary depending on the course.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office on the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342, or visit the Financial Aid website.