Marine Science Graduate Programs
Program Options
Jacksonville University's four graduate marine science degree programs are designed to provide graduates with specific knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a variety of marine-related positions in industry, government, and education, or for entry into doctoral marine science programs. We offer the following programs:
- Master of Arts in Marine Science
- Master of Science in Marine Science
- Master of Science in Marine Studies
- Dual Degree: MA in Marine Science and Master in Public Policy
Our programs prioritize flexibility and convenience so you can balance your studies with your work and home life. Many of our programs feature hybrid, fully-online, and low-residency options. We also maintain strong industry partnerships with organizations like OCEARCH and The St. John's Riverkeeper that allow our students real-world learning experiences that perfectly compliment our cutting-edge curriculum.
Which track is right for me?
M.A. Marine Science
- 0-24 credit hours can be taken online or hybrid; Minimum 6 credit hours in person
- Comprehensive written exam required
- Completion requires either:
- 6 credit hours of lab/field-intensive coursework, or
- low-residency summer field/lab intensive sessions
- 2-year program (full time)
- Ideal for:
- Students who seek a graduate degree for increased employment opportunities or pay scales
- Working professionals, particularly those with flexible summer schedules
M.S. Marine Science
- Minimum 24 credit hours in person; Maximum 6 credit hours online
- No comprehensive written exam required
- Completion requires original research-based project with written thesis and oral defense
- 2-3 year program (full time)
- Ideal for:
- Students who seek research-based careers
- Students who plan to continue on to a Ph.D. program
M.S. Marine Studies
- Highest flexibility; program can be taken fully online, in person, or in hybrid format
- Comprehensive written exam required
- Completion requires 2-semester capstone project
- 2-year program (full time)
- Ideal for:
- Students who seek a graduate degree for increased employment opportunities or pay scales
- Flexible format for working professionals who require distance learning
Which track is right for me?
| Program Factor | M.A. Marine Science | M.S. Marine Science | M.S. Marine Studies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Format (out of 30 credit hours) |
|
|
|
| Comprehensive Written Exam | Yes | No | Yes |
| Thesis or Project | Either:
|
Original research-based project with written thesis and oral defense | 2-semester capstone project |
| Length of Program | 2 years (full time) | 2-3 years (full time) | 2 years (full time) |
| Ideal For |
|
|
|
| Learn More | M.A. Marine Science | M.S. Marine Science | M.S. Marine Studies |
Partnering with OCEARCHExperiential Learning
Jacksonville University and OCEARCH have a cooperative partnership to foster and promote unique opportunities for student-centered learning and meaningful scientific research. This partnership shares the values of both organizations with an emphasis on scientific inquiry, innovation, collaborative research, sustainability, and experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to be at the forefront of high-caliber research and one-of-a-kind learning experiences.
This partnership also allows the University to expand the number and variety of opportunities for students majoring in disciplines, such as sustainability, environmental sciences, engineering, aviation, communications, and film.
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Request Information
Contact Information Graduate and Professional Studies
Phone: (904) 256-7000
Email: graduateadmissions@ju.edu