Master of Science in Marine Science
Why Choose Our Program?
Jacksonville University's Master of Science in Marine Science (MS in MSC) degree program is designed to provide graduates with the 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. Our program has:
- State-of-the-art vessels, aquaculture facilities, laboratories and research facilities
- Experiential learning with OCEARCH, The St. Johns RiverKeeper, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission (FWC)
- Grants, internships, and research opportunities
- Experienced faculty in areas such as physical, shark and marine mammal biology, intertidal and subtidal ecology, and more
- Allows for further graduate study or for marine science careers in academia, government, and other employment sectors
- Prepares you for research-focused marine science careers at an advanced level.
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About Our Program
Students are encouraged to complete their degree requirements within three years. The program is designed to be completed in two years for full-time graduate students but may be completed in a part-time manner if done within 7 years of starting first graduate course. Students must take a core 4-course sequence and complete a proposal for their thesis research topic, or design a laboratory experience in conjunction with a graduate advisor. Thesis research is conducted through the next year, culminating in oral and written presentation of a thesis.
Students will complete a written thesis project with an oral defense as well as required coursework.
Only six (6) semester hours of marine science-related graduate work can be transferred from another regionally accredited institution and applied to the MS in Marine Science at JU. Transfer credits can only be applied to elective courses.
Hybrid Option
We are now offering students in the MS in MSC program the option to take up to 6 credit hours of elective coursework online.
How to Apply
- Completed JU Application
- Unofficial Transcripts for All Degrees Conferred
- An undergraduate degree in Marine Science is not necessary for admission.
- Updated Resume
- Statement of Intent
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Pre-requisite course requirements:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Intro to Marine Biology, or Biology I & II, or an Enviromental Science course*
*All Environmental Science courses must be approved by the Graduate Search Committee to ensure rigor before acceptance into the program.
The College TourJackson's Story
Jackson Hooten is passionate about Great White Sharks. And the Marine Science Research Institute and OCEARCH facility at Jacksonville University, along with renowned shark researcher Dr. Bryan Franks, has allowed Jackson to closely study them. OCEARCH helps scientists collect data on the ocean while open-sourcing their information. It is also one of the largest shark tagging organizations in the world, and is right here on campus! Jackson actually met his graduate advisor, Dr. Franks, while he was collecting data on an OCEARCH vessel. Now, he is completing his Master of Science in Marine Science and is going on to work for the federal government as an ecologist, later planning to pursue a Ph.D.
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Contact Information Graduate and Professional Studies
Phone: (904) 256-7000
Email: graduateadmissions@ju.edu