Master of Science in Marine Sciences

The mission of the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at the University of New England is to help our students gain an understanding of the natural world, develop critical thinking skills, and become scientifically literate. Together, we lay a foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful productive contributions to society.

The Marine Sciences degree encompasses a wide variety of disciplines that seek to understand the way the ocean functions, how it is related to earth systems sciences, and how humans interact 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. Students will be able to apply these disciplines to solving real problems in ocean sciences and beyond.

The Master of Science in Marine Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in continuing their education in the marine sciences. The classroom curriculum provides a strong background in all aspects of the marine sciences. The program focuses on a thesis research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the marine sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
• Foster participation in the production of new knowledge through excellence in research.
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
• Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through written and oral presentations.

*Students may substitute Thesis/Research credits for electives with the approval of their advisor

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all required courses with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 and successfully pursue, complete, and defend publicly an approved research thesis.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To remain in the M.S. in Marine Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0. A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.

Program Completion Timeline

Students have a maximum of five (5) years to complete the graduation requirements. After two (2) academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a thesis continuation credit per semester to remain in the program.

Probation/Dismissal

A graduate student whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below 3.0, or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one (1) fall or spring semester to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second class grade below B-. Marine Programs and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will consider for dismissal any student who fails to meet these criteria.

Course Withdrawal

In normal length semesters, a matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds (2/3) of the semester. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Incomplete Grades

A student who believes they are unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussion with the instructor. At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed six (6) weeks following the end date of the course. This agreement must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (such as death in the family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be made in writing, reviewed and signed by the instructor and the student’s advisor.

• Students will demonstrate expertise in their thesis research field.
• Students will increase their proficiency to publication level written and professional oral communication skills.
• Students will demonstrate mastery of the concepts and principles of the Marine Sciences.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of research design and have the ability to carry out a research project.

Transfer Credit

• Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another Marine Science program.
• Transfer credits will be reviewed and awarded on a case by case basis.

Advanced Standing

• No advanced standing available.

Experiential Learning

• No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.

Application

The University of New England School of Marine Programs participates in the Graduate Centralized Application Service (GradCAS). All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

Degree Requirement

Completion of bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, prior to matriculation.

• All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to GradCAS. Please refer to the GradCAS application for additional information and instructions.

GPA Requirements

• Minimum cumulative undergraduate and science GPA of 3.0 (inclusive of all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes).
• All applicants must meet minimum GPA requirements to be considered for admission.

Prerequisite Coursework Requirements

Marine Science Track

Oceanography Track

Other Important Prerequisite Coursework Considerations

• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better ("C minus" grades are not acceptable).
• Prerequisite courses may be in progress or planned at the time of application, but all courses must be completed with an official transcript submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment before the start of the program.
• Online courses offered through UNE’s Online Science Prerequisites and online courses from other regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities are acceptable with program approval.

Resume

• A current resume is required and should be uploaded directly to the GradCAS application.

Letters of Reference

Three (3) letters of reference are required – submitted via GradCAS.

• Letters should come from a person of your choice who can speak to your academic and/or professional experience.
• Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.

International Applicants

International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:

• Official credential evaluation by World Education Service (WES), confirming degree and grade equivalency to that of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The completed credential evaluation should be sent directly to GradCAS. Please refer to the International Admissions section of the UNE website for more information on the type of credential evaluation required for admission review.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of a UNE-approved English language proficiency test.
• Applicants should refer to the English Language Proficiency page on the UNE website for specific information on acceptable tests and minimum score requirements.

Other Important Notes

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete and submit an application well before the application deadline for earliest consideration.
• Prior to or early in the application process, applicants are strongly advised to communicate with UNE faculty with whom they would like to work.
• Meeting with faculty during the application process does not in any way negate the need to fully complete the application process.
• Program faculty review all qualified applicants and admit students based on a combination of academics and experiences that best fit with current research opportunities.
• All completed applications will be reviewed by the program admissions committee after the application deadline, with decisions expected around mid-March.
• Applications completed after the posted deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
• Applicants offered admission will be expected to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure a seat in the program.
• The non-refundable deposit is applied toward fees not covered by any assistantships or grants received upon acceptance.
• Should the candidate decide not to matriculate in the program, the deposit will be forfeited.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Policy Exceptions

• Policies are established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants to the university and its programs.
• All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates.

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.

Continued Enrollment

After two (2) academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except their thesis will be required to pay for a thesis continuation credit plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program.

Other Expenses

Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student. Currently, there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

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. Information on Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships can be found on the School of Marine and Environmental Programs website.