Marine Sciences, B.S.

This undergraduate program offers students the chance for endless hands-on field and lab work in the heart of Galveston Bay. The major gives students a solid scientific knowledge before quickly accelerating into a wide array of highly challenging courses that fall under numerous disciplines. Students will have a plethora of options for electives, which can even allow them to tailor their education to best suit their individual goals.

Marine Sciences Degree    

This degree offers students a comparative advantage in entering a number of exciting fields by providing the very best instruction with the very best environment. Offering four distinct “tracks” of study, this degree is flexible enough to fit properly. From environmental sectors to oceanographic and offshore companies, to higher education and research, our students leave well-prepared.

License Option Available    

Interested students can elect the License Option, which entails the required coursework for a U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate deck or engine officer. This is conferred to a student when they have completed all their academic requirements (including cruises), as well as successful completion of the U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate exam. For further details, see the links below.

Marine Sciences Classes    

Major Core Classes (Required)
Major Core Classes (Required)

MARS 101  Marine Science Matters
GEOL 101  Principles of Geology
GEOL 102  Principles of Geology Lab
OCNG 251  Oceanography
MARS 252  Introductory Marine Science Laboratory
MARS 210  Marine Geography
MARS 281  Sophomore Seminar in Marine Sciences
MARS 303  Computing and Data Display
MARS 410  Physical Oceanography
OCNG 420  Biological Oceanography
MARS 365  Integrated Marine Sciences Laboratory
MARS 430  Geological Oceanography - Plate Tectonics
or  MARS 431  Geological Oceanography - Earth’s Climate
MARS 440  Chemical Oceanography
MARS 325  Introduction to GIS for Marine Sciences
MARS 460  Capstone Undergraduate Research Experience I
MARS 491  Research in Marine Sciences
MARS 461  Capstone Undergraduate Research Experience II
MARS 481  Seminar

Chemical Marine Science Track
Chemical Marine Science Track

CHEM 227/237   Organic Chemistry I / Organic Chemistry Lab
CHEM 228/238   Organic Chemistry II / Organic Chemistry Lab
 
Select four of the following:

ATMO 363   Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution
MARS 340   Geochemistry
MARS 360   Biochemistry
MARS 470   Eco-Environmental Modeling
STAT 303   Statistical Methods
CHEM 300   to   499

Geological Marine Science Track
Geological Marine Science Track

GEOL 106   Historical Geography
MARS 306   Coastal Sedimentary Geology

Select four of the following:

GEOL 300   to   499
MARS 305   Environmental Micropaleontology
MARS 340   Geochemistry
MARS 370   Coastal Processes
MARS 415   Remote Sensing Technology
MARS 430   Geological Oceanography – Plate Tectonics
MARS 431   Geological Oceanography – Earth’s Climate
MARS 432   Peak Oil, Global Warming and Resource Scarcity
MARS 435   Exploration Geophysics
MARS 489   Special Topics in Marine Sciences

Physical Marine Science Track
Physical Marine Science Track

MATH 251   Engineering Mathematics III
MATH 308   Differential Equations

Select four of the following:

ATMO 363   Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution
MARS 408   Estuarine and Coastal Hydrodynamics
MARS 415   Remote Sensing Technology
MARS 470   Eco-Environmental Modeling
MARS 489   Special Topics in Marine Sciences
STAT 303   Statistical Methods
PHYS 300   to   499

Integrated Track
Integrated Track

CHEM 227/237   Organic Chemistry I / Organic Chemistry Lab
MARS 306   Coastal Sedimentary Geology
MATH 251   Engineering Mathematics III

Select one of the following:

CHEM 228/238   Organic Chemistry II / Organic Chemistry Lab
GEOL 106   Historical Geology
MATH 308   Differential Equations

Select four of the following:

CHEM 300   to   499
GEOL 300   to   499
MARS 300   to   499

License Option Required Classes
License Option Required Classes

MART 103   Basic Safety and Lifeboatman Training
MART 115   Seamanship I
MART 201   Vessel Structure and Ship Knowledge
MART 202   Ship Stability and Trim
MART 204   Terrestrial Navigation
MART 208   Marine Meteorology
MART 210   Integrated Navigation I: Radar/ARPA/ECDIS
MART 212    Marine Dry Cargo Operations
MART 215    Seamanship II
MART 303    Celestial Navigation
MART 307    Global Marine Distress Safety System
MART 310    Integrated Navigation II: Electronic Navigation
MART 313    Marine Liquid Cargo Operations
MART 321    Navigation on Rules, International and Inland
MART 410    Integrated Navigation III
MART 498    Maritime Medical Care
NVSC 200    Naval Science for the Merchant Marine Officer
MART 200    Deck Sea Training I: Basic Communications, Navigation and Seamanship
MART 300   Deck Sea Training II: Intermediate Communications, Navigation and Seamanship
or  MART 350    Deck Sea Training II: Commercial Internship
MART 400   Deck Sea Training III: Advanced Communications, Navigation and Seamanship

Career Opportunities    

Love What You Do

The unique flexibility of courses and the unparalleled access to top quality professors, laboratories, and the sea puts our students in a great position to succeed in any number of paths.

Career Paths

Research
Professor
Conservation
Law Enforcement (Game Warden)
Environmental consultant
Secondary Education
Surveying

Hiring Agencies

State and Federal agencies        
Private industry
Universities
Conservation Groups
Non-profits

Salary Ranges

Senior Oceanographer: $100–150K
Oceanographer: $45–100K

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Apply Today    

At Texas A&M University at Galveston we offer a comprehensive array of degrees which are geared to make the most of our ideal location on the edge of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With programs ranging from marine biology to maritime administration led by enterprising professors at the top of their fields, we’re full of the opportunities you’re seeking.

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Curious? Want to know more? Let us point you in the right direction.

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