Jacksonville University’s Master of Science in Marine Science and Master of
Arts in Marine Science (MS/MA in MSC) degree programs are designed to provide
its graduates with the specific knowledge and skills necessary to be successful
in a variety of marine-related positions in industry, government and education,
as well as, for entry into doctoral marine science programs. The program
emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning through either the completion of an
original thesis project under the mentorship of an experienced marine science
researcher, or a non-thesis option that requires extensive laboratory/field
study. The graduate program continues the undergraduate emphasis on
individualized programs of study that ensure students the best possible
preparation based on their interests, background and abilities.
Marine Science faculty and researchers currently work in many fields critical
to the understanding and sustainable use of marine resources and systems
including aquaculture, benthic ecology, marine and estuarine ecology, coral reef
ecology, environmental chemistry, phycology, environmental microbiology,
toxicology, marine mammal physiology, invertebrate zoology and ichthyology.
The program is designed to be completed in two years for full-time graduate
students. All students must take a core 4-course sequence, appropriate elective
courses, and complete (1) a successful thesis research project for the MS degree
or (2) two laboratory courses selected in conjunction with their graduate
advisor for the MA degree. State-of-the-art research and laboratory facilities
at the Marine Science Research Institute will be utilized, with opportunities to
conduct research at other facilities also possible.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Students eligible to take 500-level courses or any courses for graduate
credit are:
- Students who have been admitted to the MS/MA in Marine Science Program of
Jacksonville University.
- Students who hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited
institution.
- Students who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college
or university and who are not presently seeking a degree. These students should
apply as non-degree
A baccalaureate degree is required. GRE scores, letters of recommendation,
and undergraduate transcripts will be utilized for admissions purposes. It is
expected that the majority of entering students will have a degree in the
natural sciences. Regardless, strong preparation in the basic sciences
(chemistry, physics, and biology) and mathematics is required. Students with
academic deficiencies may be admitted so long as they enroll in appropriate
undergraduate courses (determined by the Faculty) as needed.
Non-degree seeking students with the proper preparation may enroll in courses
for the purpose of professional development. See the Admission section of this
catalog for more information.
A completed graduate admission application
form. In addition to all program admission
requirements listed above, all international student applicants must also meet
the JU Admissions requirements as outlined under International Students in the
Admissions section of the catalog.
TUITION
Fall, spring and summer semesters - $467 (per
semester hour)
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Program is designed to be completed in approximately two-years of full-time
study, but may be completed in a part-time manner if done within 7 years of
starting first graduate course. Only six (6) semester hours of marine
science-related graduate work can be transferred from another regionally
accredited institution and applied to the MS/MA in Master of Science in Marine
Science at JU.
All graduate students shall successfully complete 30 semester hours with a
grade of "B" (3.0) or better in each course. Depending on the specific degree
desired, students will complete either a comprehensive exam with required
laboratory course work (MA degree) or a written thesis project with an oral
defense as well as required coursework (MS degree).
All students admitted to the MA/MS degree program shall maintain continuous
enrollment in the graduate program until all degree requirements are met. If a
student receives lower than a "B" in a core course, the student may retake one
course. Two courses with grades below “B” (3.0) can result in the student being
removed from the graduate program. Students are encouraged to complete their
degree requirements within three years.
Requirements for the MS degree in Marine Science
- Four-course core: MSC 501, MSC 502, MSC 503 and MSC 504.
- A thesis proposal approved by the student’s thesis committee. The Thesis
Committee will be composed of minimum of three (3) individuals, including the
Student’s Thesis Advisor and two other members, one of which may be from outside
the Department or University.
- An oral thesis defense must be completed in the form of a seminar open to
the general public. The student’s thesis committee must be present, may require
further oral questioning after the seminar, and will evaluate the success of the
presentation.
- The MS degree will be approved upon submission of a final written thesis
approved by the Student’s Thesis Committee.
- A total of 30 semester hours graduate-level work (500 or above) with
approval of the student’s graduate advisor.
- One semester of practical experience as a teaching assistant in an
undergraduate marine science or biology laboratory.
Requirements for the MA degree in Marine Science
- Four-course core: MSC 501, MSC 502, MSC 503 and MSC 504.
- A laboratory experience of not less than six (6) semester hours approved by
the graduate advisor.
- A total of 30 semester hours graduate-level work (500 or above) with
approval of the student’s graduate advisor.
- A written comprehensive examination to be taken at the completion of all
degree coursework.
- One semester of practical experience as a teaching assistant in an
undergraduate marine science or biology laboratory.