Marine Sciences
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The Marine Sciences Program at Savannah State University provides research, education and outreach programs which contribute to a vital, technically-qualified, intellectually-thoughtful and ethnically-diverse community of individuals capable of creatively solving problems and answering questions related to coastal and ocean ecosystem health, environmental quality and fisheries sustainability.
BS in Marine Sciences
- SSU is # 1 producer of black marine science BS recipients in Marine Science (2002-2021 IPEDS data)
- Over 275 BS degree recipients since the program started (program approved 1979, first graduates 1985)
- Advanced study:
- At least 25% have pursued Master’s degrees, PhDs, or professional degrees
- Employment:
- 71% have reported work in STEM fields
- Fall 2023 demographics: 46% black, 21% Hispanic, 21% white, 10% multi-racial
MS in Marine Sciences
- SSU is also the top producer of black marine science MS recipients in the nation (2002-2021 IPEDS data)
- More than 100 MS degree recipients since inception of the program in fall 2002
- Advanced study:
- 23% have pursued PhDs or professional degrees
- Employment:
- 96% have reported work in STEM fields
- In Fall 2023, 70% of SSU MS in Marine Science students were federally funded (grants), 15% were supported by SSU Graduate assistantships, and 15% were self funded or had the GI Bill
- Fall 2023 demographics: 75% white, 20% black, and 5% multiracial (20 graduate students).
SSU Compared to National Data
GRADUATES
Black graduates represent approximately 2% of all degrees in Marine Sciences earned from 2002-2017. This includes IPEDS data for the fields of Aquatic Biology, Fisheries, Marine Bio/Bio Ocean, and Marine Science combined. While this is a dismal statistic, SSU is doing its part to increase this percentage and is #1 nationally in doing so.
EMPLOYMENT
Nationally, based on the 2014 U.S. Census, 36% of all STEM bachelor’s graduates were employed in STEM fields (Xue and Larson, 2015). As of September 2023, 71% of SSU BS graduates in Marine Science have reported STEM employment post-graduation. For our MS graduates, that increases to 96%.
Some Reflections on the Origin, Challenges and Contributions of Marine Science Degree Programs at Savannah State University
by Matthew R. Gilligan, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus
Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Savannah State University, October 2017