The Master of Science in Marine Sciences (MSMS) program is the only one of its kind based in Southeast Georgia with direct access to estuarine, coastal and open-ocean research environments. SSU is known as ‘the University by the Sea’ and the Georgia estuarine salt marsh ecosystem is out the backdoor of our classrooms and laboratories.
Master of Science in Marine Sciences (MSMS)
The Master of Science in Marine Sciences degree program provides a curriculum designed to meet the needs of individuals who desire a graduate degree to prepare them for a career to address marine resource and coastal environmental issues through research, education, and outreach. The program takes advantage of its campus location adjacent to a salt marsh and is the only instructional unit in the University System of Georgia with direct ocean access and on-campus marine laboratory facilities. A collaborative agreement with the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and on-going collaborative programs and contracts with universities, state agencies and federal agencies also contributes to a framework of quality and excellence.
The program at SSU provides students with a background that includes marine and related sciences, marine policy and law, and state-of-the-art research tools and skills. The core courses provide a strong, broad multidisciplined investigation of marine sciences with emphasis on coastal oceanography. Through seminar and technical writing and communication courses, students investigate marine issues and develop professional skills in critical thinking, logical interpretations and professional-quality presentations. A thesis is required.
Masters in Marine Sciences Facts
- 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).
Admission Requirements
MSMS program applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A STEM Bachelor’s degree including one semester of Calculus is expected. Applicants are strongly advised to reach out to SSU faculty regarding potential thesis research. Completed admission applications are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Grade point average of 3.0 or above preferred (2.50 Overall GPA is the minimum to apply)
- A prior course in Calculus
- GRE requirement is waived if an applicant has earned a Bachelor’s Degree with an overall GPA of 2.50 or greater
- Two letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)
- Essay (500-1,000 words) detailing research interests and reasons for pursuing the MSMS degree
- SSU Graduate Program Application
- Official transcripts from each college/university attended
- A resume that highlights work experience, professional/personal accomplishments, etc.
- Match with an SSU thesis advisor – Prospective students are recommended to contact potential thesis advisors early on in the application process to discuss their availability as an advisor, initial ideas for thesis research topics, funding, etc. Specific thesis and advisor interests or plans should be mentioned in the essay. A list of the Marine Science faculty.
Courses Overview
All students will be required to take the fifteen – hour required core curriculum as listed below. This core will provide a strong, broad multidisciplinary investigation of marine sciences with emphasis on coastal environments. Through seminar and technical writing and communication courses, students will investigate marine issues and develop professional skills in critical thinking, logical interpretations and professional-quality presentations. With this common core background, the program of study provides three major tracks: Track 1 – Traditional Marine Science Research, Track 2 – Applied Marine Sciences, and Track 3 – Professional Advancement. Each track, chosen by the student in consultation with an advisor and committee, has specific curriculum requirements as well as options for courses within three curricular areas: a) Policy and Law, b) Research Tools, and c) Science.
Track 1-Traditional Marine Science Research, is designed for students: a) who plan to obtain a M.S. degree in Marine Sciences and continue into a Ph.D. program, or b) who wish to obtain a traditional research-based MS degree. Curriculum emphasis in this track is on science and original research.
Track 2-Applied Marine Sciences, is designed for students who wish to obtain a MS degree in Marine Sciences which provides them with the opportunity to learn and develop scientific skills applicable to marine science related industries, resource management, fisheries, aquaculture, and research. Curriculum emphasis in this track is on the acquisition of research tools and applied skills.
Track 3-Professional Advancement, is designed for students who are presently employed in a related field and wish to earn a master’s degree in Marine Sciences for possible professional development and advancement (e.g. students presently employed as teachers; federal, state and local government agency personnel, and persons currently working in industry and the private sector). The curriculum in this track requires the student to take courses from all three curricula areas and allows additional flexibility for additional courses, which are most applicable to his/her, particular professional development needs.
Master of Science in Marine Sciences, MSMS
100+
MSMS Awarded
Graduates of SSU, since 2002
23%
Advanced Study
Pursued PhD or Professional Degrees
96%
Employed
Found A Career in STEM
Careers in Marine Biology
Graduates from the MSMS program have worked at:
The Nature Conservancy’s Caribbean Program
The Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia
Loggerhead Marine Life Center, Juno Beach, FL
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
United States Navy
Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL
Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN
National Zoo, Fairfax, VA
Sea Turtle Program, Ossabaw Island, GA
UGA Georgia Coastal Ecosystems
Long Term Ecological Research (GCE-LTER)
Grand Bahama Port Authority
US Army Corps of Engineers
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Florida Sea Grant, Gainesville, FL
Our students have also gone on to do doctoral research at numerous universities and institutes.
Admission Requirements
MSMS program applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A STEM Bachelor’s degree including one semester of Calculus is expected. Applicants are strongly advised to reach out to SSU faculty regarding potential thesis research. Completed admission applications are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Grade point average of 3.0 or above preferred (2.50 Overall GPA is the minimum to apply)
- A prior course in Calculus
- GRE requirement is waived if an applicant has earned a Bachelor’s Degree with an overall GPA of 2.50 or greater
- Two letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)
- Essay (500-1,000 words) detailing research interests and reasons for pursuing the MSMS degree
- SSU Graduate Program Application
- Official transcripts from each college/university attended
- A resume that highlights work experience, professional/personal accomplishments, etc.
- Match with an SSU thesis advisor – Prospective students are recommended to contact potential thesis advisors early on in the application process to discuss their availability as an advisor, initial ideas for thesis research topics, funding, etc. Specific thesis and advisor interests or plans should be mentioned in the essay. A list of the Marine Science faculty.