Students in the Marine Sciences major receive multidisciplinary training in the biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes of the ocean with emphasis on how humans impact the coastal environment. In addition to receiving a strong foundation in mathematics and natural sciences, students engage in experiential learning, fieldwork, internships, study abroad and senior-year capstone courses that foster interdisciplinary training. The Marine Sciences major at UConn prepares graduates for employment in environmental consulting, regulatory agencies and research institutions, and for graduate studies.
Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences
The B.S. in Marine Sciences requires a foundation of courses including at least 30 credits of Marine Sciences courses (27 at 2000-level and above), and 12 credits of Related Area courses. Marine Sciences majors in the B.S. must pass the following courses:
I. Required courses in Basic Sciences and Math
BIOL 1107 and 1108; CHEM 1124Q, 1125Q and 1126Q, or CHEM 1127Q and 1128Q; MATH 1131Q, and 1132Q; PHYS 1201Q and 1202Q, or PHYS 1401Q and 1402Q.
Introductory statistics or data analysis: STAT 1000Q or 1100Q or 3025Q or CSE 1010 or 1100 or PHYS 2200 or 2400 or PHYS 2501W or CHEM 3332 or GEOG 2500 or 2510 or ERTH 4150.
II. Marine Sciences B.S. Major Requirements
The following courses constitute the major requirements: MARN 1002 or 1003, 2801WE, 3001, 3002, 4001, 4002 or 4896W with prior consent of the Department Head. Four MARN electives must be completed with at least one course from each group:
- Group 1: MARN 3000E, 3060, 3230, 3505, 4030W, 4050, 4052, 4060, 4066.
- Group 2: MARN 3012, 3014, 3015, 3017, 3030, 3811, 3812, 4010, 4018, 4130.
- Group 3: MARN 4202Q, 4210Q.
A maximum of four MARN 5000+ graduate level courses may be used to fulfill some of these requirements. Students may be able to use MARN 3893, 4893, 4895, 4898 or other MARN courses towards one or more of these electives with prior approval of the Department Head.
III. Marine Sciences B.S. Related Area
In consultation with an advisor, four Related Area courses are taken in different fields or a single field of interest leading to a minor.
Bachelor of Arts in Marine Sciences
Students who choose the B.A. in Marine Sciences are typically more interested in marine and environmental policy, management, and/or education. The B.A. in Marine Sciences requires a foundation of courses including at least 30 credits of Marine Sciences courses (27 at 2000-level and above), and 12 credits constituting the Related Area.
Marine Sciences majors in the B.A. must pass the following courses:
I. Required courses in Basic Sciences and Math
BIOL 1107 and 1108; CHEM 1124Q, 1125Q, and 1126Q, or CHEM 1127Q and 1128Q; MATH 1060Q and 1071Q, or MATH 1131Q; PHYS 1201Q or PHYS 1401Q.
Introductory statistics or data analysis: STAT 1000Q or 1100Q or 3025Q or CSE 1010 or 1100 or PHYS 2200 or 2400 or 2501W or CHEM 3332 or GEOG 2500 or 2510 or ERTH 4150.
II. Marine Sciences B.A. Major Requirements
The following courses constitute the major requirements: MARN 1002 or 1003, 2801WE, 3001, 3002, 4001, 4002 or 4896W with prior consent of the Department Head. Four MARN electives must be completed from any group listed under the Marine Sciences B.S. electives.
A maximum of four MARN 5000+ graduate level courses may be used to fulfill elective requirements. Students may be able to use MARN 3893, 4893, 4895, 4898, or other MARN courses towards one or more of these electives with prior approval of the Department Head.
III. Marine Sciences B.A. Related Area
In consultation with an advisor, four Related Area courses are taken in different fields or a single field of interest leading to a minor.
Competency Requirements (B.S. and B.A. programs)
The University’s General Education competency requirements for information literacy will be satisfied by completing the requirements above, in particular MARN 3001, 2801WE, and 4002. The writing in the major requirement will be satisfied by MARN 2801WE.
Note: Some Marine Sciences courses may be offered only at the Avery Point campus. Others may be partially available through Distance Learning.
The minors in Marine Biology and Marine Sciences are described in the Minors section.