Marine Sciences

Degree: Master of Science (M.S.), Marine Sciences

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Marine Sciences

Contact: Dr. Geoff Ganter
Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee
Department of Biological Sciences
University of New England
11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005
or
Dr. Stephan Zeeman, Chair,
Department of Marine Sciences
University of New England
11 Hills Beach Rd.
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 602-2410 or szeeman@une.edu

Overview
The Master of Science:  Marine Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in continuing their education in the marine sciences.  The classroom curriculum provides a strong background in all aspects of the marine sciences. The program also focuses on thesis research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Marine Sciences at University of New England is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the marine sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society. 

The mission of the Master of Science:  Marine Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and research skills in marine sciences.  

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the marine sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
• Foster participation in the production of new knowledge through excellence in research.
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
• Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through written and oral presentations.

Requirements

1. Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate or higher degree program.
2. Grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent.
3. 16 credits of Biology with labs.
4. 12 credits of Chemistry.
5. 8 credits of Physics.
6. 4 credits of Calculus.
7. A competitive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test score.

Applicants from outside the United States should submit their applications together with a financial affidavit and TOEFL scores (if their primary language is not English) at an early date because additional time is required to process these applications.  Minimum TOEFL scores required by the University of New England: Paper based - 550; Computer based - 213; Internet based - 79.

Procedures and Policies
Applicants may apply to the program through our online application. Detailed instructions are included in the online application. Any questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions at 800-477-4863, ext. 4225 or gradadmissions@une.edu.

When all materials are received, the applicant will be notified that the application file is complete. If notification is not received from the University within a reasonable time, the applicant should assume that his or her application is not complete and follow-up accordingly.

When a student is accepted to the Master of Science:  Marine Sciences program prior to the completion of his or her bachelor's degree, admission is contingent upon the University's receipt of evidence of graduation and the supplemental transcript of any undergraduate or graduate work in progress at the time of acceptance.

Other
Prior to or during the admissions process, students are advised to communicate with faculty with whom they want to work.

Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits at UNE, therefore transfer credit is not accepted.
 

Program Standards

Satisfactory Academic Progress
To remain in the MS: Marine Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0.   A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation. 

Program Completion Timeline
Students have a maximum of five years to complete the graduation requirements.  After two academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a minimum of one Thesis credit hour per semester to remain in the program.

Probation/Dismissal
A graduate student whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below 3.0, or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one fall or spring semester to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second class grade below B-.  The Department of Marine Sciences and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will consider for dismissal any student who fails to meet these criteria.

Course Withdrawal
In normal length semesters, a matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Incomplete Grades
A student who believes she/he is unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussion with the instructor.  At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed six weeks following the end date of the course. This agreement must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (such as death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be made in writing, reviewed and signed by the instructor and the student’s advisor.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees may vary due to status in rogram and administrative changes. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Continued Enrollment
After two academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except his/her thesis will be required to pay for a minimum of 1 Thesis credit hour plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program.

Lab Fees
Courses with laboratory components have separate fees that vary.

Other Expenses
Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student.  Currently there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342,  or by visiting the Financial Aid website. Information on Research Assistantships  and Teaching Assistantships can be found on the Department of Biological Sciences graduate programs website : www.une.edu/cas/biological/graduate.

Students must successfully complete all required courses with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 and successfully pursue, complete and defend publicly an approved research thesis.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2009-2010 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2009.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.