About UNE's Marine Sciences 4+1 B.S./M.S. Track
The UNE Marine Sciences 4+1 B.S./M.S. program allows you complete your undergraduate and master's degrees in the field of ocean sciences in a total of five years, saving you both time and money.
As a qualified UNE undergraduate, this track enables you to obtain the M.S. degree with the same curriculum requirements as the traditional M.S. in Marine Sciences program through an expedited process that begins during your senior year of undergraduate work.
You'll complete much of your master's coursework during your fourth year, while also working on your thesis project. Your fifth year will be spent finishing your research and writing your thesis.
Why UNE For Your B.S./M.S. in Marine Sciences
Unlike other marine programs at universities with satellite campuses, our five-year combined degree program in Marine Sciences on the scenic shores of coastal Maine provides an on-campus gateway to a 36,000-square-mile living laboratory in the Gulf of Maine where you can learn, explore, and conduct research.
Become Career-Ready
Through coursework, hands-on field work, global experience, research, and internship opportunities at a wide range of institutions, including the New England Aquarium, NOAA, and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, you will join the ranks of other graduates who have gone on to fulfilling careers as marine biology or oceanography researchers, natural resource managers, fisheries observers, conservation advocates, aquatic animal caretakers, environmental educators, commercial divers, and many other exciting professions.
Enjoy Unique Research Experiences
Engage in student-centered research by hopping aboard one of our four research vessels and sailing out to UNE’s privately owned research island, or conduct studies indoors in our Ocean Clusters, research-education work groups focused on specific marine topics ranging from aquaculture to phytoplankton.
Study in First-Rate Facilities
When you’re not on the water, you’ll benefit from our top-notch Marine Science Center, which is just steps away from UNE’s private beach on the Saco River, estuary habitats, and the ocean. The building is equipped with a tidal pumping system; a 550,000-gallon storage tank; two flow-through seawater teaching labs; 4,950 square feet of research space; five internal pools; and both wet and dry laboratories, including aquaculture and marine biology research labs.
Academics
Academic and Technical Standards
To enroll in the program you must be an undergraduate at UNE with a 3.5 overall G.P.A., and a 3.5 G.P.A. in all math and science courses. You are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) prior to enrollment. However, you must receive sponsorship from a faculty member who will serve as your thesis advisor, and you should begin conducting research on a project that will become your thesis project by your fourth year at UNE. You can declare your intent to enroll in the program as early as the second semester of your sophomore year or as late as the second semester of your junior year.
Application forms are available from prospective faculty advisors.
Curriculum
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| MAR 503 – Research Methods | 3 |
| MAR 512 – Marine Science Center Seminar | 1 |
| MAR 530 – Graduate Research Seminar | 1 |
| MAR 566 – Adv Oceanography I: Bio & Geo | 3 |
| MAR 568 – Adv Oceanography II: Phy & Chem | 3 |
| Minimum of sixteen (16) credits of MAR 590 – Marine Science Research/Thesis (repeated for additional credit) | 16+ |
| Nine (9) credits of 500-level Elective Coursework* | 9 |
| Minimum Credits Required | 36 |
*Students may substitute Thesis/Research credits for Electives with the approval of their advisor
Graduation Requirements
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.
UNE 4+1 tracks
UNE offers 4+1 tracks for Marine Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Environmental Studies.
Make Connections
You’ll enjoy our small class sizes that allow you to form close bonds with other Marine Sciences students as well as our supportive and caring world-class faculty.
Apply Now or Request Information
Apply online for admission to one of our B.S. or B.A. programs or request more information on a program.
Live and Study in Biddeford, Maine
Students in UNE’s combination undergraduate/graduate program in Marine Sciences study at our Biddeford, Maine, location, a gorgeous waterfront campus offering more than 4,000 feet of scenic shoreline where the Saco River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to benefitting from the ample research opportunities afforded by our proximity to the ocean, wetlands, and a privately-owned research island, you will enjoy spending time in this popular vacation destination with its friendly, welcoming people and a wide range of outdoor recreation activities.