Program overview
Kick off your research by strolling down to our dock, boarding one of our research vessels, and sailing to our privately owned island. Our seaside campus, located where the Saco River converges with the Atlantic Ocean, is the ideal place to earn your Marine Sciences degree, introducing you to all facets of life in oceans, freshwater, and estuaries. Majors can choose between two tracks: Marine Biology or Oceanography.
Why UNE for Marine Sciences
Unlike other universities with satellite campuses, our location on the scenic shores of coastal Maine gives you access to a 3,500-mile living laboratory where you can learn and explore — all within steps from the residence halls.
- University-owned, private island
- Four research vessels
- Small class sizes with world-class faculty
- State-of-the-art Marine Science Center
- Two flow-through seawater teaching labs
- Aquaculture and marine biology research lab
- Student-centered research and education communities
Join Marine Science major Andrew Davidsohn for river research on the coast of Maine
UNE’s Marine Science Center is located on the shore where the Saco River meets the Gulf of Maine, and UNE students use seine nets to survey the species within the local marine/estuarine food web. UNE’s private Freddy Beach is often used for student research and free time.
Careers
With the knowledge you gain from your coursework, the critical thinking skills you develop through research, and the life skills you acquire from internships and close working relationships with faculty and peers, you will be well on your way to an exciting career in the marine sciences.
Our graduates have pursued many fascinating careers, including:
- Laboratory Technician
- Water Quality Monitor
- Fisheries Observer
- Marine Biology or Oceanography Researcher
- Animal Caretaker at Zoos and Aquariums
- Environmental Educator
- Animal Trainer
- Conservation Advocate
- Natural Resource Manager
- Veterinarian
- Commercial Diver
- Scientific Instrument Technician
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, the Office of Career Services is here to help you plan your next step.
among Top 10 Best Colleges for Marine Biology
(College Magazine, 2018; Biology Explorer, 2019)
among Top 15 Best Marine Biology Degrees
(College Choice, 2019)
Student Financial Services
One of the most important considerations when committing to a college or university is cost. We work with you and your family to help make your education affordable by pricing our tuition competitively and offering financial assistance.
Academics
There are many ways you can navigate this major. We even have a 4+1 B.S./M.S. track that lets you complete your undergraduate and master’s degrees in just five years.
Examples of available courses
The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that the Marine Sciences major offers:
- Underwater Robotics
- Experimental Animal Physiology
- Biology of Sharks, Skates, and Rays
- Marine Mammal Policy
- The Scientific Basis for Global Climate Change
- Polar Biology
- Oceanography
Tracks
As a Marine Sciences major, you may choose one of two tracks:
The Marine Biology Track
You study marine organisms and the ecosystems upon which they depend.
The Oceanography Track
You study the physical, chemical, and geological basis of all biological life in the ocean.
Honors program
Most majors in the College of Arts and Sciences offer high-performing students the opportunity to graduate with Honors by engaging in challenging educational experiences. You should consult with your major advisor or department chair for specific criteria and requirements.
To learn more about the program, see the Curriculum or visit the Catalog.
MEET OUR FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF
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.
Experiential Learning
Marine Sciences offers constant hands-on interaction in a variety of environments from the watershed to the river, from the estuary to the ocean. Through internships, field research, and experiential learning, you don’t just learn marine science — you do marine science.
Research
- Conduct field research, beginning as a freshman
- Participate in faculty labs
- Perform paid research over the summer
- Present at conferences and publish your findings
Internships
A wide array of enriching internship opportunities exist at institutions including:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Gulf of Maine Research Institute
- New England Aquarium
- Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
- Various Aquaculture Farms and Fisheries
- Wells National Estuarine Reserve
For more information, contact the College of Arts and Sciences Internship Office Marine Sciences contact Cynthia Simon at (207) 602-2540 or csimon@une.edu.
Global education
See the world
Study Marine Sciences on the other side of the world by taking part in our Global Education Programs.
Imagine yourself “sailing the seven seas,” studying abroad during any semester you choose. Spend a semester in Iceland, Spain, or at UNE’s own global campus in Morocco. Choose from several shorter travel courses that will take you to Belize, the Galapagos Islands, or many other exciting locations.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.
