Dr. Adrienne Oakley, Marine Science Program Coordinator
Marine Science
Bachelor of Science
If you love all things sand and sea, Marine Science may be your dream career. Marine scientists explore all aspects of the seas seeking to understand the oceans in all their diversity, from sand and surf to corals and climate change. Their focus may include anything from the largest whale down to tiny plankton, from sea level rise to beach erosion, and from ocean currents to the seawater itself.
As a student in KU’s Marine Science program, you’ll be immersed in the hands-on learning environment of the Chincoteague Bay Field Station (CBFS) in coastal Virginia. Adjacent to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, the CBFS provides outstanding inter-disciplinary educational and research opportunities.
Marine Science graduates enjoy careers in industry, government, fisheries, marine biology, oceanography, marine engineering, marine geology, pharmaceuticals, and natural resource development and protection. They also work in aquatic environmental consulting, as a biologist at a zoo or aquarium, or as a technician at a pharmaceutical or microbiology laboratory.
Marine Science Concentrations
Students can choose between two concentrations:
Minor in:
Marine Science
Students can choose an-18-semester hour marine science minor, which includes Introduction to Oceanography and four Marine Science electives, two of which are taken at the CBFS.
I am still using the knowledge and skills that I learned while at KU to this day. The summers I spent at CBFS were some of my favorite memories and best learning experiences. I received my Master’s of Science in Marine Biology last April from Nova Southeastern University in Dania Beach, FL. The ability to take intensive courses, that were both condensed in time … and field oriented prepared me for the different learning environments, courses, and ecosystems I encountered throughout my Masters.
Margaret Rushmore '12Student Learning Outcomes
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Marine Science (BS)
- Students who complete the Marine Science Bachelor of Science degree will use an oral format to effectively convey their scientific knowledge, interdisciplinary training, and research findings to peers, professional audiences, decision-makers, and/or the public.
- Students who complete the Marine Science Bachelor of Science degree will communicate in a written format to effectively convey their scientific knowledge, interdisciplinary training, and research findings to peers, professional audiences, decision-makers, and/or the public.
- Students who complete the Marine Science Bachelor of Science degree will demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate and synthesize scientific information from published literature and databases.
- Students who complete the Marine Science Bachelor of Science degree will collect and analyze data and/or design and execute experiments to answer marine-related scientific questions.
- Students who complete the Marine Science Bachelor of Science degree will demonstrate proficiency in laboratory and field techniques commonly used in Marine Science and necessary for graduate school and/or entry-level jobs in the field.
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Marine Science Mission Statement
The Marine Science program seeks to prepare students to perform competently as scientists in marine oriented industries and governmental agencies and/or to pursue graduate study in Oceanography or Marine Biology. This multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science program accomplishes this mission via the following mechanisms:
- requiring students to obtain a firm academic background in classical sciences; biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and mathematics.
- requiring students to take interdisciplinary courses covering the four subdisciplines of marine science (marine biology, marine geology, chemical oceanography, and physical oceanography).
- providing students with advanced courses within the major subdisciplines of marine science.
- requiring students to gain summer field experiences in marine science.
- requiring students to engage in research and/or internship activities as part of their undergraduate education.
The mission of the Marine Science Program aligns well with the University and College missions of providing high quality education and preparing students to achieve their academic goals and meet lifelong intellectual, ethical, social, and career challenges.