Protect our Oceans, Coastlines and Marine Wildlife
Everything that humans do impacts marine ecosystems and in turn, marine ecosystems impact the lives of humans. Nova Southeastern University’s M.S. in Marine Sciences program gives you the opportunity to dive deep into the study of marine systems, learning about a variety of special topics, including everything from shark research to coral reef reservation.
What better place to advance your education in marine science than at a university with an entire campus and marina devoted to the field? NSU is uniquely located at the edge of diverse marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems allowing students, faculty, and researchers to engage in multidisciplinary studies.
At NSU, you’ll have immersive learning experiences laboratory and classroom settings as well as on the field. Mangroves, coral reefs, tropical freshwater, beaches, and deep-water habitats are just a few miles away from campus, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work hands-on in the environments that match your interests.
Choose From Three Marine Science Concentrations
Quick Facts
Curriculum
NSU’s M.S. in Marine Science is 36 total credits to complete. You will be required to take 9 credits of core courses, 21 credits of electives in your chosen concentration, and at least 6 capstone or thesis credits.
Start Dates
Admissions is on a “rolling” basis with program start dates offered in August (Fall term), May (Summer term) and January (Winter term).
Delivery Options
Classes for the M.S. in Marine Science are offered at NSU’s Oceanographic Campus only. Classes are held in the mornings and evenings and typically meet one to two times per week.
Tuition
Application Deadline
Fall 2024: Friday, July 19th, 2024, Winter 2024: Friday, November 17th, 2023, Summer 2024: Friday, April 12th, 2024.
Career Outcomes
Marine Science Curriculum
+Students are allowed to take one elective outside their concentration and have it count toward their final credit total. After completing the required core and concentration coursework, students must take two required capstone courses, totaling 6 credits.
For specific course requirements, refer to the “Master of Science in Marine Science Program (M.S.)" in NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student catalog.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.
Admissions Requirements
- Completed NSU Graduate Application and $50 Application Fee
- Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions including degree conferral.
- (Applicants who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree programs may submit official transcripts prior to degree conferral to be considered for provisional admission. Final official transcripts must be submitted to receive full admission into the program.)
- Submit (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Undergraduate GPA of +2.85 or higher to apply
- For non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions (where English is not the primary language instruction). Demonstrate English-language proficiency is required through one of the following options:
- Successful completion of a degree at an approved U.S. institution of higher education where English is the primary language of instruction.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) official score of 213 on the computerized test, 550 on the paper test format, or 79 on the Internet format.
Prerequisite Courses
- Applied Statistics or Biostatistics
- Biology I with Lab
- Biology II with Lab
- Chemistry I with Lab
- Calculus I or higher
- One or more of the following: Anatomy, Ecology, Geology, Physiology (general or basic level)
Note: The above-listed courses must be completed prior to acceptance to the MS in Marine Science. NSU’s Department of Marine & Environmental Sciences will review similar coursework as possible substitutes upon request.
Graduate Open House
Join us on Monday, March 18th at 12:00 PM EST to learn more about our marine/environmental sciences, including careers within the field, NSU graduate degree offerings, and the application process.
This event is free and open for all to attend. You may register for the Open House here.
Program directors and department faculty from the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences and NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Admissions will be in attendance to answer your questions about your program(s) of interest.
Program Director and Admissions Staff
Bernhard Riegl, Ph.D.
Emma Brennan
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