Marine Science
South Carolina is blessed with a coast full of beautiful beaches as well as estuaries and tidal areas teeming with marine life. Take advantage of hands-on learning opportunities that allow you to participate in a multitude of research experiences along our precious coast and around the world.
What to Expect
As a marine science major, you will obtain interdisciplinary knowledge in marine science as well as core knowledge in an area of emphasis chosen from among biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, geological oceanography or coastal resource management and marine policy.
You will be exposed to real field experiences during an early summer course where you may spend three full weeks at the Baruch Institute at North Inlet Estuary in Georgetown, S.C. The Baruch Institute is an internationally acclaimed research laboratory with the main building of the complex comprising 18 air-conditioned research laboratories, a computer center, a seminar room and more.
Back on campus, you will be exposed to challenging coursework with laboratory components. To enhance your educational experience, you will be encouraged to get involved with faculty research projects and participate in activities such as marine science seminars and recruiting visits by industry and government organizations.
Undergraduate Degree
B B.S. with a major in Marine Science
With more than 30 internationally recognized faculty members, the Marine Science Program is a highly regarded center of research and teaching excellence at the university. Our dives and collaborative program provide students with award-winning instruction and hands-on technical and field experiences that lead to professional success. The Marine Science Program is in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The following courses meet some of the requirements of a degree in marine science:
- Biology of Marine Organisms
- Physical Oceanography
- Chemistry of the Sea
- Field and Laboratory Investigations in Marine Sciences
- Senior Seminar
Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides the most current information on the application process so you can check the requirements based on your current status and find university scholarships.
Graduate Degrees
The School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment in the College of Arts and Sciences offers both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Marine Science. Alumni of the marine science graduate program currently hold positions ranging from academia and government to private industry.
Graduate Director: GradDir@seoe.sc.edu
Program Contact: seoegradcoord@seoe.sc.edu
Travel Grant Contact: Jackie McClary, 803-777-9823, MCCLARYJ@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Graduate Director: GradDir@seoe.sc.edu
Program Contact: seoegradcoord@seoe.sc.edu
Travel Grant Contact: Jackie McClary, 803-777-9823, MCCLARYJ@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Apply to Graduate School
Learn more about The Graduate School, degree options and how to apply for admission to doctoral, master’s, certificate and combination degree programs at South Carolina.