Introduction
The Ocean Sciences Department offers a master of science (M.S.) degree in ocean sciences. The ocean sciences M.S. degree can be attained through plan I: thesis (coursework and thesis, minimum 44 credits), or plan II: examination (coursework and written examination, minimum 42 credits). The degree combines core courses and electives to provide depth and breadth in the ocean sciences. Graduates from the program are exceptionally prepared to take research or management positions in organizations concerned with the marine environment, to become educators, or to enter doctoral programs in ocean sciences or related fields. The thesis M.S. degree is preparation for research careers.
Whereas the doctoral program has an oceanographic orientation, the ocean sciences master's program is even broader and has traditionally attracted many students in marine biology and ecology. As with the doctoral program, students are encouraged to select a course of study and a research program that draws on the expertise of the core ocean sciences faculty and any of the affiliated faculty in other departments. Customized programs of study that combine related disciplines are supported in the master's program.
Requirements
Course Requirements
To introduce students to the breadth and depth of the field of ocean sciences, students will be required to complete the following:
Plan I: M.S. (thesis) requirements:
OCEA 200 (Physical Oceanography) and any two of the remaining three core courses. Students are expected to complete all three of these courses in the first year of the program, and they should be taken in the order listed below. Students are also encouraged to take the fourth core course, in which case it can count as an elective.
The four core ocean sciences courses are expected to be completed in the first year.
Two graduate-level or upper-division electives
A minimum of two graduate-level or upper-division elective courses to provide depth in the chosen area of emphasis.They are chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser and the department’s graduate advising committee. A maximum of one course may be a graduate-level seminar (OCEA 290); at least one course must be graduate or upper-division undergraduate lecture courses.
Minimum of three courses in independent studies courses
A minimum of three courses in independent studies under the direction of an adviser, is required. Each quarter a student should take 15 credits of classes. Students beyond their first year will usually take 10 or 15 credits of Independent Studies each quarter.
The following course is taken prior to or concurrent with being a teaching assistant.
This course is generally offered during the fall quarter each year.
Attendance in the following course is required each quarter of enrollment.
Plan II: M.S. (examination) requirements:
Completion of the four core ocean sciences courses is required.
The four core ocean sciences courses are required to be completed.
Complete one course in data analysis (5 credits)
| OCEA260
/EART 260
| Introductory Data Analysis in the Ocean and Earth Sciences | 5 |
Three graduate-level or upper-division elective courses
A minimum of three graduate-level or upper-division elective courses is required to provide depth in the chosen area of emphasis or supporting disciplines. These courses are selected in consultation with the student's adviser and the department’s graduate advising committee. A maximum of one course may be a graduate-level seminar (OCEA 290), and at least two courses must be graduate or upper-division undergraduate lecture courses.
Attendance in the following course is required each quarter of enrollment.
Other Requirements for Plan I: M.S. (thesis)
Plan I M.S. students must complete an M.S. thesis and must make a public presentation of their thesis before the deadline in which all degree requirements are to be completed within the term of receiving the degree. In addition, the M.S. thesis satisfying all format and content requirements must be submitted to the Graduate Division before the deadline in which all degree requirements are to be completed within the term of receiving the degree.
Other Requirements for Plan II: M.S. (examination)
Plan II M.S. students must take and pass a written comprehensive exam that covers the material from the core courses.
Applying for Graduation
Once requirements for degree have been met, including approval from their academic adviser and the Ocean Sciences Department, M.S. students may apply for the degree by the deadline for the quarter in which they would like to receive their degree. Deadlines are published in the Academic and Administrative Calendar each year.