Coastal and Marine Science and Management, MS
Biology, Climate, Conservation, Environment, Global, Ocean, Planning, Sea, Sustainability, Water, chemistry, ecosystem, geography, resources, stewardship
Nearly half of the world's population lives near the coastline and depends on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. The world needs leaders like you to shape the future, supporting and sustaining ocean health and positively impacting communities around the globe.
The Master of Science program in coastal and marine science and management provides core knowledge and professional skills needed to ensure success as the next generation of scientists, resource managers, community leaders, policymakers, innovators, researchers and educators prepare to support and sustain resilient coastal and marine ecosystems for the future. The program prepares students with skills in context-specific and solutions-oriented research, geospatial and statistical data analysis, and written and oral communications, which are needed to lead their communities and organizations, locally and globally, in the stewardship of coastal and marine resources. Through the program coursework and culminating experience, students have the option to conduct use-inspired research and work within communities and both government and nongovernmental agencies on solutions-based projects focusing on coastal and marine science and management, in turn supporting societal needs and the university's mission.
One of the benefits of the program is the opportunity for students to gain additional experience through offerings at the ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai'i.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SEA 597)
Required Core (4 credit hours) SEA 505 Current Topics in Ocean Futures (1) Electives and Research (20 credit hours) Other Requirements (0 or 3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
SEA 585 Graduate Ocean Futures Workshop (3)
electives (17)
quantitative electives (3)
SEA 596 Ocean Futures Capstone Prep (3)
SEA 597 Graduate Ocean Futures Capstone (3) or
SEA 599 Thesis (6)
Students choose one of two culminating experience options, the thesis or the capstone. Most students in the program will pursue the capstone and will need to take three credit hours of SEA 596 in preparation for the capstone course. Students who would like to pursue the thesis will need to have an approved faculty advisor upon entry into the program or very early in the program and will need to gain the support of two additional faculty members to be part of their supervisory committee. For electives, students should see the academic unit for approved coursework that supports their educational and career objectives.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biological sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental studies, geography, marine science, natural resource management, oceanography, sustainability, urban planning, geography or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- professional resume
- two letters of recommendation
- written statement
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The written statement should not exceed 600 words and should describe how the applicant's background will contribute to success in the program, and describe how completion of the degree will support long-term career goals. The statement should elaborate on key research questions the applicant wishes to address or problems to solve as part of the plan of study, and it should identify potential faculty advisors.
Letters of recommendation must be from two people who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional achievements.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
Study abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Beyond these, students in the MS program in coastal and marine science and management have special opportunities to enhance their learning in locations like Bermuda and Hawai'i.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.
With the increasing recognition that global oceans and coastal communities play a critical role in protecting future well-being, marine professionals are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including county, state and federal agencies, as well as nongovernmental and community organizations. Those with expertise in areas such as coastal and marine ecosystem science, social and economic system science, natural resource policy and management, land-sea interactions, marine tourism, community-based stewardship, fisheries science and coral reef restoration are valuable to businesses and institutions looking for the next generation of leaders to steward coastal and marine resources.
Career paths include:
- community planner
- conservation manager
- education
- environmental consultant
- environmental scientist
- marine scientist
- natural resource manager
- researcher
School of Ocean Futures
|
WCPH 3rd floor
SchoolofOceanFutures@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
