Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences represent the wide variety of ecosystems that are linked through water. The study of Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences encompasses freshwater lakes and streams, estuaries, and coastal marine habitats. These habitats are critical for numerous plants and animals, but they can be compromised by human activities. Students who pursue this major are interested in understanding the relationships among plants, animals and humans and how to protect and restore these valuable ecosystems.
This major is an interdisciplinary program of study emphasizing the four core sciences of biology, geology, chemistry, and physics. Students completing this program will be well prepared to enter the work force in research, environmental consulting, education and regulatory agencies (e.g., EPA), as well as in non-profit organizations. Additionally, students will be prepared to undertake further graduate work.
The curriculum was designed for students who have had high school biology, chemistry, and physics, and three years of college preparatory mathematics.
Certain pre-qualified students may be accepted into the major; others will need to complete the following:
2.5 overall GPA required
Please note: The Biology, Molecular Biology, and Marine Biology and Coastal Science majors have retention policies. By the end of their second semester in the major (i.e. spring semester), students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have completed the following courses with a C- or better grade: BIOL112 or BIOL113, and CHEM106 or CHEM120, and MATH111 or AMAT120.
Students are required to meet with their assigned advisor.
Contact: Dr. Dirk Vanderklein, Science Hall 107A, [email protected].

