Bachelor of Marine Science at University of California, Berkeley

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The ocean plays a central role in physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes on Earth. The field of marine science thus requires an understanding of the interactions between the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. Some examples of the current research directions of societal concern in the marine sciences include: the role of the ocean in climate change, the ocean's role in climate phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña (and their effect on modern marine ecosystems), the history of El Niño and other climatic/oceanographic events recorded in marine sediments and corals, coastal pollution and its effect on coastal marine ecosystems, and coastal erosion (natural and human-caused).

Declaring the Major

The department strongly encourages students to see the student services advisor as early as possible. Students are accepted into the major with a C average or better. There are a number of scholarships and research opportunities as well as other benefits available to declared majors.

Honors Program

Students in the honors program must fulfill the following additional requirements: 1) maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.3 in all courses in the major and an overall GPA of at least 3.3 in the University; and 2) carry out an individual research or study project, involving at least three units of EPS H195. The project is chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor, and a written report is judged by the student's research supervisor and a departmental adviser.

Minor Program

For information regarding the requirements, please see the Minor Requirements tab. Program planning and confirmation should be done with the undergraduate major advisor and the Marine Science faculty adviser.

Other Majors and Minors Offered by the Department of Earth and Planetary Science

Atmospheric Science (Major and Minor)
Environmental Earth Science (Major and Minor)
Geology (Major and Minor)
Geophysics (Major and Minor)
Planetary Science (Major and Minor)

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The goal of the Marine Science BA degree is to provide students with a broad and sound education that provides general and specialized knowledge and is intellectually challenging and stimulating. Upon completion of the degree students are ready to enter graduate school at top-ranking institutions (about half of them choose this path), find employment in the profession (geological and environmental engineering and consulting are major opportunities), continue in public education as teachers, or use their background as a sound basis for a new career such as in public policy, law, or medical sciences.

Learning Goals for the Major

Marine Science majors acquire knowledge through course work, laboratory training (expertise in experimental techniques), primary field research, library research, and computer applications with oral presentations and written reports required in many of our classes.

The undergraduate program provides strong technical training for those who wish to pursue professional careers in the earth, environmental and planetary sciences as well as training in analytical, creative and critical thinking, and communication for those who choose paths in new fields.

The Marine Science track is a good foundation for graduate study in the marine, geological or biological sciences or for technical positions in State and Federal agencies (such as NASA or NOAA) or private consulting firms.

Marine science is inherently interdisciplinary. Since the ocean plays a central role in physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes on Earth, an understanding of the interactions between the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere are crucial.