The Marine Science, B.S. is a Bachelor degree offered by University of South Carolina at its main campus in Columbia , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 4 years to complete. Students study at the university's main campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 18, 2026.

About Marine Science, B.S.

Students will demonstrate that they understand the scientific process by testing hypotheses related to Marine Science in an inquiry based, hands on setting.
Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills using the scientific method.
Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
Students will demonstrate effective oral communication of Marine Science topics by giving an oral presentation.
Students will communicate and summarize their research findings effectively in writing (such as on a poster or in an abstract) on Marine Science topics.

Progression Requirement

Marine Science majors may enroll in the following courses a maximum of twice to earn the required grade of C or higher: MATH through MATH 142, CHEM 111, CHEM 111L, CHEM 112, CHEM 112L, PHYS 201/PHYS 201L or PHYS 211/PHYS 211L, PHYS 202/PHYS 202L or PHYS 212/PHYS 212L. For the purposes of this standard of progression, withdrawal with a W does not constitute enrollment. These courses must be completed before the beginning of the student's third academic year (fifth major semester) as a marine science major.

Transfer Requirement

Any student applying for transfer to the marine science major from other programs within the University, or from other accredited colleges and universities, is required to have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Marine Science, B.S. at University of South Carolina

Entry Requirements

New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the college. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another UofSC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements:

Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a UofSC campus.

Some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have special admission requirements established by the department or committee that supervises the specific degree program, for example, Cardiovascular Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Economics, Environmental Science, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. These requirements are listed in the sections of this bulletin that describe department and special degree programs.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 5
TOEFLMin 60

English Program Requirements

International applicants must be proficient in the English language. A score of 550 or above on the paper version of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required. (A score of 210 or higher on the computerized version is required, and a minimum score of 77 on the Internet version is required.) The Office of Undergraduate Admissions also accepts the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the PTE Academic Test (PTE). Students must score at least a 6.5 on the IELTS, or at least a 53 on the PTE. English proficiency scores are not required for international students from countries where the primary language of instruction is English nor from graduates of high schools in the United States.

An English proficiency test will be administered to international students, except those from English-speaking countries, upon arrival at the University. All international students must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in written and oral English to progress at the University level. Students who are not proficient in English will be required to take noncredit, concentrated English language training until proficiency is demonstrated.

Fee Information

Application Fee 65

How to Apply

There are two ways you can apply for admission to the University of South Carolina:

UofSC Application
Common Application

You should choose the application that you are most comfortable submitting. There is no advantage in the admission process to using one application over the other. Visit our requirements page for details.

Regardless of which application you select, you must pay the $65 nonrefundable application fee or use a fee waiver for those who qualify for Common App, ACT, College Board or NACAC application fee waivers. All application deadlines are the same.

Tips for Applying

We communicate heavily through email, so make sure to check it regularly.
After you apply, we will direct you to your UofSC Admissions Portal, which will provide important updates and reminders.
You are required to list two different majors on the application. For more information on our undergraduate majors, review our website. If you are unsure of your major, you can select "Undeclared" in the College of Arts and Sciences.
You'll need to have a copy of your high school transcript when you apply (a web-based copy is fine). You will upload a JPEG or PDF image of your transcript to the application. After you submit the application, we'll review your uploaded transcript and let you know if we need an official one.
You'll be asked to list your senior year courses and credits on the application. You must list the exact amount of credit (full, half, trimester) for each course. You will also need to list all dual enrollment courses you are taking.
Use the essay to tell us more about the person behind the numbers. Reflect on a personal experience, and make it less about the topic and more about you.
When completing the activities section, take the space to explain the activity and your specific involvement.
Please do not send letters of recommendation unless you plan to apply to theSouth Carolina Honors College . South Carolina Honors College applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation.

If you have any questions throughout the admissions process, contact the admissions office or your admissions representative

Marine Science, B.S. at University of South Carolina