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Fall 2025 Graduate Catalog
Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences, MS
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School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences
Dean: Paul Shepson, Endeavour Hall 145 (631) 632-8700
The M.S. program offered by SoMAS takes a rigorous approach to oceanography, atmospheric, and sustainability sciences with interdisciplinary course work and a research thesis. It is designed to prepare students for positions in research, management, environmental protection, and resource development. The program provides students with a firm basis for more advanced study, but also is designed to equip students with the background and tools needed for effective careers without additional training. Required course work is similar to the Ph.D. program, allowing M.S. students who demonstrate adequate performance and find a suitable faculty advisor to continue in the Ph.D. program. The time required to complete the M.S. depends on the scope of research undertaken. Most students complete their degree in 2 to 3 years.
Career Pathways
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Admission Requirements
Application Website All students must meet the general requirements of the Graduate School which include: -
Completion of a B.A. or B.S. with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B); -
Acceptable scores on the TOEFL (paper: 600, computer: 230, iBT: 90) or IELTS (6.5) for foreign students; -
Three letters of recommendation; -
Official transcript(s); All applications should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School. For admission to the M.S. program, the following are normally required: -
B.A. or B.S. degree in a discipline related to the intended field of study, or coursework equivalent to such a degree; -
At least eight semesters total of some combination of introductory coursework in mathematics, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, sustainability, and/or related disciplines, with more advanced work in at least one of these disciplines; -
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required; however, we will accept and consider scores for applicants who feel it strengthens their application. In their personal statements, all students should describe why they wish to enter the SoMAS M.S. program and what their career goals are. In addition, prospective M.S. students should indicate both the specific research areas they are interested in and potential faculty advisors. Obtaining a position in a specific research group is not guaranteed, so applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential advisors prior to submitting their application. Further information and guidance for applicants can be found on our website. Degree Requirements
Completion of the MS Program requires 30 credits. A 3.0 GPA, is required, both overall and in Core/Foundation courses. Requirements Overview -
Four Core courses 4 credits (courses listed below) -
Two Foundation courses 6 credits (courses listed below) -
Three Specialty courses 9 credits (courses listed below) -
MAR 590 - Research for MS Students at least 6 credits -
Five additional credits of elective coursework; -
Master’s research proposal due by end of first year, signed by advisor and two readers; -
Oral presentation of thesis work; -
Submission of approved thesis. Two Foundation courses selected from the following:
Three Specialty courses (9 credits)
These courses may be chosen from among all the regular (3 credit) MAR and SUS graduate courses, including up to but no more than 3 credits of MAR 552 - Directed Study , to best support each student’s academic goals. Additional Foundation courses listed above, as well as courses from outside SoMAS, may also count toward this requirement with approval of the Advisory Committee and Graduate Programs Committee. Courses that cannot be counted toward this requirement include MAR 519, MAR 584, MAR 585, MAR 603, MAR 556, MAR 557, MAR 589, MAR 592. Core Courses for the M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences
Foundation Courses for the M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences (all three credits)
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