Marine Studies Graduate Program
The Master of Marine Studies degree is a broad program, that can include topics such as marine ecology, organismal biology, ecosystem processes, and oceanography. Students will select courses offered by the graduate program in either Marine Biology, Oceanography or Fisheries, which can also be from the the statistics, biology and wildlife, journalism, communication, natural resource management, and other departments. The Master in Marine Studies degree is primarily based on a professional project that includes the synthesis of marine studies knowledge, instead of a research-oriented thesis. Graduate students in this program are afforded excellent opportunities for laboratory and field experiences through the Institute of Marine Science even though the degree can be completed entirely remotely. Laboratory facilities are available in Fairbanks, the Seward Marine Center, the Juneau Center, and at the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory. The Master in Marine Studies degree program provides students with the knowledge base to be competitive in obtaining positions within state, federal, and tribal organizations in Alaska and elsewhere.
Students considering a Master in Marine Studies should have a strong undergraduate background in the various fields of oceanography, ecology, biology, molecular biology or biochemistry. Students are admitted based on their ability and the capability of the program to meet their particular interests and needs. Faculty will review applicants for admission throughout the year. Applicants are highly encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors before applying. Typically, there is no financial support for students in this program.
With careful planning and depending on your interests, the program can be completed entirely asynchronously.
Researchers cross-reference whale fluke images to identify individuals, while working
on a research vessel.