M.S. Program

M.S. Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies

The M.S. in Marine Science: Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies consists of two distinct degree tracks:

• A track culminating in an original research thesis or
• A professional experience track that includes additional coursework and may entail an internship or special project(s).

The M.S. in Marine Science: Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies facilitates students to work with faculty on skill development, original research, projects, or professional experience in a broad array of marine fields. Students completing the program have found employment with a variety of government organizations, universities, and the private sector. Recent graduates have found positions such as hydrographer for an NOAA consultant, a coastal scientist for a private sector firm, an officer in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, a hydrologic technician with the USGS, and a lecturer at a university. Graduates of the CMWS program are also well prepared to pursue additional advanced degrees at CCU or other universities.

Click on the Seminar Schedule for the CMWS Seminar Series featuring academic and industry leaders in Marine Science. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

• Jan. 15 for Fall Semester for full consideration for University graduate assistantships; however, applications for fall admission will continue to be accepted through July 1.
• Nov. 1 for Spring Semester

Thesis Track Degree Requirements

(30 Graduate Credit Hours)

The M.S. in Marine Science: Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies thesis track requires the successful completion of an approved program of study with a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours. Within the approved program are three core courses, one seminar course, 12 credit hours of electives, and a required thesis.

Core Courses (9 credit hours)

CMWS 601: Coastal Marine and Wetland Processes (3 cr.)
CMWS 602: Coastal Marine and Wetland Ecology (3 cr.)
CMWS 603: Coastal and Wetland Policy and Management (3 cr.)

Graduate Seminar Course (3 credit hours)

CMWS 609: Coastal and Marine Systems Science, Issues and Applications Seminar (1 cr., repeated 3 times)

Electives (12 credit hours)

Electives must be taken at the 500 and 600 levels from BIOL, CHEM, CMWS (with the exception of CMWS 701), MATH, MSCI, PHYS, or STAT, GEOG 611, or other approved graduate courses. A maximum of 6 credit hours at the 500 level may be used towards completing degree requirements.

Thesis Research (6 credit hours)

CMWS 700: Thesis Research

Professional Studies Track Degree Requirements

(36 Graduate Credit Hours)

The M.S. in Marine Science: Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies professional studies track requires the successful completion of an approved program of study with a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours. Within the approved program are five core courses, one seminar course, 18 credit hours of electives, and an optional experiential component (internship, cooperative work experience, or project).

Core Courses (15 credit hours)

CMWS 601: Coastal Marine and Wetland Processes (3 cr.)
CMWS 602: Coastal Marine and Wetland Ecology (3 cr.)
CMWS 603: Coastal and Wetland Policy and Management (3 cr.)
CMWS 500: Essential Quantitative Skills for Coastal and Marine Sciences (3 cr.)
CMWS 617: Effective Scientific Communications: Preparing for Life as a Scientist (1-3 cr.)

Graduate Seminar Course (3 credit hours)

CMWS 609: Coastal and Marine Systems Science, Issues and Applications Seminar (1 cr., repeated 3 times)

Electives (18 credit hours)

Electives are taken at the 500 and 600 levels from BIOL, CHEM, CMWS (with the exception of CMWS 701), MATH, MSCI, PHYS, or STAT, GEOG 611, or other approved graduate courses. A maximum of 9 credit hours at the 500 level may be used towards completing degree requirements. A maximum of 6 special topics or internship credits may be used towards completing degree requirements.

For course descriptions, view the Graduate Catalog »

Contact us for additional information or questions about the program.