Marine Science Research InstituteMaster of Arts in Marine Science
Why Choose Our Program?
J​acksonville University's Master of Arts in Marine Science (MA in MSC) degree designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as marine science professionals
or prepare you for a promotion within the marine science profession. This program
is open to traditional and non-traditional students.
- Thesis is not required for the MA in Marine Science
- State-of-the-art vessels, aquaculture facilities, laboratories and research facilities
- Experiential learning with OCEARCH, The St. Johns RiverKeeper, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission (FWC)
- Grants, internships, and research opportunities
- Experienced faculty in areas such as physical, geological oceanography, shark and marine mammal biology, intertidal and subtidal ecology, and more
- Through coursework and training, students will be able to translate, integrate, and apply marine science in a variety of settings and allow them to work effectively in partnership with academics, other professionals, decision makers, and the public.
start your application
Applications for 2025 are now open!
Application Deadlines
| Task | Deadline or date |
|---|---|
| Spring Deadline | December 1, 2024 |
| Fall Priority Deadline | February 1, 2025 |
Virtual Information Session
Request a recording of a virtual information session. Learn more about our program, hear from faculty, and better understand the admissions process.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science to Master of Arts Marine Science ProgramAdd One Year, Receive Two Degrees
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science to Master of Arts Marine Science Program provides the opportunity for highly motivated and academically qualified undergraduate students to begin taking graduate courses during their senior undergraduate year with the intent of graduating with bachelor’s and master degrees in 5 years.
About Our Program
The program can be completed in two years for full-time graduate students or completed in a part-time manner if done within 7 years of starting the first graduate course.
All graduate students shall successfully complete 30 semester hours with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better in each course. Students will complete a comprehensive exam with required laboratory course work.
If a student receives lower than a B in a core course, the student may retake one course. Two courses with grades below "B" (3.0) can result in the student being removed from the graduate program. Students are encouraged to complete their degree requirements within three years.
Low-Residency Option
We are now offering a low-residency option for students in our MA in MSC program. This option allows students to take up to 24 credit hours of the degree online. The only credits that will need to be taken in person are the six credit hours of field/lab experience. Students will have the option to take these in-person lab courses during the traditional 14-week semester or in three-week accelerated summer sessions (in one or two sessions).
How to Apply
Applications for 2025 are now open!
- Completed JU Application
- Unofficial Transcripts for All Degrees Conferred
- Updated Resume
- Statement of Intent
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
An undergraduate degree in Marine Science is not necessary for admission to the MA/MS
in Marine Science Program, however, all applicants must be accepted by the Graduate
Review Committee (GRC) to either the MA/MS in the MSC Program and must demonstrate
adequate potential to successfully complete graduate level courses in the field of
marine science. Students whose undergraduate specialization is not in Marine Science
may be required to take additional undergraduate courses in order to qualify for advanced
study.
Students not meeting entrance requirements outlined above may be admitted as non-degree
seeking and be allowed to earn (6) semester hours of graduate level MSC course work
at JU. Students must receive permission from the Director of Maine Science Graduate
Studies before taking additional 500-level MSC courses at JU until they meet all admission
requirements.
“I hope to one day work in a zoo or aquarium with fish or other marine animals, and through JU’s wet lab, I’ve gotten invaluable hands-on experience working with fish and aquaria."
Request Information
Contact Information Graduate and Professional Studies
Phone: (904) 256-7000
Email: graduateadmissions@ju.edu