The Master of Science in Marine Sciences (MSMS) program is the only one of its kind in Southeast Georgia with direct access to estuarine, coastal and open-ocean research environments. The MSMS degree program prepares its graduates to address marine resource and coastal environmental issues through research, education, and outreach.
The graduate program provides a strong background that includes marine and related sciences, marine policy and law, and state-of-the-art research tools and skills. Through seminar and technical writing, courses, students investigate marine issues and develop professional skills in critical thinking, logical interpretations, and delivery of professional-quality presentations. There are three tracks of study – traditional marine
science research, applied marine science, and professional advancement – all of which require at least 30 semester hours. A thesis is required.
Collaborative Partnerships/Memberships
Formal collaborative agreements and partnerships that contribute to a framework of quality and excellence
include:
- Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (MSMS partner)
- National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- University of Georgia Marine Science Program
- Georgia Aquarium Incorporated
Funded collaborative research and training programs exist with:
- Skidaway Institute of Oceanography
- University of Georgia Marine Education Center & Aquarium
- The Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) in cooperation with the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore, the University of Maryland Center for Marine Biotechnology,
Hampton University, Delaware State University, University of Miami (FL), and NMFS-NOAA Southeast
Fisheries Science Center
Other partners include:
- Joint Oceanographic Institutions
- NOAA’s Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
- Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center
- Sol C. Johnson High School
- Thunderbolt Elementary Marine Science Academy
Admission Requirements
MSMS program applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Completed admission applications are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Grade point average of 3.0 or above preferred
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
- Three letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)
- Essay (500-1,000 words) detailing reasons for pursuing the MSMS degree
- SSU Graduate Program Application
- Two official transcripts from each college/university attended
- A resume that highlights work experience, professional/personal accomplishments, etc.
- An in-person interview is recommended
For more information contact us below or visit our website
http://www.savstate.edu/scitech/scmath/html/marine/msms.html
Master of Science in Marine Sciences
Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Savannah State University
P.O. Box 20600
Savannah, GA 31404
912.356.2808
pridec@savstate.edu
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MARINE SCIENCE CURRICULUM
The Master of Science in Marine Science’s degree requires the completion of 36 semester hours of graduate course work, the equivalent of two years as a full-time student. Course work is organized into the following curriculum components:
- Core curriculum: 12 credit hours
- Field paper or Master’s thesis I & II: 6 credit hours
- Course Requirements for Track 1, 2, or 3: 18 credit hours
Core Curriculum
Required core for all tracks (12 semester hours)
MSCI 5201 Introduction to Marine Sciences
MSCI 5202 Introduction to Coastal Oceanography
MSCI 5401 Technical Writing and Communication
MSCI 5402 Research/Marine Science Seminar
Additional Course requirements for Track I-Traditional Research:
MSCI 5560 Advance Environmetrics
At least one course from “Policy and Law”
At least one course from “Research Tools”
At least two courses from “Science”
MSCI 7991 Thesis I
MSCI 7992 Thesis II
Additional course requirements for Track II-Applied Science:
MSCI 5560 Advanced Environmetrics
At least one course from “Policy and Law”<
At least two courses from “Research Tools”
At least one course from “Science”
MSCI 7991 Thesis I
MSCI 7992 Thesis II
Additional course requirements for Track III-Professional Advancement:
At least one course from “Policy and Law”
At least one course from “Research Tools”
At least one course from “Science”
MSCI 7991 Thesis I
MSCI 7992 Thesis II
Application Deadlines:
Fall:
May 15 - International Students & Graduate Assistantships
July 1 - Regular Admissions
Spring:
October 1 - International Students & Graduate Assistantships
November 17 - Regular Admissions
