The Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies at the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, offers a Master's of
science degree in four majors: Biological Sciences, Coastal Zone Management, Marine Biology, and Marine Environmental Sciences.
The Institute also offers two degrees in conjunction with other schools at NSU: an MS in Environmental Education and an MA in
Cross Cultural Studies.
Program Objectives
The goal of the Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies is to provide a scientifically-based, credible, holistic and timely
introduction and knowledge of key ecological and socio-environmental issues related to the specific major.
Completion of the degree is expected to lead to placements in the chosen field, in a position requiring graduate training, or
to career advancement in the case of working professionals
Students are expected to complete the degree within 2-3 years of full-time study, and within 5 years of part-time study.
Learning Outcomes
Expected learning outcomes are:
- Effective communication skills,
- A full understanding of the scientific method,
- A generalized knowledge in ecological, geological, chemical and biological concepts as they relate to the environment.
- A generalized knowledge of the natural and human-driven problems currently, and anticipated to, impact the marine
environment.
- In-depth knowledge of a specific aspect of their major.
Delivery System
Each session, graduate classes typically meet one evening per week in a three hour session.
Exceptions are field courses which
usually entail seven days of intensive study. Thesis and capstone tracks are offered for all programs; these are explained
below. Note, both tracks lead to equivalent MS degrees.
There are two options for completing an MS degree: a capstone track and a thesis track.
All entering students are automatically accepted in the capstone track option. Although the number of students taking thesis
credits in a given year is more than the capstone this is because the thesis is typically a longer duration track. More than
half of graduating students each year are capstone students.
To successfully complete the capstone track, students nearing the completion of required coursework must submit and defend a
capstone review paper. A capstone review paper is a scholarly review manuscript, based upon a comprehensive literature search,
review, and synthesis of the chosen topic. Carrying out a capstone review paper is possible with agreement from a major
professor, typically, capstone students find a major professor on their own by approaching faculty in the student's area of
interest. Students will be assigned a capstone advisor if they have difficulty finding one. Prior to beginning a capstone
review paper and registering for capstone credits, the student must write a proposal which must be approved by the student's
major professor, committee, and the Director of Academic Programs, and be submitted to the Departmental Administrator in the
Program Office.
Some students complete the thesis track. A thesis is an original contribution to knowledge resulting from the systematic study
of a significant problem or issue. A thesis track requires the student to secure agreement from a faculty member, with adequate
funding to carry out the proposed research, to be the student's major professor. Students are not provided with a thesis
advisor. Prior to beginning thesis research and registering for thesis credits, the student must write a proposal which must be
approved by the student's major professor, committee, and the Director of Academic Programs, and be submitted to the
Departmental Administrator in the Program Office.
For further details, students are referred to section 3.8 of this catalog and to the online guidelines for the capstone or
thesis track found on the Oceanographic Center Student Information page
Coastal Zone Management (CZM)
Description of Program
The Master's of Science in Coastal Zone Management is offered both in-house and by distance education (courses accessible via
the world wide web). The online MS degree is designed for people "at a distance" from the Oceanographic Center, or those who
wish to take advantage of the flexible delivery system. Students may complete the degree entirely online, or take a blend of
distance and on-site courses (including field courses) with the Oceanographic Center.
The Coastal Zone Management degree program focuses on contemporary problems and conflicts arising from increased use of coastal
areas and emphasizes the evaluation of alternative policy management solutions. It is intended for employees of government and
industry seeking career enhancement, as well as for recent college graduates seeking careers in planning and management with
government agencies, industries, and other activities depending on or affecting the coastal zone or its resources. The program
can also be of value for enhancement of careers in education.
Course Curriculum for the CZM
Core courses:
- Biostatistics I or II
- Concepts of Physical Oceanography
- Marine Chemistry
- Marine Ecosystems
- Marine Geology
Electives include:
- Aspects of Marine Pollution (distance)
- Biology of Sharks and Rays (distance)
- Coastal Ecology
- Coastal Policy (distance)
- Coastal Zone Interpretation (distance)
- Conservation Biology
- Dry Coastal Ecosystems
- Environmental Conflict
- Environmental GIS
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Regulation
- Environmental Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (distance & in-house)
- Environmental Toxicology (distance)
- Food Web Dynamics (distance & in-house)
- International Integrated Coastal Zone Management (distance)
- Internship in Coastal Policy (distance)
- Marine Biodiversity
- Marine Environmental Policy
- Marine Mammal Management (distance)
- Ocean & Coastal Law (distance)
- Ocean Observing (distance)
- Oil Pollution Effects
- Resolving Environmental and Public Disputes (distance)
- Scientific Writing
- Tropical Marine Fish Ecology
- Water Resource Impacts
The majority of the credit hours required to obtain the CZM degree from NSUOC must be earned at NSUOC. Students that have taken
any of these courses as upper level undergraduates, and obtained a grade of B or better, can transfer credits or forgo retaking
them and substitute an elective. This does not change the total credits required for graduation. MS students may transfer up to
six credits of previous graduate course work. Course work must replicate Oceanographic Center offerings or must clearly be
closely related. Students should submit requests for transfer credits in writing to the Program Office with documentation
indicating the subject matter and that the transfer credits were of graduate level from accredited institutions. This can
consist of the course syllabus, transcripts, and/or the course description from the professor.
Who is eligible?
| Acceptance Category |
Full |
With Academic Requirement |
| A Science Major or Science Concentration |
Preferred |
Preferred |
| Letters of Recommendation |
3 |
3 |
| Statement of Career Goals |
YES |
YES |
| GRE Scores - Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing |
55%, 55%, 4.0 |
40%, 40%, 3.5 |
|
The Oceanographic Center only requires the general GRE. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is administered by the
Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 955, Princeton, NJ 08542 (www.gre.org).
|
| All Official Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts |
YES |
YES |
| Undergraduate GPA Major |
3.0 |
2.75 |
| Undergraduate Cumulative GPA |
2.9 |
2.5 |
| Provisions (> 3.0 in first four graduate courses) |
None |
YES |
| TOEFL (foreign applicants only) |
600 |
550 |
|
Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required for applicants where their undergraduate language
was not English. Certification may also be submitted from other institutions' intensive English Programs. Information may be
found at www.toefl.org.
|
Click here for the online application form
What is required to graduate?
Program completion consists of completing 45 credit hours (15 hours of core/required courses, 24 hours of electives, and 6 hours
of capstone) for the capstone track and 39 credit hours for the thesis track (15 hours of core/required courses, 15 hours of
electives, and 9 hours of theses) with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. In addition, capstone students must write and defend a
capstone paper which must be approved as complete by the advisor and one additional committee member. Thesis students must
write and defend a thesis which must be approved as complete by the advisor and two additional committee members. On completion
of all credit requirements, capstone paper or thesis requirements, and an oral examination relative to program learning
outcomes the student may apply for graduation.
How much does it cost?
Current information on course costs can be found by clicking on Click here for information about financial
aid.
When is it offered?
Program completion consists of completing 45 credit hours (15 hours of core/required courses, 24 hours of electives, and 6 hours
of capstone) for the capstone track and 39 credit hours for the thesis track (15 hours of core/required courses, 15 hours of
electives, and 9 hours of theses) with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. In addition, capstone students must write and defend a
capstone paper which must be approved as complete by the advisor and one additional committee member. Thesis students must
write and defend a thesis which must be approved as complete by the advisor and two additional committee members. On completion
of all credit requirements, capstone paper or thesis requirements, and an oral examination relative to program learning
outcomes the student may apply for graduation.
Courses do not have to be taken over consecutive semesters; students can enroll according to the schedule most convenient for
them, as long as all course work is completed within five years of initial registration.
Marine Biology
Description of Program
This course of study is designed to equip students with a substantial understanding of the nature and ecology of marine life
and grounding in the other overlapping areas of marine science. Program flexibility provides preparation for further graduate
study, secondary education career enhancement, or employment in technical research institutions, government agencies, or
environmental consulting firms. Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in biology, oceanography, or a closely related
field, including science education.
Course Curriculum for Marine Biology
Core courses:
- Biostatistics I or II
- Concepts of Physical Oceanography
- Marine Chemistry
- Marine Ecosystems
- Marine Geology
Electives include:
- Bio-Physical Interactions in the Ocean
- Biology of Sharks
- GIS & Environmental Remote Sensing
- Coral Reef Ecology
- Coral Reef Geology and Evolution
- Deep-Water Ecology of the Straits of Florida
- Food Web Dynamics
- Ecology of the Great Barrier Reef
- Introduction to Marine Fisheries Science
- Intermediate Marine Fisheries Science
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Marine Biodiversity
- Marine Genomics
- Marine Ichthyology
- Marine Mammals
- Molecular Marine Biology
- Plankton Ecology
- Population Ecology
- Scientific Diving and Coral Reef Assessment
- Scientific Writing
- Taxonomy of Marine Invertebrates
- Wetlands Ecology
The majority of the credit hours required to obtain the Marine Biology degree from NSUOC must be earned at NSUOC. Students
that have taken any of these courses as upper level undergraduates, and obtained a grade of B or better, can transfer credits
or forgo retaking them and substitute an elective. This does not change the total credits required for graduation. MS students
may transfer up to six credits of previous graduate course work. Course work must replicate Oceanographic Center offerings or
must clearly be closely related. Students should submit requests for transfer credits in writing to the Program Office with
documentation indicating the subject matter and that the transfer credits were of graduate level from accredited institutions.
This can consist of the course syllabus, transcripts, and/or the course description from the professor.
Who is eligible?
| Acceptance Category |
Full |
With Academic Requirement |
| Undergraduate Biology Major |
YES |
Preferred |
| Letters of Recommendation |
3 |
3 |
| Statement of Career Goals |
YES |
YES |
| GRE Scores - Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing |
55%, 55%, 4.0 |
40%, 40%, 3.5 |
|
The Oceanographic Center only requires the general GRE. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is administered by the
Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 955, Princeton, NJ 08542 (www.gre.org).
|
| All Official Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts |
YES |
YES |
| Undergraduate GPA Major |
3.0 |
2.75 |
| Undergraduate Cumulative GPA |
2.9 |
2.5 |
| Provisions (> 3.0 in first four graduate courses) |
None |
YES |
| TOEFL (foreign applicants only) |
600 |
550 |
|
Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required for applicants where their undergraduate language
was not English. Certification may also be submitted from other institutions' intensive English Programs. Information may be
found at www.toefl.org.
|
Click here for the online application form
What is required to graduate?
Program completion consists of completing 45 credit hours (15 hours of core/required courses, 24 hours of electives, and 6 hours
of capstone) for the capstone track and 39 credit hours for the thesis track (15 hours of core/required courses, 15 hours of
electives, and 9 hours of theses) with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. In addition, capstone students must write and defend a
capstone paper which must be approved as complete by the advisor and one additional committee member. Thesis students must
write and defend a thesis which must be approved as complete by the advisor and two additional committee members. On completion
of all credit requirements, capstone paper or thesis requirements, and an oral examination relative to program learning
outcomes the student may apply for graduation.
How much does it cost?
Current information on course costs can be found by clicking on Click here for information about financial
aid.
When is it offered?
Program completion consists of completing 45 credit hours (15 hours of core/required courses, 24 hours of electives, and 6 hours
of capstone) for the capstone track and 39 credit hours for the thesis track (15 hours of core/required courses, 15 hours of
electives, and 9 hours of theses) with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. In addition, capstone students must write and defend a
capstone paper which must be approved as complete by the advisor and one additional committee member. Thesis students must
write and defend a thesis which must be approved as complete by the advisor and two additional committee members. On completion
of all credit requirements, capstone paper or thesis requirements, and an oral examination relative to program learning
outcomes the student may apply for graduation.
Courses do not have to be taken over consecutive semesters; students can enroll according to the schedule most convenient for
them, as long as all course work is completed within five years of initial registration.
Marine Environmental Sciences (MEVS)
Description of Program
This master's degree program results from the need to educate professionals beyond the bachelor's degree in a synthesis of
diverse disciplines, each of which views the marine environment in disparate ways. It is important to differentiate the Marine
Environmental Sciences M.S. Program from the Coastal Zone Management M.S. Program. The MEVS is a more broadly based degree
without the in-depth management emphasis of CZM. The MEVS is not designed as an intermediate degree for the Ph.D., although
some MEVS graduates will be well prepared for, and may later apply to, a Ph.D. program either at the Oceanographic Center or
elsewhere. Students who complete the MEVS Program typically directly enter, or re-enter, the work force. Graduates can find
employment in environmentally oriented agencies/organizations and the program is of value for prospective or actual employees
of government and industry seeking to advance careers in marine-related areas. Because of this diversity, applicants with any
undergraduate major will be considered for admission. However, a science major is most useful.
Course Curriculum for MEVS
Core courses:
- Biostatistics I or II
- Concepts of Physical Oceanography
- Marine Chemistry
- Marine Ecosystems
- Marine Geology
Electives include:
- Aspects of Marine Pollution
- Biology and Ecology of Coral Reefs
- Coastal Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Deep Water Ecology of the Straits of Florida
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Conflict
- Fish and Wildlife Management
- Ecotoxicology
- Environmental Conflict
- GIS & Environmental Remote Sensing (distance & in-house)
- Introduction to Environmental Sciences
- Introduction to Fisheries Management
- Intermediate Fisheries Management
- Marine Botany
- Marine Biodiversity
- Marine Environmental Policy
- Marine Mammals
- Molecular Marine Biology
- Oil Pollution Effects
- Scientific Writing
- Wetlands Ecology
The majority of the credit hours required to obtain the MEVS degree from NSUOC must be earned at NSUOC. Students that have
taken any of these courses as upper level undergraduates, and obtained a grade of B or better, can transfer credits or forgo
retaking them and substitute an elective. This does not change the total credits required for graduation. MS students may
transfer up to six credits of previous graduate course work. Course work must replicate Oceanographic Center offerings or must
clearly be closely related. Students should submit requests for transfer credits in writing to the Program Office with
documentation indicating the subject matter and that the transfer credits were of graduate level from accredited institutions.
This can consist of the course syllabus, transcripts, and/or the course description from the professor.
Who is eligible?
| Acceptance Category |
Full |
With Academic Requirement |
| A Science Major or Science Concentration |
Preferred |
Preferred |
| Letters of Recommendation |
3 |
3 |
| Statement of Career Goals |
YES |
YES |
| GRE Scores - Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing |
55%, 55%, 4.0 |
40%, 40%, 3.5 |
|
The Oceanographic Center only requires the general GRE. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is administered by the
Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 955, Princeton, NJ 08542 (www.gre.org).
|
| All Official Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts |
YES |
YES |
| Undergraduate GPA Major |
3.0 |
2.75 |
| Undergraduate Cumulative GPA |
2.9 |
2.5 |
| Provisions (> 3.0 in first four graduate courses) |
None |
YES |
| TOEFL (foreign applicants only) |
600 |
550 |
|
Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required for applicants where their undergraduate language
was not English. Certification may also be submitted from other institutions' intensive English Programs. Information may be
found at www.toefl.org.
|
Click here for the online application form
What is required to graduate?
Program completion consists of completing 45 credit hours (15 hours of core/required courses, 24 hours of electives, and 6 hours
of capstone) for the capstone track and 39 credit hours for the thesis track (15 hours of core/required courses, 15 hours of
electives, and 9 hours of theses) with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. In addition, capstone students must write and defend a
capstone paper which must be approved as complete by the advisor and one additional committee member. Thesis students must
write and defend a thesis which must be approved as complete by the advisor and two additional committee members. On completion
of all credit requirements, capstone paper or thesis requirements, and an oral examination relative to program learning
outcomes the student may apply for graduation.
How much does it cost?
Current information on course costs can be found by clicking on Click here for information about financial
aid.
When is it offered?
Program completion consists of competing 45 credit hours (15 hours of core/required courses, 24 hours of electives, and 6 hours
of capstone) for the capstone track and 39 credit hours for the thesis track (15 hours of core/required courses, 15 hours of
electives, and 9 hours of theses) with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. In addition, capstone students must write and defend a
capstone paper which must be approved as complete by the advisor and one additional committee member. Thesis students must
write and defend a thesis which must be approved as complete by the advisor and two additional committee members. On completion
of all credit requirements, capstone paper or thesis requirements, and an oral examination relative to program learning
outcomes the student may apply for graduation.
Courses do not have to be taken over consecutive semesters; students can enroll according to the schedule most convenient for
them, as long as all course work is completed within five years of initial registration.
