Programs > Undergraduate

Marine sciences comprise a very rich suite of disciplines in a variety of subjects necessary to appreciate the marine environment, marine life, and their interactions as well as policy choices in its stewardship.  Courses in biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics form the foundation of an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students to analyze critically issues such as environmental change, human impacts on the ocean, and biodiversity as well as to understand fundamental marine processes.  The School offers B.S. degrees in Aquaculture and Marine Science.  Students in both programs gain knowledge from a combination of formal classes, laboratories and field trips, the Semester-by-the-Sea program, internships, and a variety of independent research opportunities, all under the guidance of a large, diverse, internationally recognized faculty.   The undergraduate program culminates in a "capstone" project designed individually as a unique research experience for each student in concert with a designated faculty mentor.

Not sure why you would want an undergraduate degree in marine sciences?  Take a look at the top and bottom of our summary of careers.  We realize that not everyone desires the academic path beyond the undergraduate degree.  A marine sciences degree opens many different doors.

Aquaculture

Come to Umaine to "immerse" yourself in aquaculture, the science and business of producing aquatic organisms useful to humans.  Students majoring in aquaculture learn to apply biological, physical and business management principles to solve problems encountered with the production, processing, marketing, and management of aquatic plants and animals.  They literally get wet in the on-campus ARC (Aquaculture Research Center) that incubates new commercial programs, currently including a very innovative program that breeds tropical reef fishes, thereby beginning to stem their exploitation.  Until global warming goes quite a bit further, tropical fishes won't get away in Maine.  Students from CT, MA, and VT who major in Aquaculture at UMaine may be eligible for reduced tuition through the New England Regional Student Program.

Areas of Concentration:

B.S. in Aquaculture - View Sample Curriculum

Marine Science

The B.S. in Marine Science offers excellent preparation for a broad range of careers and a solid foundation for entry into graduate programs.  Students receive an interdisciplinary education in marine sciences and specialize in either Marine Biology or Physical Ocean Sciences (oceanography).  B.S. students in their junior or senior year are encouraged to participate in the Semester-by-the-Sea program at the Darling Marine Center.  Students also conduct independent research projects under the supervision of University faculty as a "capstone" experience.  Students from CT and VT who major in marine sciences at the University of Maine may qualify for reduced tuition through the New England Regional Student Program.

Areas of Concentration:

Marine Biology - View Curriculum
The Marine Biology track provides training that is equivalent to a B.S. in Biology, but with a major focus on marine organisms -- in the context of an overall appreciation and understanding of the chemical, geological, and physical environment of the ocean.

Physical Marine Science - View Curriculum
The Physical Marine Sciences track provides training in the physical sciences as they relate to processes in the ocean, and it allows students to specialize in a sub-discipline such as marine geology, chemical oceanography or physical oceanography.

Fisheries Minor

The School of Marine Sciences together with the Department of Wildlife Ecology have put together a fisheries minor that can be integrated with any of these majors.  The practical distinction is that students most interested in freshwater fisheries typically come from the Department of Wildlife Ecology, whereas students most interested in marine fisheries come from the School of Marine Sciences.

Semester by the Sea

Semester by the Sea immerses undergraduate students in marine science.  Formats vary, but the typical Semester-by-the-Sea (SBS) class engages students for an entire day of the week with multiple, hands-on activities during each week of the 16-week semester.  Students spend that semester in residence at the University of Maine's Darling Marine Center in midcoast Maine.  They explore the organisms, habitats and maritime history of the Gulf of Maine in experiential, field-oriented classes.  The unique marine archaeology class provides unique opportunities to curate artifacts from as early as the colonial period.  SBS students report that this setting is often the first time that they have had extended exposure to individual faculty members and that this experience is extremely valuable in making career decisions, especially about graduate school. SBS is open to juniors and seniors from the University of Maine and qualified students from other undergraduate institutions. Visit the Darling Marine Center website for more details and an application (due around March 1).

Areas of Concentration:

Semester by the Sea - View Curriculum
Semester By the Sea is a residential program offered at the Darling Marine Center in Fall semesters.  Students choose 12 credits from the available courses.  All students get a taste of graduate school in the Undergraduate Seminar.  Biology of Marine Invertebrates, Marine Ecology, and Design of Marine Organisms fulfill requirements for the Marine Biology Major. Maritime History & Archaeology and Human Impacts on the Ocean satisfy University of Maine general education requirements.  Fisheries Biology and Zooplankton Ecology fill other niches.  Design of Marine Organisms offers undergraduates unique opportunities to understand biological fluid dynamics through hands-on activities in flow visualization.  Being in residence with the researchers at the Darling Marine Center also provides ideal opportunities for capstone experiences.   Students who choose to complete their capstone research or conduct independent research at Semester by the Sea should contact a sponsoring faculty member before registering.