Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences
Faculty Director: Dr. David Black Phone: (631) 632-8676
For the most up to date and official degree description and requirements please check the Undergraduate Bulletin for the Marine Sciences, BS or explore all of our programs at Stony Brook University.
Take a virtual tour, schedule a visit, learn more about admission and scholarship opportunities at Stony Brook University.
Overview
Marine Sciences is a highly interdisciplinary field requiring an understanding and application of basic science, including biology, physics, and chemistry. In particular, the Marine Sciences major provides students with a solid background in basic biology as well as in the physics and chemistry of the ocean. Upper-division electives permit each student to gain a deeper understanding of particular groups of organisms (microorganisms, algae, marine invertebrates, fish, and marine mammals) and of habitats (salt marshes, rocky inter tidal, barrier islands, dunes, estuaries, and the open ocean).
Students are encouraged to participate in research and internships. Opportunities for experiential learning are available through field and laboratory courses taught at or near the Stony Brook campus and from a field station at the Stony Brook Southampton campus.
Most students who wish to have a career in research related to the marine environment will need to plan for graduate study. Career possibilities include research, education, or employment in government agencies or non-profit organizations.
Students should contact the director of undergraduate studies to design and approve an acceptable course of study before declaring the major.
Information on research opportunities may be found by contacting faculty directly.
Requirements
Please visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of the Marine Sciences, BS requirements, including courses.
Note: All courses offered for the major must be passed with a letter grade of C or higher. Course taken with the Pass/NC option may not be applied to the major.
To contact the faculty director of the major please email: david.black@stonybrook.edu
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. Please consult the Undergraduate Bulletin that was in place when you declared your major/minor for the official list of major/minor
requirements.
2. Please consult with the appropriate academic advising unit to review what is required
for your major or minor, confirm completion of the University’s general education,
upper-division, and total credit requirements. For general advising locations, visit
Academic Advising or speak to the SoMAS Academic Advisor.
Internships and Jobs
Find out more about jobs and career paths relating to this major.
Scholarships and Employment
Stony Brook offers a wide variety of scholarships to new and continuing students, some of which are based on merit alone and others which take into account financial need.
