Marine Biology, M.S.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in biology or marine biology are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. An application for graduate admission
2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
3. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing)
4. Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields
5. Resume
6. Scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing, on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in the 50th percentile or above are desired. A bachelors degree in a field of biology from a regionally accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four–year program is required for admission, as well as an average of “B” or better in the undergraduate major. Undergraduate grades, GRE scores, work and research experience, and recommendations are used in concert to determine acceptability.
7. Research Areas & Assistantship/ Statement of Interest Form uploaded directly into application
8. Should make initial contact with the faculty with whom you wish to work
9. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline

Degree Requirements (30 credit hours)

1. The program requires 30 credit hours of graduate study.
2. Six semester hours of credit may be transferred from another regionally accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to “B” or better.
3. A minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate study must be completed in residence.
4. No more than nine hours of graduate level courses offered by other science departments at UNCW may be applied toward the degree.
5. Undergraduate courses taken to make up deficiencies will not count toward the 30 hours required.
6. All deficiencies must be remedied prior to graduation.
7. The student must successfully complete a comprehensive examination based on prior coursework and an oral defense of the thesis.
8. Each student will present a thesis, based on original research, acceptable to the thesis advisory committee, prior to graduation.
9. Each student must complete an approved course of study within five years of the date of the first registration for graduate study.

Requirements for Master of Science Degrees

Master of Science in Marine Biology

In addition to the core courses listed above, students shall complete the following courses and, in consultation with their thesis advisory committee, select electives to complete a program of study that meets individual needs and interests.