The Boston University Marine Program provides a rigorous interdisciplinary education in marine science. Our curriculum encompasses the biological, chemical, geological, physical, and spatial dynamics of marine systems. All Marine Science majors and minors complete the Marine Semester , an intellectually and physically demanding sequence of four consecutive research-based courses. This often-transformative experience immerses students in faculty research and exposes them to pressing issues impacting marine ecosystems. We strive to prepare our graduates for top jobs in marine science and for positions in elite graduate programs.
We aim to increase marine literacy and contribute to the worldwide effort to preserve and protect threatened marine ecosystems and sustainably manage critical marine resources. The BU Marine Program includes courses and faculty from both Biology and Earth & Environment . Coursework for the program will take students from the Boston waterfront to the deck of a NOAA research vessel plying the waters of Massachusetts Bay, from New England’s urban wetlands to the crystal clear waters along the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef.
Requirements for the Marine Science major include eight fundamental courses in math and science, as well as eight other science courses identified to provide specific expertise in the marine sciences. A grade of C or above is necessary in all required courses to receive credit toward the major. Each marine science major will be assigned a faculty advisor. This advisor will meet with the student at least once a semester to help set up and implement a program of study.
BA in Marine Science
To see a full list of major requirements, please click on the link below:
Application procedure
For more information about applying at Boston University, follow the link here
Grant opportunities
Boston University merit, need-based, and endowed scholarships are all made possible by generous gifts from alumni and friends of BU, and by budget allocations authorized by the Trustees of Boston University. The generosity of enthusiastic donors and the University’s commitment to excellence and affordability stand behind the vitality of our scholarship programs.
Federal and state grants are government-funded awards that do not have to be repaid. Eligibility requirements are established by the government. Most require that you file the FAFSA.
Private scholarships are also available from other sources.
For more information about available grants and scholarships, follow the link here
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts in marine science, including principles of geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes in the marine environment
- Demonstrate understanding of common laboratory, field, and modeling methods used in marine science
- Demonstrate the ability to i) formulate a falsifiable hypothesis, ii) design an experiment or observational study to test your hypothesis, iii) analyze your results in a statistically rigorous way, and iv) draw logical conclusions based on your analysis
- Communicate effectively the concepts, methods, results and conclusions of marine science research, in oral and written form, to specialists and the general public
- Apply knowledge and skills learned to solve problems in marine geology, physics, chemistry, or biology
- Demonstrate understanding of how human activities impact the marine environment, and how the marine environment impacts human activities
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