The program is quantitative, practical, and experiential in nature. Starting the first semester, most of the courses in the major include work in many of the region’s various marine habitats. Learning through hands-on experiences, you’ll get your feet wet and your hands dirty. The program is analogous to a rigorous environmental sciences degree, but focused on the environment that covers more than two-thirds of the planet….the oceans.

Students may pursue either a Bachelors of Science (BS) or Bachelors of Arts (BA) major in Marine Sciences. A number of our graduates have gone on to a variety of occupations with either the BS or the BA. Although there are no hard and fast rules about the BS vs BA, Students who elect the BS track typically want careers doing science and/or choose to continue on to graduate school in the sciences. Students in the BA track are typically interested in applying the marine sciences to management, or policy efforts. In practical terms, the BS requires more quantitative classes and the BA requires more social science courses focused on the oceans.

Either degree can be started at the Avery Point or Storrs campuses. Students who elect to begin at Storrs typically transition to Avery Point campus to complete the final two years of their Marine Sciences degree. Avery Point, UConn’s marine and maritime campus, is located on the shores of Long Island Sound. It is an environment immersed in research, outreach, and marine education. It is home to UConn’s fleet of research vessels, state-of-the art laboratories, and oceanographic support facilities in the Department of Marine Sciences.