BA in Marine Science at Boston University

Programme overview

The BA in Marine Science, offered through the BU Marine Program (BUMP), provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary education in marine science, with courses in biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography. All Marine Science majors complete the Marine Semester, an intellectually and physically challenging sequence of four month-long, research-based courses.

Faculty: College of Arts & Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

The Marine Science major provides a strong foundation in science and math via eight required related courses in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, and statistics. Additionally, all students are required to take Introduction to Oceanography (CAS EE 144), Marine Biology (CAS BI 260), three Marine Breadth courses, and the Marine Semester.

Official programme page

Application information

USD 73,024 a year (2026-27). Full-time undergraduate tuition for 2026/2027, stated as the standard University undergraduate tuition rate; also listed as full-time tuition $73,024 per year on the Student Financials rate page. Tuition only: excludes fees, housing, dining, books and hea Source

First-year entry is September (Fall); Early Decision is binding for September admission. Transfer entry is September or January, and some programmes do not offer January admission.

First-year Regular Decision application and CSS Profile/FAFSA are due January 5; merit scholarship applications are due December 1; the enrollment deposit is due May 1. Early Decision applications are due November 2 (notification December 14); Early Decision 2 applications are due January 5 (notification February 8). Transfer applications are due March 15 for September and November 2 for January.

Apply through the Common Application or the QuestBridge Application. The application fee is $80, paid through the Common Application (fee waivers available). BU is test optional for first-year applicants applying through fall 2028 and spring 2029; international applicants submit TOEFL iBT, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test. SAT/ACT is not required for transfer admission.

Apply through the official page: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/

Explore more study programmes

STEM