BS Marine & Coastal Science at University of California, Davis

Programme overview

The major in Marine & Coastal Science focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of marine sciences by exposing students to core, breadth, and focus area courses in the discipline, in addition to a strong foundation of science preparatory material. The major builds upon UC Davis strengths in marine and coastal sciences, including field-based courses offered at Bodega Marine Laboratory to provide students a unique, interdisciplinary, “hands on” education. Advising is provided by the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences for interested students.

Faculty: College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences | Department: Earth & Planetary Sciences | Duration: 92 units (quarter system) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Davis, CA, United States

What you will study

The major requires a minimum of 92 units. Requirements are organised into preparatory subject matter, depth subject matter, breadth components. Required courses include BIO 003 Introductory Biology: Cells Through Organisms OR; MAT 021C Calculus and Calculus and Calculus Physics Choose a series:; PHY 007C General Physics and General Physics and General Physics; EVE 012 Life in the Sea; EPS 016V The Oceans.

Career pathways

A B.S. in Marine & Coastal Science provides students with knowledge and practical experience needed to pursue careers in marine science (government, private sector, research).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to UC Davis and the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences; the catalogue entry gives no major-specific admission requirement beyond the major requirements below.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). Systemwide UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents, cohort first enrolled in 2026-27 (annual, quarter system); rate is the same for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus-based fees, and Nonresident Supplemental Tuition. Source

First-year and transfer students enter in the fall term (quarter system); the UC application opens Aug. 1 and the filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year.

The UC application filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year, and a single application covers all UC campuses.

The UC application filing fee is $80 per campus for domestic applicants and $95 per campus for international applicants, payable by credit card or mail; fee waivers are available for up to four campuses.

Transfer applicants submit the UC application by Nov. 30; Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) applications are due Sept. 1-30; the priority deadline for the Transfer Academic Update is Jan. 31.

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

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