BS Marine Science at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Make a splash with our marine science program, where you dive deep to understand all aspects of the world’s interconnected waters, from mountain streams to ocean trenches. In marine science, you will develop a broad knowledge of the field and the ability to apply principles from geological, physical, chemical and biological marine science. You will learn all aspects of research, from collecting water samples to analyzing results in a lab, preparing you to work in research, conservation, education and other careers.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment | Duration: 124-133 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Take core courses covering the geological, biological, chemical and physical areas of oceanography and then choose upper-level major courses to tailor the degree to specific interests. Pursue a concentration in Coastal Resource Management and Marine Policy or study an area of emphasis and get it included on your transcript upon graduation.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Animal Trainer, Coral Ecologist, Deep Sea Biologist, Scientist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Entrance Requirements New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the college. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another USC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements: Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a USC campus. Some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have special admission requirements established by the department or committee that supervises the specific degree program, for example,...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms for first-year and transfer applicants: Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (June-July). Transfer applications for Spring open Sept. 1 and for Summer and Fall open Feb. 1.

First-year applicants: Early Action deadline Oct. 15 (decision by mid-December, credentials due Nov. 1); Honors College deadline Nov. 15 (decision by mid-February, credentials due Dec. 1); Regular Decision deadline Dec. 1 (decision by mid-March, credentials due Jan. 15). Applicants apply with the USC Application or the Common App. The application fee is $70 for domestic first-year and transfer applicants and $100 for international applicants. USC is test-optional for fall, spring and summer 2027 terms; SAT/ACT scores are not required.

Transfer application deadlines (USC Columbia majors): Spring Nov. 1 (credentials Dec. 15); Summer May 1 (credentials May 15); Fall July 1 (credentials Aug. 1). Business majors: Summer May 1 (credentials May 1); Fall May 1 (credentials June 1); the Darla Moore School of Business does not enroll new spring transfer students. The transfer application fee is $70.

International first-year applicants: Early Action Oct. 15, Honors College Nov. 15, Regular Decision Dec. 1; the application fee is $100. Minimum English proficiency scores: TOEFL iBT 77, IELTS 6.5, PTE 53, Duolingo 115.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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