MS Marine Science at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

We are proud to offer a research-driven and multidisciplinary marine science program, which features a broad-based education with room for specialized research. We offer a comprehensive education across the multiple disciplines associated with marine science. Our program upholds USC’s research-intensive focus and places a high priority on advancing knowledge in the field.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment | Duration: 12 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Master’s students in our program take graduate level courses that cover the four pillars of oceanography: advanced biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, geological oceanography and physical oceanography. We also teach satellite oceanography, a specialized field that is available at few universities nationwide.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Marine Biologist, Oceanographer, Marine Geologist, Marine Conservationist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Applicants for a graduate degree in the School of Earth Ocean and Environment must have a baccalaureate degree from an approved and accredited college or university. Requirements for admission to all programs within the School of Earth Ocean and Environment conform with the general regulations of The Graduate School. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test according to The Graduate School guidelines. Programs Master of Earth and Environmental Resources Management, M.E.E.R.M. Geological Sciences, M.S. Geological Sciences, Ph.D. Marine Science, M.S. Marine Science, Ph.D. Applications Requirements Requirements that are common to all programs: 1. Completion of an online Graduate School application; 2. A resume/CV 3. Transcripts from all institutions attended. 4. Three letters of recommendation from...

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.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

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

Explore more study programmes

Engineering