Marine science major brochure

MARINE SCIENCE

LEAD WITH AN EDGE Marine science integrates multiple disciplines to understand the dynamic forces that influence our oceans and how the ocean, in turn, affects us. As a marine scientist, you’ll explore rivers, estuaries, coastlines and the open sea.

You will use an array of tools to analyze ocean physics, chemistry, biology and geology.

UNDERSTAND THE DYNAMIC FORCES THAT INFLUENCE OUR OCEANS

Whether you spend your days working on the water, in the lab, behind a computer, or a combination of all three, you will ask fundamental questions about our oceans and their interactions with the land and atmosphere. You’ll apply this understanding to predict earth system changes, inform policy and solve pressing environmental problems.

LEARN MORE:

SMCM.EDU/ MARINESCIENCE

Want to Talk?

Reach us at: 240-895-5000 or admissions@smcm.edu www.smcm.edu/admissions

LEARN MORE: SMCM.EDU/MARINESCIENCE

MARINE SCIENCE AT SMCM WE GUARANTEE every student the opportunity to engage in authentic research, an internship, or international experience.

100% of our marine science students complete a capstone

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES ◀ Our waterfront campus, located minutes from the lower Potomac River, is ideally situated as a home base for learning and research on the water, with access to the saltwater main-stem Chesapeake Bay and the tidal fresh reaches of its tributaries.

research project

Students in the marine science major will learn to demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts in marine science, including principles of geological, physical, chemical and biological processes in the marine environment. For example, you might use buckets and nets to sample marine life or the muddy seafloor. At the same time, you might deploy state-of-the-art instrumentation to measure the tides, waves and currents while using advanced software to analyze these datasets.

◀ Students will be able to explore the newly restored oyster reefs situated just offshore from our campus, monitor the infamous Chesapeake Bay dead zone, discover new biomes associated with sunken ships on the Potomac, and track aquatic organisms – from the smallest microbes to crabs, striped bass and even dolphins, which frequent the lower Potomac River.

◀ Students will also work closely with our faculty, whose research programs address a wide array of cutting-edge coastal problems, from microplastic pollution to ocean acidification.

OUT THERE AFTER GRADUATION With a major in marine science from St. Mary’s College, you have many career opportunities in a diverse array of fields. Paired with our LEAD initiative, SMCM prepares you for a successul life after you graduate. Below are some prospective career chocies for a marine science major.

ACADEMIC RESEARCH: Scientist or technician for a university, government agency, or nongovernmental organization INDUSTRY: Aquaculture, ocean energy, marine biotechnology, resource exploration and development, coastal construction and engineering GOVERNMENT: Marine research, engineering, law and policy, environmental management NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: advocacy, education, ocean exploration, lobbying, grantmaking OTHER OPTIONS: K-12 and informal education, communications, entrepreneurship, eco-tourism, consulting, etc.

9:1

student-to-faculty ratio is one of the lowest in the nation

TOP 25

Hidden Gems for Women in STEM by CollegeRaptor.com

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Research with SMCM faculty SURF program at SMCM Marine-focused internships Field trips on the bay & to the Atlantic coast STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES James Cook University (Australia) SMCM study tours (e.g., Tropical Biology)