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Marine Biology, M.S.

Study the Environment and Ecology of Ocean Life
  • 88%

    Matriculation Rate for the Past Three Years

  • 92.4%

    Placement Rate in the Ph.D. Program

  • 107

    Among Public National Universities, U.S. News & World Report

Our alumni work in:

Assess and advise on matters related to the management of environmental issues.

Research marine life and aquatic systems.

Teach the next generation of scientists and researchers.

Work for local, state and federal agencies conducting research and impacting policy.

Learn To

Develop a research plan

Present and defend a research plan

Answer questions regarding your research field

Communicate your research to a broadly trained public audience

Write a research manuscript for publication in a scientific journal

“ The program allowed me to explore my passions and design my thesis project. Being in the field helped me experience techniques and theories we explore in the classroom. The learning opportunities outside helped me navigate my career path toward marine conservation. ”
Sam Shores ’19, ‘24M B.S. Marine Biology and M.S. Marine Biology
Marine Biology, M.S. Program Overview

Further Your Research or Career

The Marine Biology program offers excellent opportunities for you to further your graduate work or career.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a manager of coastal and marine resources or are already a professional biologist in need of advanced research and educational opportunities, our broad-based graduate program allows for specialization in the diverse fields of inquiry.

Natural Laboratory Within Reach

UNCW is an excellent setting to explore a variety of marine ecosystems. Our location is a perfect natural laboratory because of its short distance from the ocean, marsh, tidal flat and estuarine habitats.

Stellar Research Facilities

Groundbreaking faculty research and classes take place in Dobo and Friday Halls, where you will find lecture halls, teaching laboratories, seminar rooms and a computer lab.

The Richard M. Dillaman Bioimaging Facility in Dobo Hall offers courses in electron microscopy and bioimaging for credit, and research students are also individually trained in every aspect of sample preparation and equipment operation to independently conduct their imaging research.

Our Center for Marine Science, a short distance from the campus, houses labs for student research, a large teaching laboratory, aquarium and collection rooms, a wet lab with running seawater, and a shellfish research area.

Sea Urchins

Sample Courses in Marine Biology, M.S. Program

Table shows sample courses for this program
BIO 501 Intro to Science as a Profession
BIO 534 Advanced Topics in Ecology
BIO 560 Estuarine Biology
BIO 564 Biological Oceanography
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Apply to the M.S. in Marine Biology Program?

You are required to submit the following to the Graduate School (please do not send items to the department):

  • An application for graduate admission
  • Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields
  • Resume
  • Research Areas Form/Statement of Interest Form

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: M.S. Marine Biology

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2025:
    • October 1, 2024
  • Summer I 2025:
    • Deadline: April 1, 2025
  • Fall 2025:
    • Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025
    • Space Available Deadline: April 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
  2. Research Interest Form (Using a MAC? Use Adobe not previewer mode to complete the form)
  3. Research Interest Statement: Describe your general research interests. It is not necessary to designate a specific project, but you may instead wish to focus on broad areas of interest and specific faculty members who you think would be a good fit for you as your advisor. Also include any background information that you believe is relevant, such as prior research or work history, or academic experiences that you think have helped prepare you for graduate school. (1-2 pages is recommended)
  4. Resume
  5. Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related discipline from a regionally accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four-year program is required for admission, as well as an average of “B” or better in the undergraduate major. Undergraduate grades, work, research experience and recommendations are used in concert to determine acceptability.
  6. UNCW Faculty: Prospective students should make initial contact with the faculty with whom you wish to work (Meet Our Team - Faculty).

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Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

Learn More

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    Integrative, Comparative, & Marine Biology, Ph.D.

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    Learn more