M.S. in Kinesiology - Sport Administration concentration
The M.S. in Kinesiology with a Sport Administration concentration at Montclair State Un...
M.S. in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences
Montclair, New Jersey
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The M.S. in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences at Montclair State University is a 32-credit program. It's an interdisciplinary degree that integrates marine biology, freshwater ecology, and environmental sciences. Students typically complete the program in two years. The curriculum is built upon the four core sciences: biology, geology, chemistry, and physics, providing a robust scientific foundation. The program's objectives are threefold: to impart comprehensive knowledge of disciplines associated with coastal sciences and marine biology, to train students for professional employment and prepare them for doctoral programs, and to provide extensive research experiences in project development, data gathering, analysis, interpretation, and publication of results. Montclair State also offers a combined BS/MS in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences for accelerated study.
STEM Designated: Yes, the Master of Science in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences at Montclair State University is explicitly STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it qualifies them for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's rigorous scientific, analytical, and technical focus, aligning it with high-demand fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences is interdisciplinary, drawing heavily from biology, geology, chemistry, and physics to provide a holistic understanding of aquatic environments. While specific course listings are detailed in the university catalog, the program covers a wide range of topics including ecological theory, experimental methods, field investigations, and analytical techniques, with a particular emphasis on the integration of land-water interfaces. Students are expected to gain in-depth scientific understanding, develop scientific writing skills, and hone their public presentation technical skills. Prior academic preparation in college chemistry, mathematics, and physics, along with at least 24 semester hours in biology, is generally required for admission.
Research Focus: Research is a cornerstone of the M.S. in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences program, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience. Students are actively engaged in both classroom learning and significant research projects, which often culminate in the development and completion of a Master's Thesis. Research opportunities abound in marine biology, aquatic ecology, geosciences, and environmental sciences. Many student research projects lead to presentations at regional and national scientific meetings and publications in peer-reviewed journals. This active research environment allows students to apply project development and implementation, data gathering, analysis, and interpretation to real-world challenges in marine and coastal ecosystems.
Industry Engagement: Montclair State University's M.S. in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences program is explicitly designed to prepare graduates for professional employment in a variety of sectors, indicating strong industry engagement. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce in research, environmental consulting, education, and regulatory agencies (such as the EPA), as well as non-profit organizations focused on conservation and environmental management. The program's emphasis on field experience, typically gained through internships, research projects, or study abroad programs, provides invaluable practical skills and networking opportunities, directly linking students with potential employers and real-world projects in the field.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences program inherently integrates a global perspective by focusing on ecosystems and environmental challenges that transcend national boundaries. Issues such as climate change, ocean acidification, invasive species, and marine pollution are global concerns that require international scientific collaboration and policy solutions. The study of various freshwater and coastal marine habitats, and the impacts of human activities on them, naturally leads to an understanding of interconnected global ecological systems. The program's aim to prepare students to protect and restore these necessary ecosystems implies an awareness of the global scale of environmental stewardship.
Location
Montclair, New Jersey
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19916
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Montclair State University offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Presidential Scholarships: The university’s prestigious Presidential Scholarships are awarded to top-performing international students demonstrating exceptional academic records and leadership skills. These scholarships provide substantial financial support and are highly competitive.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate international students have access to departmental scholarships and graduate assistantships. Assistantships may include tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities, offering both financial aid and valuable professional experience.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences from Montclair State University provides graduates with a deep, interdisciplinary understanding of aquatic ecosystems, from freshwater to marine environments. This STEM-designated program emphasizes rigorous scientific inquiry, hands-on research, and the application of knowledge to address pressing conservation and environmental challenges. Graduates are equipped for roles that require expertise in ecological principles, data analysis, and practical solutions for protecting and restoring vital aquatic habitats.
Marine Biologist/Ecologist: Conducting research on marine organisms, ecosystems, and their interactions. This could involve fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation to understand biodiversity, species behavior, or the impacts of environmental change. Roles are found in academia, government agencies (e.g., NOAA, EPA), research institutions, and non-profit conservation organizations.
Environmental Consultant (Coastal/Aquatic): Advising businesses, government agencies, or developers on environmental regulations, impact assessments, and mitigation strategies related to coastal development, pollution, or habitat restoration projects.
Coastal Scientist/Engineer: Analyzing coastal processes such as erosion, sea-level rise, and storm impacts. This role often involves modeling, data analysis, and developing solutions for coastal protection, restoration, and sustainable management. They may work for engineering firms, government agencies, or consulting services.
Fisheries Biologist/Manager: Studying fish populations, their habitats, and the impacts of fishing practices. They work to ensure sustainable fisheries through data collection, stock assessment, and the development of management plans for government agencies or international conservation organizations.
Environmental Analyst/Specialist: Collecting and analyzing environmental data, assessing compliance with environmental laws, and developing reports on environmental conditions. This can be within government agencies, environmental consulting firms, or industries seeking to minimize their environmental footprint.
Aquaculture Scientist/Manager: Developing and managing sustainable aquaculture systems for the cultivation of aquatic organisms (fish, shellfish, algae) for food or other products. This involves expertise in water quality, disease management, and ecological impacts.
Marine Educator/Outreach Specialist: Developing and delivering educational programs about marine science, conservation, and coastal ecosystems for aquariums, museums, non-profit organizations, or educational institutions to raise public awareness and promote stewardship.
Conservation Scientist/Program Manager: Working for non-profit organizations or government agencies to design, implement, and oversee conservation programs aimed at protecting endangered marine species, restoring habitats, or mitigating threats like pollution and climate change.
Oceanographer (Biological/Chemical/Geological): Specializing in the physical, chemical, or geological aspects of the ocean, often with a strong interdisciplinary understanding of how these factors influence marine life. This can involve research on ocean currents, climate change impacts, or seafloor processes.
GIS Specialist/Remote Sensing Analyst (Marine/Coastal): Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to map, analyze, and visualize spatial data related to marine habitats, coastal changes, pollution plumes, or species distribution, providing critical information for conservation and management.
