Master of Science - Marine Science and Oceanography

The Marine Science and Oceanography (MSO) master’s program is part of a multidisciplinary and multi-initiative endeavor at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS). Its primary educational objective is to equip graduate students with a comprehensive understanding of coastal, nearshore, and oceanographic science, along with the research and inquiry skills necessary for independent research and problem-solving within their chosen area of specialization. Graduates of the program are positioned to enter the workforce prepared to apply their expertise to research, management, and administrative challenges related to coastal and oceanographic issues across higher education, government agencies, private sector consulting, and non-profit organizations.

This interdisciplinary program is jointly administered by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Faculty involved in the program hold appointments at both HBOI and the College of Science. Concentration areas include Marine Biology, Coastal and Geological Science, Conservation and Ecology, Remote Sensing and GIS, Chemistry, and Statistics and Communication.

By integrating the HBOI research faculty into this new degree program, FAU ensures a high-quality academic experience. HBOI has already established its reputation for delivering world-class research and engaging meaningfully with Florida’s communities and businesses. The faculty now focus on providing graduate-level education to students with the unique opportunity to work directly alongside top-tier researchers at HBOI and across FAU, both in laboratory settings and in the field.