Course variations

Course summary

This program is designed to provide its graduates with the knowledge and skills to be successful in marine-related technical positions in industry, government and education or for entry into doctoral marine science programs. This research-based program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning through the completion of an original thesis project under the mentorship of an experienced marine science researcher. Individualized programs of study ensure that each student has the best possible preparation based on their interests, background and abilities. The program is designed to be completed in two years for full-time graduate students. In the first year students take a core course sequence and complete a proposal for their thesis research topic. Thesis research is conducted through the next year, culminating in oral and written presentation of a thesis. Full-time students will take the equivalent of three classes per semester.

Program modules

Modules for Prerequisites: A baccalaureate degree in the natural sciences is required for entry into the MSMS program. Certain course prerequisites may be required before enrolling in graduate MSMS courses, depending on the student’s academic preparation and research interests. The graduate thesis committee will determine whether deficiencies exit and how these deficiencies will be addressed. Modules for Core Courses (8 semester credits): MARS 6000 Marine Systems I; MARS 6002 Marine Systems II. Modules for College Of Natura L Science Required Courses (8 semester credits): A minimum of 6 semester credits of NSCI 6900 must be completed by graduation; NSCI 6110 Graduate Seminar I; NSCI 6120 Graduate Seminar II; NSCI 6900 Master’s Research. Modules for Elective Courses (17 semester credits): A maximum of 6 credits of advanced undergraduate courses (4000-level) can be taken as a graduate student. A maximum of 5 additional credits of NSCI 6900 Masters Research can be taken as electives. BIOL 4030 Cell and Molecular Biology; BIOL 4031 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory; BIOL 4040 Environmental Microbiology; BIOL 4041 Environmental Microbiology Laboratory; BIOL 6110 Larval Biology; BIOL 6120 Ichthyology; CHEM 4030 General Biochemistry I; CHEM 4031 General Biochemistry I Laboratory; CHEM 4032 General Biochemistry II; CHEM 4033 General Biochemistry II Laboratory; CHEM 4054 Aquatic Chemistry; ENVS 4000 Methods of Environmental Science; ENVS 4001 Methods of Environmental Science Laboratory; ENVS 4050 Remote Sensing; ENVS 6800 Special Topics in Environmental Science; MARS 4050 Marine Ecology; MARS 4051 Marine Ecology Laboratory; MARS 4030 Marine Mammal Physiology; MARS 4031 Marine Mammal Physiology Laboratory; MARS 6010 Toxicology and Stress Responses in Marine Communities; MARS 6310 Marine Natural Products; MARS 6920 Special Topics in Marine Science; NSCI 6050 Statistics; NSCI 6900 Masters Research; PSGL 6500 Ecological Economics and Sustainable Development; Capstone Course NSCI 7000 Thesis.

Entry requirement for international students

Applicant should have a baccalaureate degree (or the equivalent to a U.S. College or university degree for international students) with a G.P.A of 3.0. English translations of all official university transcripts. Include transcripts from all universities attended as well as certified copies of “A” Level (or similar postsecondary) examinations and/or certificate programs. An original and current bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover all expenses for the first year of graduate studies. They should have TOEFL score of 80 (IBT), 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer based) and 5 or above on the TWE or IELTS score of 6.0 overall and a written module score of 6.5.

Qualification

Masters

Awarding body

Hawai'I Pacific University

Department name

College of Natural and Computational Sciences