The Master of Science degree in Marine Biology has two degree options: thesis and non-thesis. The thesis-option Master’s degree focuses on independently supervised research resulting in an original thesis, complemented by formal coursework. The non-thesis option focuses on coursework and requires a professional paper.
Essential components of the program include the following:
- a diverse curriculum focusing on ecology and evolution of marine organisms and quantitative analysis;
- supervised scholarly research in marine biology, to be written and formally defended as a professional paper, thesis or dissertation.
The non-thesis Masters in Biology, administered by the Texas A&M Department of Biology, involves intense advanced coursework directed towards molecular, cellular and systems principles that apply to microbial, plant and animal contexts. Students who complete the course of study will be able to address questions involving living systems and communities. The students will also have developed writing skills to effectively communicate current discoveries in biology to the general public.