University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

The programme provides a grounding across physical, chemical and biological aspects of the marine environment with an emphasis on the coastal and estuarine systems of the northeastern United States. Students typically take a mix of core and elective modules and choose either a thesis (research) option or a course-based option with a capstone project.

• Core topics — physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, biological oceanography, marine ecology and quantitative methods in marine science (statistics and numerical methods).
• Common elective subjects — coastal zone management, marine conservation, marine biogeochemistry, fisheries science, coastal restoration, remote sensing and GIS for marine applications, environmental policy and marine spatial planning.
• Practical work — laboratory techniques (e.g. water chemistry, plankton identification), shipboard and small-boat sampling, in-situ monitoring, and data analysis using statistical and GIS software.
• Research component — students on the thesis track complete an independent research project under faculty supervision, including proposal development, data collection and a written thesis. Course-based students complete an applied capstone or an extended research paper.
• Field opportunities — field courses and local fieldwork focus on nearby coastal and estuarine systems, giving hands-on experience in sampling, monitoring and habitat assessment.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in marine science, biology, chemistry, geology, environmental science, or a related discipline from an accredited institution. Admission is competitive and typically expects a solid academic record in relevant coursework.

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A personal statement describing research interests, career goals and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Academic references (usually two) that can comment on academic ability and research potential.
• A curriculum vitae or résumé outlining relevant laboratory, field or work experience.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English.
• GRE scores are optional or not required for some applicants; check the programme admissions guidance for current policy.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of scientific, managerial and policy roles in the marine and coastal sector. The programme prepares students for both applied positions and further academic study.

• Research scientist or technician roles in academic, government or private-sector laboratories.
• Coastal and fisheries management positions with government agencies and regional authorities.
• Environmental consultancy and impact assessment work focused on coastal development, restoration and monitoring.
• Conservation and policy roles with NGOs and intergovernmental organisations working on marine protection and resource governance.
• Data science and environmental modelling positions that use marine observational datasets and remote sensing.
• Progression to doctoral programmes in oceanography, marine biology, environmental science or related fields.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

UMass Boston offers a marine sciences programme embedded within a metropolitan research university with strong links to regional coastal environments. Its location provides convenient access to diverse coastal and estuarine systems for fieldwork and applied research close to Boston Harbor and nearby marine habitats.

• Research-led teaching — faculty conduct active research across physical, chemical and biological marine sciences, creating opportunities for students to join ongoing projects.
• Hands-on training — emphasis on laboratory skills, field methods and data analysis prepares graduates for technical and research roles.
• Interdisciplinary environment — connections with environmental policy, urban coastal resilience and conservation initiatives support applied career pathways.
• Local and regional partnerships — collaborations with government agencies, NGOs and local stakeholders enhance internship and employment prospects.