Bachelor of Science in Marine Science

Requirements l Faculty l Lakeside classroom l Just how healthy is the Gulf of Maine? l Oceanographer seeks far-reaching solution l Targeting harmful red tide in Casco Bay

Saint Joseph's College is the only liberal arts college in Maine offering a major in marine science, and one of the few small colleges in the Northeast to do so.

The Marine Science program established in 2001, includes Dr. Mark Green (ocean geochemistry), Dr. Greg Teegarden (ecosystem ecology), Dr. Ray Gerber (biodiversity and ecology), and Dr. Jeanne Gulnick (marine microbiology and chemistry).

Faculty members guide students through investigations of the geological, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of ocean systems, and students receive training on the fresh waters of Maine as well. A heavy emphasis on field work ensures that students will spend ample time learning the discipline in stimulating locations – the rocky coast, mudflats, estuaries, the sea floor, even the open waters of the Gulf of Maine.

All faculty members are active in research, and student involvement is a key component. Collaborations with organizations such as Friends of Casco Bay and Portland Water District are also important.

Through independent study, internships, and senior research, students work on important local issues. From cataloging the diversity of Gulf of Maine waters, to studying the causes and effects of red tide outbreaks or researching how the chemical environments affects juvenile clam survival (crucial to proper fishery management), the marine science program is making a difference today and developing the scientists and leaders of tomorrow.

Marine Science Minor
A minor in Marine Science is available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.

Requirements

NEWS
Through a grant in cooperation with Bowdoin College to install a buoy in Harpswell Sound, Dr. Greg Teegarden uses the real-time oceanographic data transmitted from the buoy with his marine science students.