Bachelor of Science in Marine Science

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

Marine Science students in the field at the oceanThrough 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.

At a Glance

  • College’s location in Standish, Maine, allows easy access to lakes, mountains, forest, and shore for field exercises and research opportunities.
  • Low student-faculty ratios, ensuring close interaction with professors.
  • Students become involved in research, preparing them for careers and graduate school.
  • Courses provide broad training needed for a career in science, but also numerous specialty courses for students to pursue individual interests.
  • Opportunity to enroll in the Environmental Science Semester, a semester-long, field-based education experience.

Curriculum

Marine science faculty members guide students through investigations of the geological, physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of ocean systems, and students also receive training on the fresh waters of Maine. 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 aspects of how marine science majors learn in this program.

minor in marine science is also available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.

minor in Sustainability Studies is available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.

Environmental Science Semester

Started in the fall semester of 2014, the Environmental Science Semester (ESS) is a 9-week program for sophomore and junior environmental science and marine science majors enrolled at the College. The entire program, from date of launch through the last final exam and project, is off-campus with field-based projects and instruction in coastal Maine, Atlantic Canada, and aboard a schooner exploring the islands and waters of the Gulf of Maine.

The ESS consists of four courses divided up into three segments. The four courses are climate change and glacial geology, marine ecology, oceanography, and field methods. The first three courses segmented, and field methods is spread out through all three segments.

The concepts behind the ESS are rooted in both experiential education and immersion education. Because students are taking a full load of courses during the ESS, they aren’t simultaneously trying to take courses in philosophy, math, history, etc., and can therefor better focus their attention on this particular field of study. Ultimately, the practical experiences gained through this program solidify understanding of complex processes and interactions, boost confidence, and result in a more marketable background for students’ future careers.

Some of our faculty

Mark Green
Mark GreenProfessor
PhD, SUNY at Stony Brook
MS, SUNY at Stony Brook
BS, Allegheny College
Greg Teegarden
Greg TeegardenProfessor
PhD, University of Rhode Island
MS, University of Maine
BA, University of Colorado
Johan Erikson
Johan EriksonProfessor
PhD, Dartmouth College
MS, Stanford University
AB, Dartmouth College

Student stories

Shaylee Davis '21

Marine Science + Environmental Science

Shaylee1 Shaylee Davis 1
Shaylee2 SJC Lesher 2020 062 HR

"I'm conducting lake sediment chemistry experiments for the Long Pond Association to determine if the amount of phosphorus in a local lake is detrimental to the natural ecosystem. The LPA's goal is to acquire a permit to mitigate algae problems. This research can have a large impact on our environment, if applied widely, to combat the growing prevalence and problem of lake phosphorus."

Amanda Darby

Amanda Darby ’23

Marine Science, Environmental Science

“Rather than learning from a classroom or online, (during Environmental Science Semester) we learned on the beaches of Cape Cod, at the top of Mount Washington, and sailed on a schooner up the coast of Maine.”

Amanda Darby ESS Wells

Shaylee Davis '21

Marine Science + Environmental Science

Shaylee1 Shaylee Davis 1

"I'm conducting lake sediment chemistry experiments for the Long Pond Association to determine if the amount of phosphorus in a local lake is detrimental to the natural ecosystem. The LPA's goal is to acquire a permit to mitigate algae problems. This research can have a large impact on our environment, if applied widely, to combat the growing prevalence and problem of lake phosphorus."

Shaylee2 SJC Lesher 2020 062 HR

Amanda Darby ’23

Marine Science, Environmental Science

Amanda Darby

“Rather than learning from a classroom or online, (during Environmental Science Semester) we learned on the beaches of Cape Cod, at the top of Mount Washington, and sailed on a schooner up the coast of Maine.”

Amanda Darby ESS Wells

Related programs

Experiential learning

Environmental Science Semester (ESS)

Students spend the semester immersed in science, traveling from Nova Scotia to the White Mountains to the coast of Maine.

→ Learn more about ESS