Marine Science, BS
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.
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.
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 an immersive field-based, Environmental Science 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.
Marine Science, B.S., Marine Biology Track
Marine Science, B.S., Oceanography Track
A minor in marine science is also available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.
A minor in Sustainability Studies is available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.
Some of our faculty
Professor, Sciences Department
- PhD, University of Rhode Island
- MS, University of Maine
- BA, University of Colorado
Professor, Sciences Department
- PhD, SUNY at Stony Brook
- MS, SUNY at Stony Brook
- BS, Allegheny College
Student stories
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.”
Shaylee Davis ’21
Environmental Science + Marine Science
“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.”
