MS Marine Science Admissions Info.
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ADMISSIONS INFORMATION FOR MS MARINE SCIENCE THROUGH CSU STANISLAUS

 Master Of Science in Marine Science


The Master of Science in Marine Science is offered as an interdepartmental degree in appropriate science departments (biology, geology, chemistry), in cooperation with Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. The California State University operates this marine facility as a seaside extension of the campuses of seven cooperating State Universities and offers course work in marine biology, geology, oceanography, and other marine sciences. It provides the opportunity for students to acquire a practical and theoretical education in the marine sciences to prepare them for careers as marine specialists, scientists and teachers. The program at Moss Landing provides extensive field and laboratory work for advanced study in the marine sciences that cannot be duplicated on any one individual CSU campus. Students enrolled in the MS Marine Science Program through CSU Stanislaus are considered as being in residence at CSU Stanislaus. However, typically, all coursework for this program is done at Moss Landing.

Moss Landing Marine Labs is a small but active marine station, with approximately 125-150 students, most of whom are master's students. Permanent faculty include specialists in invertebrates, fishes, seaweeds, plankton, marine mammals, biological oceanography, physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, and marine geology. Marine ecology and similar specialties are especially strong areas of research.

Curricular Requirements

Requirements for progressing through the MS Marine Science program are listed in the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories brochure. CSU Stanislaus requirements are the same as those listed there except that one (1) unit of "Research in Marine Science" is required (as part of the 15 graduate unit requirements) to write your thesis proposal, acceptable by committee members, as preparation for your thesis research.

A total of 30 units is required for the master's degree. A "B" average must be maintained on all coursework taken for the degree. No course with a grade of "C" or below may apply to the degree program. CR graded courses may not be counted for the degree except in those courses graded exclusively CR/NR, to a maximum of 6 units. Coursework used for the degree must be completed within seven years. A thesis is required as the culminating experience for the degree.

Application Procedures

All students applying for the MS Marine Science Program through CSU Stanislaus must apply to both the University and the Program.

Admission to University Application Procedures

Complete the California State University graduate application form (Parts A & B), submit the required application fee, and meet the general requirements for admission to the University. Completed application and two (2) official copies of transcripts must be sent to the Graduate School Office, California State University, Stanislaus, One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382.

Admission to Program Requirements

Application for admission to the MS Marine Science Program must be made through the CSU Stanislaus Department of Biological Sciences and must include:

bullet1. A bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences . Students with bachelor's degrees in marine science, aquatic science, geology, chemistry, or physics from an accredited college or university must have a background in biological science equivalent to a minor in biological sciences at CSU Stanislaus.

2. Grade point average of 3.0 overall.

3. International students whose native language is not English must submit minimum TOEFL scores of 550 total and part scores of 54.

4. Approval for admission with conditional classified status by the Department of Biological Sciences and by MLML.

5. Research interests compatible with interests and facilities of MLML faculty.


Admission to Program Application Procedures



Submit to the Department of Biological Sciences at CSU Stanislaus:
1. An expanded statement of purpose that includes your area(s) of research interests and how these interests can be met at MLML. Your interests must be consistent with interests and facilities of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories faculty.


2. A resume that includes all research experiences you have had to date, including term projects for classes, any publications, internships, etc., and any related employment.


3. Scores on the GRE examination, both aptitude and advanced biology sections. (When the GRE testing program changes, you should take the General Test package containing the Quantitative Reasoning Test and the appropriate science area Subject Test relating to your undergraduate degree, i.e., Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics.)


4. Three letters of recommendation from persons well acquainted with your academic performance.


5. The Moss Landing Marine Laboratories' Graduate Application Questionnaire.


6. It is STRONGLY recommended that, prior to application, you contact directly the MLML professor whose interests are similar to yours and under whom you wish to study. Professors and their interests are listed in the MLML brochure and can be reached through the main MLML office phone at (831) 771-4400.

Registration

After you have been admitted to program, registration materials for your first semester at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories will be sent at the time of your acceptance by the University to the Marine Science Program. You must register through CSU Stanislaus. In addition, you must also complete the space reservation form, which will be sent from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories at the time of your acceptance into the Program.

If you have any questions regarding your enrollment status at CSU Stanislaus, please contact the Graduate School Office at (209) 667-3129. Additionally, all application materials you need can be obtained from the Graduate School Office. These materials include: the Application form, the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories catalog or brochure, the MLML Graduate Application Questionnaire, and the information on this Web page as a printed brochure. Either ask for any one of the items singly, or if you ask for the Marine Science packet, all four items will be included. The phone number for the Graduate School Office is shown above; their address is: Graduate School Office, California State University Stanislaus, One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382.


Dates to Remember

University application and transcripts: Due to the Graduate School Office at CSU Stanislaus by August 15 for the following Spring semester or by January 15 for the following Fall semester.

Program application materials: Due in the Department of Biological Sciences at CSU Stanislaus by September 15 for the following Spring Semester or by February 15 for the following Fall Semester.

Review: Your file will be sent to MLML for their review by October 15 or March 15.
Notification regarding your acceptance into the Marine Science Program should be available by November 15 for Spring semester or by April 15 for Fall semester.

Moss Landing Marine Laboratories moved into gorgeous, highly functional new facilities in January, 2000. The new MLML address is Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039-9647. New phone number for the main office is (831) 771-4400.

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