Marine Science, M.S.

Taking you to exciting frontiers of marine science and preparing you for an impactful career making new discoveries in science, research, and academia.

Sea floor mapping students lab

The M.S. in Marine Science program is a thesis-based Master’s degree offered through the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) consortium campus, which includes CSUMB, SJSU, and other CSU campuses. The MLML degree through CSUMB will provide you with a hands-on, field-oriented learning experience that’s respected worldwide and will place you at the cutting edge of marine science knowledge and research.

Empowering You to Excel in Your Chosen Profession

Discover the empowering experience here for you.

The knowledge, skills, and scientific training you’ll gain will prepare you for a successful career improving lives and communities by applying cutting-edge technologies to promote and sustain healthy marine ecosystems.

Faculty in the Department of Marine Science at CSUMB can serve as research advisors to graduate students in the MLML graduate program. The MLML is a consortium campus that includes multiple CSU campuses in northern California. Students applying to conduct thesis research with a CSUMB faculty member should apply to and enroll in the MLML program through CSUMB. 

Students must first complete the application to the MLML program here.  Applicants will need to identify a potential faculty advisor through whom to apply to MLML. Applicants applying to conduct their thesis research with a CSUMB faculty advisor will then complete the CSUMB application via Cal State Apply.

Program alumni find a vibrant range of professional opportunities upon graduation, working with leading employers in the government, non-profit, and private sectors, some of which include:

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
  • Hakai Institute
  • NASA
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Office of Naval Research
  • Alaska Department of Fish & Game
  • Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Oikonos
  • The Marine Mamma Center
  • Elkhorn Slough

You’ll find alumni of our program being accepted into respected doctoral programs at institutions like Oregon State University, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego, and Stanford University.

Aerial Image of Campus

Public University Price, Private University Experience

A Lifetime of Value

Seafloor mapping instruction

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about the M.S. in Marine Science program.

Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.

Learn more about how to apply for the Master of Marine Science program.