2025-2026 General Catalog
Source: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/earth-planetary-sciences/marine-coastal-science-bs/ Parent: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/#programsanddegreestext
The major in Marine & Coastal Science focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of marine sciences by exposing students to core, breadth, and focus area courses in the discipline, in addition to a strong foundation of science preparatory material. The major builds upon UC Davis strengths in marine and coastal sciences, including field-based courses offered at Bodega Marine Laboratory to provide students a unique, interdisciplinary, “hands on” education. Advising is provided by the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences for interested students.
The Program
The major begins with introductory courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and earth sciences. These are followed by core courses in Marine Science. The major requirements provide focus and breadth, so that each student gains mastery in one area and broad exposure to many facets of Marine & Coastal Science. Focus areas are:
- Coastal Environmental Processes
- Marine Ecology & Organismal Biology
- Marine Environmental Chemistry
- Oceans & the Earth System
In this major, students will be exposed to the foundation disciplines within marine science (biology, chemistry, geology, physics) as well as modern issues facing marine and coastal environments; e.g., climate change, pollution, carbon cycling, and conservation. The major requires field experience, independent research or internship, and concludes with a capstone course featuring current research in marine science. These integrative experiences will require students to synthesize the interdisciplinary topics that they have encountered through this degree program. The mastery achieved provides a strong foundation for future careers in academic science, government, policy, and the private sector. For more information, see Marine & Coastal Science.
Focus Areas
The student's chosen Focus Area will determine the college into which the student is admitted, the college where the degree is awarded, and the associated department:
- Coastal Environmental Processes. College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences; Environmental Science & Policy
- Marine Ecology & Organismal Biology. College of Biological Sciences; Evolution & Ecology
- Marine Environmental Chemistry. College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences; Environmental Toxicology
- Oceans & the Earth System. College of Letters & Science; Earth & Planetary Sciences
Undergraduate Research
The marine sciences span many departments and colleges at UC Davis, and so students have opportunities to participate in undergraduate research in many disciplines.
Internships & Careers
A B.S. in Marine & Coastal Science provides students with knowledge and practical experience needed to pursue careers in marine science (government, private sector, research). The major program includes research and internship experiences as well as field experience to help prepare students for these career paths.
Advising
Visit the staff major advisor for help navigating major requirements and planning for your degree. Visit the faculty major advisors for additional advice on courses, careers, and graduate school. Faculty advisors: Tessa Hill (College of Letters & Science), Anne Todgham (College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences), Rachael Bay (College of Biological Sciences).
Visit your college's advisors for help navigating University Degree Requirements and College Degree Requirements.
Bodega Marine Laboratory
Students in the Marine & Coastal Science major are required to complete some of their coursework at the Bodega Marine Laboratory on the California Coast.
Global Learning in Marine & Coastal Science
Consider studying or interning abroad through programs available through the Global Learning Hub.
Get Involved
Find your community through clubs, events, seminars, and workshops relating to marine science.
Graduation Honors
Students graduating from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences or College of Biological Sciences are eligible for Departmental Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors depending on their GPA. This is calculated automatically and added to students' final transcripts.
Students graduating from the College of Letters & Science are eligible for Departmental Honors, depending on their GPA and whether or not they complete a Senior Thesis. Students who graduate with a GPA in the top percentages of their college will automatically graduate with Honors. Students who qualify for Honors at graduation may also be eligible for High Honors or Highest Honors, based upon the quality of their Senior Thesis (course number 194A-194B) or Senior Honors Thesis (course number 194HA-194HB). It is Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences policy that an "A-" grade on the thesis will earn the student High Honors, and an "A" grade will earn the student Highest Honors.
Graduate Study
The coursework, research opportunities, and fieldwork requirements in the Marine & Coastal Science major help prepare students to enter graduate programs to continue their studies and prepare for their career in the marine sciences. Students should meet with advisors and faculty to build a strong application for graduate school through additional independent research or other co-curricular involvements.
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