Marine Science
Stockton's Marine Science (MARS) program encompasses two general areas of study: Marine Biology and Oceanography. The program is interdisciplinary and requires student competence in several areas of science. A number of field and laboratory courses, seminars, independent studies, internships, and research opportunities which emphasize experiential learning are offered.
Stockton University is one of only a few undergraduate institutions in the U.S. that offers a degree program in Marine Science with a dedicated, easily accessible field facility (Stockton Marine Field Station). Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty to design and implement research projects. Students are encouraged to present results at the NAMS Undergraduate Research Symposium and regional conferences.
About the Program
Mission Vision
Stockton University’s Marine Science Program is dedicated to undergraduate experiences
within a coastal environment, to form ocean-literate citizens.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Marine Science Program at Stockton University is to promote curiosity and critical thinking through quality education and hands-on experiences both in and out of the classroom. Students will develop intellectually, personally and professionally within the small class setting, using cutting edge technology to apply themselves to real-life scenarios within the marine biology and oceanography career fields.
Program Chair
Dr. Susanne Moskalski
Assistant Professor of Marine Science
A&S-219 | 609-626-6853
Susanne.Moskalski@stockton.edu
Program Features
- Small, field-oriented course sections taught primarily by full-time faculty (not by graduate assistants).
- A dedicated, easily accessible Marine Field Station focused on undergraduate education and research.
- Every student is assigned a faculty member in the program as their academic advisor (preceptor).
- Numerous field-related volunteer, internship, employment opportunities in the area.
- The Environmental Studies and Marine Science programs were selected by Peterson's Guides and the Alliance for Environmental Education for inclusion in Education for the Earth: A Guide to Top Environmental Studies Programs.
Marine Science Program Highlights
Curriculum
Stockton’s Marine Science (MARS) program encompasses two general areas of study: Marine Biology and Oceanography. Within each of these broad areas of study are several focus areas that students may choose from, as a function of their selected electives. Examples include physical oceanography, marine geology, ocean chemistry, resource management, estuarine/marine ecology, and marine technology/survey.
Prospective freshman or transfer students can use the Curriculum & Transfer Equivalency tool below. In addition, the program degree map provides valuable degree information and is a guide to assist in planning academic coursework, but should not substitute academic advisement.
Degree Offerings
Bachelors of Arts or Sciences in Marine Science with Marine Biology Concentration
Bachelor of Arts or Sciences in Marine Science with Oceanography Concentration
Minor in Marine Science
Degree Works Curriculum & Transfer Equivalency Tool
To see the curriculum for your area of interest you’ll use the web program, Degree Works. This service is accessible even if you are not currently a student with Stockton University.
Current students exploring the various paths towards degree completion should access the "what if" option in their Degree Works through the portal.
Best 15 Oceanography Degree/Marine Science Program
Faculty
Camilla Alves Souto
Gordan Grguric
Elizabeth A. Lacey
Susanne Moskalski
Anna Pfeiffer-Herbert
Christine Thompson
Opportunities
Located on an eight-acre waterfront site in the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Stockton University Marine Field Station makes available the facilities, research vessels, sampling equipment, and staff to provide Stockton students with hands-on learning experiences in a marine environment second to none. The Marine Field Station offers several teaching and research laboratories and offices, five research vessels ranging in size from 16’ – 36’, various marine sampling equipment, general-use laboratory equipment, state-of-the-art water sampling equipment and numerous marine technology instruments, including a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) multibeam sonar, side scan sonar, magnetometer, mobile LiDAR, and Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers. Undergraduate students engaged in Marine Science and Marine Science-related courses (Biology, Environmental Science, Geology) access the facility regularly throughout their academic career. All students are encouraged to further utilize the facility for independent study projects and to become part of the numerous faculty and staff-led research teams. There are many opportunities to carry out Marine Science research at the undergraduate level at Stockton and at State and Federal agencies and institutions nearby. The Marine Field Station is also home to the Coastal Research Center, a contract and grant-funded institute focused on research and monitoring of New Jersey’s coastal zone issues ranging from beach access, inlet dynamics, and pre and post-storm surveys of coastal beaches.
Both the Marine Field Station and the Coastal Research Center provide part-time work
and volunteer opportunities for MARS students, as do numerous local agencies. Students
may propose their own field, laboratory, or library research projects to prospective
faculty sponsors, and/or work on suitable internships. Student interns have been placed
locally in field/laboratory positions, including at the Adventure Aquarium, Atlantic
City Aquarium, Rutgers Field Stations (Tuckerton, Port Norris, Cape May), Jacques
Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection, Brigantine Marine Mammal Stranding Center, and at area shellfish hatcheries.
Through the Washington Internship program, MARS majors have been placed at the National
Aquarium, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the National
Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institute/Natural History Museum.
For research projects that necessitate the processing of larger quantities of numerical
data, students can make use of the University’s Computer Center, which is tied into
the statewide Educational Computer Network. Stockton is a member of the New Jersey
Marine Sciences Consortium and has access to Consortium marine stations, boats, and
equipment. Stockton students can take, with the approval of the MARS program, summer
courses at the NJMSC facilities at Sandy Hook.
The Marine Science Program offers a number of opportunities for students to get involved in various areas of interest outside of the classroom. These include student-organized clubs, as well as student chapters of established professional societies.
Program Recognition:
Inclusion in Education for the Earth: A Guide to Top Environmental Studies Programs
Learn more about the MARS program ELO's. These essential learning outcomes guide all Stockton University students from first-year through graduation to the intellectual and marketable talents needed to prepare for personal and professional success in the 21st century.
Careers
Graduates of the Marine Science program seek employment directly with their B.A. or B.S. degrees, or go on to graduate school to work for M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. There are a number of employment opportunities in this field, both in the private and public sectors. Students concentrating in Oceanography, and those taking additional electives in marine geology, marine technology, and underwater surveying should do well in an increasingly quantitative field.
Stockton graduates in Marine Science have been very successful in obtaining entry-level positions in their field with local, state, and federal agencies. Such positions have involved laboratory work, fieldwork on marine habitats, data analysis, K-12 and public education and law enforcement. Some have gone on to consulting jobs with private firms, while others have entered postgraduate study at major universities.
All Marine Science students are required to take a 1-credit seminar course that prepares them for successful careers after graduation. Regardless of area of interest, undergraduate students who seek additional hands-on experiences outside of the classroom tend to flourish at the next level.
Potential Careers
There are a wide variety of jobs within marine sciences. Here are just a few examples of potential careers:
The connections you made with your professors and preceptors are invaluable resources for your career planning. Beyond providing assistance on coursework and scheduling, they can give you guidance in planning for your post-college career.
In addition, we have a student Career Center that is available to guide you through your career development journey - from CV writing, interview prep or general guidance.
Alumni Highlights
Alumni Success