The Marine Sciences (MARS) program is a Bachelor of Science degree that focuses on the geological, chemical and physical science aspects of the estuarine, coastal, and marine environment. The coastal location of the campus enables students to acquire extensive hands-on field experience in addition to rigorous course work in chemistry, geology, physics, biology, oceanography and mathematics. All MARS majors take oceanography with labs and a course in geographic information systems (GIS). During the senior year students will participate in research with faculty members culminating in a poster presentation of their research. 

The curriculum is structured to allow students to focus their education on one of three different specialty tracks, including geosciences, chemical/biogeochemical oceanography, and physical oceanography, or a broader interdisciplinary focus. The selection of a specific track enables students to broaden their coursework in the respective discipline and prepares them to enter graduate programs in oceanography, related disciplines or to work in environmental, oceanographic, and energy-related companies that need expertise in this area. For example, choosing the chemical marine science track allows the student to focus on chemical aspects of marine sciences, and it also enables students to obtain a chemistry minor through the chemistry department at Texas A&M University in College Station with coursework completed in Galveston. Similarly, the geological marine science track can lead to a minor in geology. An advisor in the MCES department can help with course selection and facilitate the minor approval process through another department.

 Track Options