Marine Sciences - BS, License Option

The license option (LO) in the Marine Sciences (MARS) program leads toward a license as a deck officer in the United States Merchant Marine. This program retains the physical science core of the MARS curriculum and adds coursework that prepares the student to sit for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) examination as a Third Mate of any gross tonnage upon oceans, steam, or motor vessels. Students combine a broad base of courses in physical science and mathematics and practical instruction in seamanship and navigation with three oceanography courses. The objective of the program is to provide students with a sound intellectual and educational background to function in a scientifically and technologically advanced society, while also providing the practical hands-on training needed for employment in the maritime industry. Graduates are particularly well qualified to serve on research vessels where an understanding of the scientific purpose of the voyage is required. Students who wish to enter a physical science graduate program will need to take additional course work in science and mathematics. Cadets who enroll in and apply to graduate under one of the license option curricula must complete the appropriate license examination for Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer in order to graduate from Texas A&M University as well as licensing requirements outlined in the program requirements. Certain license option courses require a minimum grade of C (70%).