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%).

All electives must be chosen in consultation with, and approved by, the student's academic advisor. Unless courses are specifically listed, see University Core Curriculum at http://core.tamu.edu/ for a listing of course options for Communication; Mathematics; Life and Physical Sciences; Language, Philosophy and Culture; Creative Arts; American History; Government and Political Sciences; and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The 3-hour University Core Curriculum requirement for International and Cultural Diversity and 3-hour requirement for Cultural Discourse may be met with courses used to satisfy other degree requirements.

The total hours may be increased if the student is required to take remedial math, remedial English, foreign language, International and Cultural Diversity, or Cultural Discourse courses, or any of the six hour cruise options. The six hour cruise options (NAUT 200, NAUT 300 and NAUT 400 or MARR 200, MARR 300 and MARR 400) do not add any required hours to the degree plan.

This degree requires full participation in the Texas A&M University Maritime Academy Corps of Cadets as a qualified License Option cadet. Refer to the University catalog section for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy for additional information. In addition to the academic requirements outlined here, the cadet must also complete the following requirements to receive the degree:

• Successfully complete required sea service and minimum training cruise requirements

• Pass a comprehensive professional examination (either the Third Mate Unlimited-Oceans or Third Assistant Engineering Unlimited) administered by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

• Successfully complete all competencies required by the International Convention on Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

Note: STCW competency certifications expire 5 years after completion. If the cadet does not complete the degree within that time period, the cadet will be required to revalidate the expired competency prior to graduation.