This program provides the knowledge and skills needed to ensure your place in the next generation of ocean scientists, marine biologists, resource managers, community leaders, policymakers, innovators, researchers and educators. Through a combination of foundational science, research and management studies, you’ll prepare to support resilient coastal and marine ecosystems of the future.
Throughout your courses, you’ll learn how to address environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable resource management. Topics you may explore range from sea level rise and coastal water quality management to coral reef restoration. You'll also gain skills in geospatial and statistical data analysis, multiple-audience communication and solutions-oriented research in the stewardship of coastal and marine resources.
Studying coastal science, marine biology and beyond online
This online marine science program intentionally focuses on community. This includes offering the degree in a way where you can learn from anywhere while tailoring your learning to your interests and addressing challenges within your community and beyond. In your studies, you’ll complete the Ocean Futures Workshop where you can focus on your area of interest, whether its marine biology, oceanography, resource management and more. This course allows you to define an actionable project, scope resources and stakeholders, leverage partners and plan, test and adapt the implementation of a solution for a community-based, coastal and marine science and management issue.
Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to gain practical experience through optional course offerings at the ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and ASU’s Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai’i.
Good candidates for this online marine science master’s program
If you have a passion for coastal and marine science with a focus on community impact, you can enter this program with a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. You may seek to advance in your current role, explore a new career path or work toward doctoral studies in research. Successful candidates can build upon their education and experiences in disciplines as diverse as:
- Biological sciences
- Ecology
- Environmental sciences or studies
- Geography
- Marine biology
- Natural resource management
- Oceanography
- Sustainability
- Urban planning
Are you passionate about supporting healthy coastal and marine environments? Through Arizona State University’s online Master of Science in coastal and marine science and management program, you’ll deepen your understanding of these ecosystems, including their communities and complex interactions between people, resources and systems.
Throughout your courses, you’ll enhance your ability to be a steward of coastal and marine areas, working closely with communities and stakeholders to impact these ecosystems positively. You’ll also have the option to conduct use-inspired research and work within communities and agencies on solutions-based projects focused on coastal and marine science and management.
The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers spanning focus areas like marine biology, sustainability and urban planning . This group of global scholars brings together numerous leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. These faculty members are uniquely equipped to prepare students to create long-lasting change and develop a thriving future for people and the planet.
The College of Global Futures is dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable future for the planet and society. These initiatives are a crucial part of ASU’s commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. ASU has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report. We’ve also received accolades from other prestigious organizations, showcasing our commitment to excellence across all disciplines.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability
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Applicants to the Master of Science in coastal and marine science and management program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume
- Two letters of recommendation
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”