Marine Science, B.S.
Admissions
Entrance Requirements
New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the college. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another USC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements:
- Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
- Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a USC campus.
Some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have special admission requirements established by the department or committee that supervises the specific degree program, for example, Cardiovascular Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Economics, Environmental Science, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. These requirements are listed in the sections of this bulletin that describe department and special degree programs.
Degree Requirements (128 hours)
Program of Study
| Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| 1. Carolina Core | 34-46 |
| 2. College Requirements | 15-18 |
| 3. Program Requirements | 28-43 |
| 4. Major Requirements | 36 |
Founding Documents Requirement
All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade in the subject areas of History, Political Science, or African American Studies that covers the founding documents including the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation and one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle, and a minimum of five essays from the Federalist papers. This course may count as a requirement in any part of the program of study including the Carolina Core, the major, minor or cognate, or as a general elective. Courses that meet this requirement are listed here.
1. Carolina Core Requirements (34-46 hours)
CMW – Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Written (6 hours)
must be passed with a grade of C or higher
- any CC-CMW courses
ARP – Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving (8 hours)
SCI – Scientific Literacy (8 hours)
must be passed with a grade of C or higher
GFL – Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Foreign Language (0-6 hours)
Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required. Students can demonstrate this proficiency by successfully completing Phase II of the Proficiency Test or by successfully completing the 122 course, including the exit exam administered as part of that course.
It is strongly recommended that students continuing the study of a foreign language begin college-level study of that language in their first semester and continue in that language until their particular foreign language requirement is completed.
GHS – Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking (3 hours)
- any CC-GHS course
GSS – Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences (3 hours)
- any CC-GSS course
AIU – Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding (3 hours)
- any CC-AIU course
CMS – Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Spoken Component1 (0-3 hours)
- any overlay or stand-alone CC-CMS course
INF – Information Literacy1 (0-3 hours)
- any overlay or stand-alone CC-INF course
VSR – Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility1 (0-3 hours)
- any overlay or stand-alone CC-VSR course
- 1
Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.
2. College Requirements (15-18 hours)
Foreign Language (0-3 hours)
- only if needed to meet 122-level proficiency
Analytical Reasoning (6 hours)
must be passed with a grade of C or higher
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| STAT 515 | Statistical Methods I (*) | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Web Design and Development using AI Tools (*) | ||
or a higher level CSCE course | ||
| Ocean Data Analysis | ||
| MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 6 | |
Note: Courses used to fulfill the College requirements may not also be used to fulfill other degree requirements.
History (3 hours)
The College of Arts and Sciences requires one additional GHS course beyond the Carolina Core GHS requirement.
- If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course.
- If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a U.S. history course.
Please select the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement from the approved list of U.S. and non-U.S. history courses.
Social Science and Fine Arts or Humanities (6 hours)
- Social Science (3 hours)
- The College of Arts and Science requires one 3- hour Social Science Course
- Fine Arts/Humanities (3 Hours)
- A Bachelor of Science from the College of Arts and Sciences requires one 3-hour Fine Arts/Humanities Course
3. Program Requirements (28-43 hours)
Supporting Courses (16 hours)
must be passed with a C or higher
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: 1 | 4 | |
| General Physics I and General Physics Laboratory I (*) | ||
| Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab (*) | ||
| Select one of the following: 2 | 4 | |
| General Physics II and General Physics Laboratory II (*) | ||
| Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab (*) | ||
| CHEM 111 & 111L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab (*) | 4 |
| CHEM 112 & 112L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab (*) | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
- 1
Students in the Physical Oceanography concentration must take PHYS 211 & PHYS 211L.
- 2
Students in the Physical Oceanography concentration must take PHYS 212 & PHYS 212L.
Cognate or Minor (0-18 hours)
This major does not require a cognate or minor.
An optional minor may be added to a student’s program of study. A minor is intended to develop a coherent basic preparation in a second area of study. Courses applied toward general education requirements cannot be counted toward the minor. No course may satisfy both major and minor requirements. All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher. At least half of the courses in the minor must be completed in residence at the University. A list of minor programs of study can be found at Programs A-Z. An optional additional major may also be added to a student’s program of study. Additional majors must include all major courses as well as any prescribed courses noted (*) in the bulletin. Prescribed courses noted in the bulletin may be shared with Carolina Core, College requirements, and Program requirements in the primary program.
A list of minor programs of study can be found at Programs A-Z.
Electives (12-27 hours)
120 (or 128) degree applicable credits are required to complete any degree at USC. After the cognate, minor or second major is complete, any additional credits needed to reach 120 (or 128) total credits can be fulfilled by electives. No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences.
4. Major Requirements (36 hours)
a minimum grade of C is required in all major courses
Major Courses (13 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSCI 311 | Biology of Marine Organisms | 4 |
| MSCI 313 | The Chemistry of the Sea | 4 |
| MSCI 314 | Physical Oceanography | 4 |
| MSCI 505 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| Required Field Experience 1 | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 13 | |
- 1
All MSCI majors are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of marine science field effort. Possibilities include taking the MSCI 460 class, semester or summer internship, REU, semester at sea, faculty-sponsored field research or cruise or field data collection/analysis experience. Students who opt for an experience other than the MSCI 460 class must submit a petition for an alternative field experience to the Undergraduate Director. If the alternative is approved, the student must submit a short (2-3 page minimum) report at the completion of the experience to the Undergraduate Director for approval. Upon approval, the Undergraduate Director will notify the Dean’s office of the substitution, and the student’s record will be updated to reflect zero credit hours in MSCI 460 for meeting the field effort requirement. If a student takes the MSCI 460 class (2-credit hours), those credits will be counted towards their 23 major elective credit hours.
Major Electives (23 hours)
Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, must select 23 hours of major electives. Preferred courses available for major credit are listed below; however, any course which is eligible for cognate credit in the College of Arts and Sciences can potentially be a major course with consent of faculty advisor. Hours used to fulfill an optional concentration count toward the fulfillment of the 23 hours of major electives, e.g., students selecting Biological Oceanography would fulfill 13 hours of the 23 hours of required major electives.
Courses Acceptable for Major Credit
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSCI courses numbered 300 and above | ||
| MSCI 399 | Independent Study 1 | 1-6 |
| MSCI 495 | Internship in Marine Science 1 | 6 |
| MSCI 496 | Undergraduate Research 1 | 3 |
| MSCI 497 | Undergraduate Research 1 | 3 |
| MSCI 498 | Undergraduate Research 1 | 3 |
| MSCI 499 | Undergraduate Research 1 | 3 |
| MSCI 505 | Senior Seminar 1 | 1 |
| MSCI/GEOG 590 | Beach-Dune Interactions | 3 |
| BIOL 301 & 301L | Ecology and Evolution and Ecology and Evolution Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 302 & 302L | Cell and Molecular Biology and Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 303 | Fundamental Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 450 | Principles of Biological Oceanography | 3 |
| BIOL 460 & 460L | Advanced Human Physiology and Advanced Human Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 462 & 462L | Advanced Microbiology and Advanced Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 497 | Undergraduate Seminar in Biological Sciences | 1 |
| BIOL 505 & 505L | Developmental Biology and Developmental Biology Laboratory I | 4 |
| BIOL 534 & 534L | Animal Behavior and Animal Behavior Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL/MSCI 537 | Aquaculture | 3 |
| BIOL 541 & 541L | Biochemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 543 & 543L | Comparative Physiology and Comparative Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 545 | Protein Biochemistry and Metabolism | 3 |
| BIOL 549 | Plant Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 550 & 550L | Bacteriology and Bacteriology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL/MSCI 552 | Population Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 570 & 570L | Principles of Ecology and Principles of Ecology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 599 | Topics in Biology 1 | 1-3 |
| BIOL 630 | Biology of Birds | 3 |
| BIOL 640 | Microbial Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 652 | Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 654 | Speciation and the Origin of Biodiversity | 3 |
| BIOL 690 | Ultramicroscopy | 3 |
| CHEM 321 & 321L | Quantitative Analysis and Quantitative Analysis Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 331L | Essentials of Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 332L | Essentials of Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHEM 333 & 333L | Organic Chemistry I and Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 5 |
| CHEM 334 & 334L | Organic Chemistry II and Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 5 |
| CHEM 511 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 541 & 541L | Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics and Kinetics and Physical Chemistry Laboratory I: Thermodynamics and Kinetics 1 | 5 |
| CHEM 542 & 542L | Physical Chemistry II: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy and Physical Chemistry Laboratory II: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy | 5 |
| CHEM 621 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CSCE 561 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| ECIV 360 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| ECON 548 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
| ENHS 665 | Biofilms in Environmental Health and Disease | 3 |
| ENVR 231 | Introduction to Sustainability Management and Leadership | 3-4 |
| ENVR 548 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
| ENVR 571 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| ENVR 572 | Freshwater Ecology | 3 |
| ENVR 480 | Capstone Seminar in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GEOG 263 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GEOG 341 | Cartography | 3 |
| GEOG 345 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GEOG 365 | Hurricanes and Tropical Climatology | 3 |
| GEOG 510 | Special Topics in Geographic Research | 3 |
| GEOG 516 | Coastal Zone Management | 3 |
| GEOG 541 | Advanced Cartography | 3 |
| GEOG 545 | Weather Analysis and Forecasting | 4 |
| GEOG 546 | Applied Climatology | 4 |
| GEOG 551 | Remote Sensing of the Environment | 3 |
| GEOG 554 | Spatial Programming | 3 |
| GEOG 563 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GEOG 564 | GIS-Based Modeling | 3 |
| GEOL 305 | Earth Systems through Time | 4 |
| GEOL 315 | Surface and Near Surface Processes | 4 |
| GEOL 325 | Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basins | 4 |
| GEOL 335 | Processes of Global Environmental Change | 4 |
| GEOL 345 | Igneous and Metamorphic Processes | 4 |
| GEOL 355 | Structural Geology and Tectonics | 4 |
| GEOL 371 | A View of the River | 3 |
| GEOL 500 | Field Geology | 4-6 |
| GEOL 503 | Regional Stratigraphy and Biostratigraphy of North America | 3 |
| GEOL 516 | Sedimentology | 4 |
| GEOL 541 | Earth Science for Teachers II | 3 |
| GEOL 545 | Geological Oceanography | 3 |
| GEOL 546 | Marine Geophysics | 3 |
| GEOL 555 | Elementary Seismology | 3 |
| GEOL 570 | Environmental Hydrogeology | 3 |
| JOUR 507 | Health Communication: The Science and Practice | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 242 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 344 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 344L | Applied Linear Algebra Lab | 1 |
| MATH 520 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 521 | Boundary Value Problems and Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 526 | Numerical Linear Algebra | 4 |
| MATH 527 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 544 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| NAVY 301 & 301L | Navigation/Naval Operations I and Navigation/Naval Operations Lab I | 4 |
| NAVY 302 & 302L | Navigation/Naval Operations II and Navigation/Naval Operations II Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 311 | Introduction to Applied Numerical Methods | 3 |
| PHYS 515 | Mathematical Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 516 | Mathematical Physics II | 3 |
| POLI 370 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 |
| POLI 399A | Independent Study in Political Science | 1-6 |
| POLI 399B | Independent Study in International Studies | 1-6 |
| POLI 420 | International Law | 3 |
| POLI 431 | Science, Technology, and Public Policy | 3 |
| POLI 477 | Green Politics | 3 |
| SCHC 390-SCHC 398 1 | ||
| SCHC 499 | HNRS: Senior Thesis/Project 1 | 1-9 |
| SOCY 310 | Social Demography | 3 |
| SOCY 315 | Global Population Issues | 3 |
| STAT 506 | Introduction to Experimental Design | 3 |
| STAT 511 | Probability | 3 |
| STAT 512 | Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| STAT 513 | Theory of Statistical Inference | 3 |
| STAT 516 | Statistical Methods II | 3 |
| STAT 518 | Nonparametric Statistical Methods | 3 |
- 1
A maximum of 10 hours of independent study, seminar, and undergraduate research courses may count in the 23 hours of major electives required for the Marine Science major.
Note: Credit for a degree will not be given for both CHEM 340 and CHEM 541.
Concentrations (12-15 hours)
Students may elect to have a Concentration specified directly on their academic transcript upon graduation from the Marine Science Program. In order to earn a Concentration certification, students must take the following courses, with an additional course(s) to be decided upon by the student and his or her Faculty Advisor. These courses may also be included in the 36 major credit hours required for graduation.
Biological Oceanography (13 hours minimum)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 301 & 301L | Ecology and Evolution and Ecology and Evolution Laboratory (Lab not required) | 4 |
| BIOL 302 | Cell and Molecular Biology (Lab not required) 2 | 3 |
| or BIOL 303 | Fundamental Genetics | |
| Select two additional courses (six hours minimum) from the following list of marine biology, ecology, biology courses or similar courses as approved by advisor: | 6 | |
| The Deep Sea | ||
| Principles of Biological Oceanography | ||
| Environmental Microbiology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Marine Plants | ||
| Fishery Management | ||
| Ichthyology | ||
| Aquaculture | ||
| Behavior of Marine Organisms | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Marine Conservation Biology | ||
| Marine Ecology | ||
| Marine Fisheries Ecology | ||
| Ecology of Coral Reefs | ||
| Marine Phytoplankton | ||
| Undergraduate Research (if biology oriented) | ||
| Undergraduate Research (if biology oriented) | ||
| Undergraduate Research (if biology oriented) | ||
| Undergraduate Research (if biology oriented) | ||
| Topics in Marine Science (if biology oriented) | ||
| Ecosystem Analysis | ||
| Physiological and Pollution Ecology of Marine Organisms | ||
| Cell and Molecular Biology 2 | ||
or BIOL 303 | Fundamental Genetics | |
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Advanced Human Physiology (Lab not required) | ||
or BIOL 460L | Advanced Human Physiology Laboratory | |
| Advanced Microbiology | ||
| Developmental Biology (Lab not required) | ||
or BIOL 505L | Developmental Biology Laboratory I | |
| Animal Behavior (Lab not required) | ||
or BIOL 534L | Animal Behavior Laboratory | |
| Biochemistry | ||
| Comparative Physiology (Lab not required) | ||
or BIOL 543L | Comparative Physiology Laboratory | |
| Plant Physiology | ||
| Bacteriology (Lab not required) | ||
or BIOL 550L | Bacteriology Laboratory | |
| Principles of Ecology (Lab not required) | ||
or BIOL 570L | Principles of Ecology Laboratory | |
| Microbial Ecology | ||
| Evolutionary Biology | ||
| Ultramicroscopy | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 13 | |
- 1
CHEM 333 is recommended for those intending to complete postgraduate work in this area of emphasis.
- 2
BIOL 302L is optional.
Chemical Oceanography (13 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 321L | Quantitative Analysis Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 333 | Organic Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 334 | Organic Chemistry II 2 | 3 |
| One more Chemical Oceanography course at the 400-level or above from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Geochemistry | ||
| Environmental Radioisotope Geochemistry | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry II: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy | ||
| Instrumental Analysis | ||
| Aquatic Chemistry | ||
| Aquatic Chemistry | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 13 | |
- 1
Students may choose to complete the CHEM 333L along with CHEM 333.
- 2
Students may choose to complete the CHEM 334L along with CHEM 334.
Coastal Resource Management & Marine Policy (12 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSCI 390 | Policy and Marine Science | 3 |
| GEOG 516 | Coastal Zone Management | 3 |
| ENVR 548 | Environmental Economics 1 | 3 |
| One more Coastal Resource Management & Marine Policy course at the 400-level or above from the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Coastal Geomorphology | ||
| Principles of Coastal Geomorphology | ||
| Coastal Processes | ||
| Coastal Processes | ||
| Estuarine Oceanography | ||
| Estuarine Oceanography | ||
| Special Topics in Geographic Research | ||
| Advanced Cartography | ||
| Weather Analysis and Forecasting | ||
| Applied Climatology | ||
| Remote Sensing of the Environment | ||
| Spatial Programming | ||
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | ||
| GIS-Based Modeling | ||
| Beach-Dune Interactions | ||
| Beach-Dune Interactions | ||
| International Law | ||
| Science, Technology, and Public Policy | ||
| Green Politics | ||
| Environmental Policy | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Geological Oceanography (15 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEOL 302 | Rocks and Minerals | 4 |
| GEOL 305 | Earth Systems through Time | 4 |
| or GEOL 335 | Processes of Global Environmental Change | |
| GEOL 315 | Surface and Near Surface Processes | 4 |
| or GEOL 325 | Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basins | |
| GEOL 545 | Geological Oceanography | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Physical Oceanography (12 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 241 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 242 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| Select two of the following: 1 | 6 | |
| MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences | ||
| Coastal Processes | ||
| Air-Sea Interaction | ||
| Satellite Oceanography | ||
| Estuarine Oceanography | ||
| Marine Hydrodynamics | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Major Map
A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.
Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.
Marine Science, B.S. No Concentration
Marine Science, B.S. Biological Oceanography Concentration
Marine Science, B.S. Chemical Oceanography Concentration
Marine Science, B.S. Coastal Resource Management and Marine Policy
Marine Science, B.S. Geological Oceanography Concentration
Marine Science, B.S. Physical Oceanography Concentration
Marine Science, B.S. No Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MSCI 101 | The Ocean Environment | 4 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 102 | The Living Ocean | 4 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 112 & 112L |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 311 | Biology of Marine Organisms (fall only) | 4 |
| PHYS 201 & 201L |
General Physics I or Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
3 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,6 | 3 | |
| History 7 | 3 | |
| Take during Semester Three or Four: Preapproved Field Experience or MSCI 460 5 | 0-2 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 313 | The Chemistry of the Sea (spring only) | 4 |
| MSCI Elective (300-level or above) 8 | 3-4 | |
| PHYS 202 & 202L |
General Physics II or Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,6 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14-15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSCI 314 | Physical Oceanography (fall only) | 4 |
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) 8 | 3-4 | |
| CSCE 102 |
Web Design and Development using AI Tools (or higher CSCE course) or Ocean Data Analysis or MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences |
3 |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,6 | 3 | |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) 8 | 3-4 | |
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) 8 | 3-4 | |
| STAT 515 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-17 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) 8 | 3-4 | |
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) 8 | 3-4 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 | 3 | |
| Elective 9 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 505 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) 8 | 3-4 | |
| Elective 9 | 3 | |
| Elective 9 | 3 | |
| Elective 9 | 3 | |
| Elective 9 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 124-133 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who place into MATH 115 will be required to successfully complete it with a grade of C or better before taking MATH 141. MATH 115 can be used as an approved elective. Students who start with MATH 115 should use the following sequence for the first three semesters:
- Semester One: ENGL 101, MSCI 101, MATH 115, UNIV 101 or other Carolina Core Requirement, Foreign Language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Two: ENGL 102, MSCI 102, MATH 141, CHEM 111 & 111L, Foreign language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Three: MSCI 311, MATH 142, CHEM 112 & 112L, PHYS 201 & 201L or PHYS 211 & 211L.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
All MSCI majors are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of marine science field effort. Possibilities include taking the MSCI 460 class, semester or summer internship, REU, semester at sea, or faculty-sponsored field research or cruise or field data collection/analysis. Students who opt for an experience other than the MSCI 460 class must submit a petition for an alternative field experience to the Undergraduate Director. If the alternative is approved, the student must submit a short (2-3 page minimum) report at the completion of the experience to the Undergraduate Director for approval. Upon approval, the Undergraduate Director will notify the Dean’s office of the substitution, and the student’s record will be updated to reflect zero credit hours in MSCI 460 for meeting the field effort requirement. If the student takes the MSCI 460 class (2-credit hours), those credits will be counted towards their 23 major elective credit hours.
- 6
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 7
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
- 8
In addition to the required 13 hours of major coursework, Marine Science majors must select 23 hours of Marine Science electives in consultation with a faculty advisor for a total of 36 major hours. The elective courses listed in the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin for Marine Science are commonly selected, but any course eligible for cognate credit in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences can potentially be a major course in Marine Science. The determination of major courses in this interdisciplinary program is the result of consultation between the student and an advisor.
- 9
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. MSCI 101 and MSCI 102 must be completed in the first year in order to stay on track with subsequent Marine Science courses and ensure a timely graduation.
- Marine Science majors may enroll in the following courses a maximum of two times to earn the required grade of C or higher: MATH through MATH 142, CHEM 111/111L, CHEM 112/112/L, PHYS 201/201L or PHYS 211/211L, PHYS 202/202L or PHYS 212/212L. For the purposes of this standard of progression, withdrawal with a W does not constitute enrollment. These courses, in addition to MSCI 101 and MSCI 102, must be completed before the beginning of the student’s third academic year (fifth major semester) as a marine science major.
- A maximum of 10 semester hours of a combination of independent study, MSCI 505, and undergraduate research courses may count in the 36 hours of major credit required for the Marine Science major.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Marine Science, B.S. Biological Oceanography Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MSCI 101 | The Ocean Environment | 4 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
3 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 102 | The Living Ocean | 4 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 112 & 112L |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 311 | Biology of Marine Organisms (fall only) | 4 |
| PHYS 201 & 201L |
General Physics I or Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
4 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| History 7 | 3 | |
| Take during Semester Three or Four: Preapproved Field Experience or MSCI 460 6 | 0-2 | |
| Credit Hours | 17-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 313 | The Chemistry of the Sea (spring only) | 4 |
| BIOL 301 & 301L |
Ecology and Evolution and Ecology and Evolution Laboratory |
4 |
| MSCI 314 | Physical Oceanography (fall only) | 4 |
| PHYS 202 & 202L |
General Physics II or Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 19 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSCI 314 | Physical Oceanography (fall only) | 4 |
| STAT 515 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| CSCE 102 |
Web Design and Development using AI Tools (or higher-level CSCE course) or Ocean Data Analysis or MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences |
3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI Bio-Oceanography Elective 9 | 3 | |
| BIOL 302 or BIOL 303 |
Cell and Molecular Biology or Fundamental Genetics |
3 |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,8 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSCI Bio-Oceanography Elective 9 | 3 | |
| MSCI 505 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,8 | 3 | |
| Elective 8 | 7 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) 10 | 3-4 | |
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) only if needed to meet MSCI major requirements 6,10 | 3 | |
| Elective 8 | 9 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 128-131 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who place into MATH 115 will be required to successfully complete it with a grade of C or better before taking MATH 141. MATH 115 can be used as an approved elective. Students who start with MATH 115 should use the following sequence for the first three semesters:
- Semester One: ENGL 101, MSCI 101, MATH 115, UNIV 101 or other Carolina Core Requirement, Foreign Language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Two: ENGL 102, MSCI 102, MATH 141, CHEM 111 & 111L, Foreign language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Three: MSCI 311, MATH 142, CHEM 112 & 112L, PHYS 201 & 201L or PHYS 211 & 211L.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
All MSCI majors are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of marine science field effort. Possibilities include taking the MSCI 460 class, semester or summer internship, REU, semester at sea, or faculty-sponsored field research or cruise or field data collection/analysis. Students who opt for an experience other than the MSCI 460 class must submit a petition for an alternative field experience to the Undergraduate Director. If the alternative is approved, the student must submit a short (2-3 page minimum) report at the completion of the experience to the Undergraduate Director for approval. Upon approval, the Undergraduate Director will notify the Dean’s office of the substitution, and the student’s record will be updated to reflect zero credit hours in MSCI 460 for meeting the field effort requirement If the student takes the MSCI 460 class (2-credit hours), those credits will be counted towards their 23 major elective credit hours.
- 7
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
- 8
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences in Flinn Hall.
- 9
Select two courses from the following list of marine biology, ecology or biology courses, or similar courses as approved by advisor: MSCI 375, MSCI/BIOL 450, 503 (BIOL 502), 510, 525, 535, 536, 537, 538, 552, 574, 575, 576, 577, 627; MSCI 496, 497, 498, 499, 566, 578, 599 (if biology oriented); BIOL 302 (302L is optional, but may be taken with BIOL 302) or 303; BIOL 426, 460 (or 460L), 462, 505 (or 505L), 534 (or 534L), 541, 543 (or 543L), 549, 550 (or 550L), 570 (or 570L), 640, 652, 690.
- 10
In addition to the required 13 hours of major coursework, Marine Science majors must select 23 hours of Marine Science electives (which include the required Biological Oceanography Concentration courses) in consultation with a faculty advisor for a total of 36 major hours. The elective courses listed in the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin for Marine Science are commonly selected, but any course which is eligible for cognate credit in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences can potentially be a major course in Marine Science. The determination of major courses in this interdisciplinary program is the result of consultation between the student and an advisor.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. MSCI 101 and MSCI 102 must be completed in the first year in order to stay on track with subsequent Marine Science courses and ensure a timely graduation.
- Marine Science majors may enroll in the following courses a maximum of two times to earn the required grade of C or higher: MATH through MATH 142, CHEM 111/111L, CHEM 112/112L, PHYS 201/201L or PHYS 211/211L, PHYS 202/202L or PHYS 212/212L. For the purposes of this standard of progression, withdrawal with a W does not constitute enrollment. These courses, in addition to MSCI 101 and MSCI 102, must be completed before the beginning of the student’s third academic year (fifth major semester) as a marine science major.
- A maximum of 10 semester hours of a combination of independent study, seminar, and undergraduate research courses may count in the 36 hours of major credit required for the Marine Science major.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
Marine Science, B.S. Chemical Oceanography Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MSCI 101 | The Ocean Environment | 4 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 102 | The Living Ocean | 4 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 112 & 112L |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 311 | Biology of Marine Organisms (fall only) | 4 |
| PHYS 201 & 201L |
General Physics I or Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
4 |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 5 | 3 | |
| Take during Semester Three or Four: Preapproved Field Experience or MSCI 460 6 | 0-2 | |
| Credit Hours | 17-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 313 | The Chemistry of the Sea (s) | 4 |
| PHYS 202 & 202L |
General Physics II or Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| STAT 515 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 333 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| MSCI 314 | Physical Oceanography (fall only) | 4 |
| MSCI Elective (300-level & above) 7 | 3-4 | |
| MSCI Elective (300-level & above) 7 | 3-4 | |
| CSCE 102 |
Web Design and Development using AI Tools (or higher-level CSCE course) or Ocean Data Analysis or MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences |
3 |
| Credit Hours | 16-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 334 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| MSCI Elective (300-level & above) 7 | 3-4 | |
| History 8 | 3 | |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Chem-Oceanography Elective (400-level & above) | 3 | |
| CHEM 321 & 321L |
Quantitative Analysis and Quantitative Analysis Laboratory |
4 |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 | 3 | |
| Elective 9 | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 505 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| MSCI Elective (300-level & above) only if needed to meet MSCI major requirements 6 | 3 | |
| Electives 9 | 12 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 128-133 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who place into MATH 115 will be required to successfully complete it before taking MATH 141. MATH 115 can be used as an approved elective. Students who start with MATH 115 should use the following sequence for the first three semesters:
- Semester One: ENGL 101, MSCI 101, MATH 115, UNIV 101 or other Carolina Core Requirement, Foreign Language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Two: ENGL 102, MSCI 102, MATH 141, CHEM 111 & 111L, Foreign language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Three: MSCI 311, MATH 142, CHEM 112 & 112L, PHYS 201 & 201L or PHYS 211 & 211L.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
All MSCI majors are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of marine science field effort. Possibilities include taking the MSCI 460 class, semester or summer internship, REU, semester at sea, or faculty-sponsored field research or cruise or field data collection/analysis. Students who opt for an experience other than the MSCI 460 class must submit a petition for an alternative field experience to the Undergraduate Director. If the alternative is approved, the student must submit a short (2-3 page minimum) report at the completion of the experience to the Undergraduate Director for approval. Upon approval, the Undergraduate Director will notify the Dean’s office of the substitution, and the student’s record will be updated to reflect zero credit hours in MSCI 460 for meeting the field effort requirement If the student takes the MSCI 460 class (2-credit hours), those credits will be counted towards their 23 major elective credit hours.
- 7
In addition to the required 13 hours of major coursework, Marine Science majors must select 23 hours of Marine Science electives (which include the required Chemical Oceanography Concentration courses) in consultation with a faculty advisor for a total of 36 major hours. The elective courses listed in the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin for Marine Science are commonly selected, but any course which is eligible for cognate credit in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences can potentially be a major course in Marine Science. The determination of major courses in this interdisciplinary program is the result of consultation between the student and an advisor.
- 8
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
- 9
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. MSCI 101 and MSCI 102 must be completed in the first year in order to stay on track with subsequent Marine Science courses and ensure a timely graduation.
- Marine Science majors may enroll in the following courses a maximum of two times to earn the required grade of C or higher: MATH through MATH 142, CHEM 111/111L, CHEM 112/112L, PHYS 201/201L or PHYS 211/211L, PHYS 202/202L or PHYS 212/212L. For the purposes of this standard of progression, withdrawal with a W does not constitute enrollment. These courses, in addition to MSCI 101 and MSCI 102, must be completed before the beginning of the student’s third academic year (fifth major semester) as a marine science major.
- A maximum of 10 semester hours of a combination of independent study, seminar, and undergraduate research courses may count in the 36 hours of major credit required for the Marine Science major.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Marine Science, B.S. Coastal Resource Management and Marine Policy Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MSCI 101 | The Ocean Environment | 4 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 102 | The Living Ocean | 4 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 112 & 112L |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 311 | Biology of Marine Organisms (fall only) | 4 |
| PHYS 201 & 201L |
General Physics I or Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
4 |
| CSCE 102 |
Web Design and Development using AI Tools (or higher-level CSCE course) or Ocean Data Analysis or MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences |
3 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Take during Semester Three or Four: Preapproved Field Experience or MSCI 460 6 | 0-2 | |
| Credit Hours | 17-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 313 | The Chemistry of the Sea (spring only) | 4 |
| PHYS 202 & 202L |
General Physics II or Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| ECON 224 | Introduction to Economics (or Social Science) | 3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSCI 314 | Physical Oceanography (fall only) | 4 |
| MSCI 390 | Policy and Marine Science | 3 |
| MSCI Coastal Mgmt. Elective (400-level & above) | 3 | |
| STAT 515 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENVR 548 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
| GEOG 516 | Coastal Zone Management (spring only) | 3 |
| History 7 | 3 | |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,8 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSCI Elective (300-level & above) 9 | 3-4 | |
| MSCI Elective (300-level & above) 9 | 3-4 | |
| MSCI 505 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 | 3 | |
| Elective 8 | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI Elective (300-level & above) 9 | 3-4 | |
| MSCI Elective (300-level & above) only if needed to meet MSCI major requirements 6,9 | 3 | |
| Elective 8 | 9 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 129-134 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who place into MATH 115 will be required to successfully complete it before taking MATH 141. MATH 115 can be used as an approved elective. Students who start with MATH 115 should use the following sequence for the first three semesters:
- Semester One: ENGL 101, MSCI 101, MATH 115, UNIV 101 or other Carolina Core Requirement, Foreign Language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Two: ENGL 102, MSCI 102, MATH 141, CHEM 111 & 111L, Foreign language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Three: MSCI 311, MATH 142, CHEM 112 & 112L, PHYS 201 & 201L or PHYS 211 & 211L.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
All MSCI majors are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of marine science field effort. Possibilities include taking the MSCI 460 class, semester or summer internship, REU, semester at sea, or faculty-sponsored field research or cruise or field data collection/analysis. Students who opt for an experience other than the MSCI 460 class must submit a petition for an alternative field experience to the Undergraduate Director. If the alternative is approved, the student must submit a short (2-3 page minimum) report at the completion of the experience to the Undergraduate Director for approval. Upon approval, the Undergraduate Director will notify the Dean’s office of the substitution, and the student’s record will be updated to reflect zero credit hours in MSCI 460 for meeting the field effort requirement If the student takes the MSCI 460 class (2-credit hours), those credits will be counted towards their 23 major elective credit hours.
- 7
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
- 8
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
- 9
In addition to the required 13 hours of major coursework, Marine Science majors must select 23 hours of Marine Science electives (which include the required Coastal Resource Mgmt. & Policy Concentration courses) in consultation with a faculty advisor for a total of 36 major hours. The elective courses listed in the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin for Marine Science are commonly selected, but any course which is eligible for cognate credit in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences can potentially be a major course in Marine Science. The determination of major courses in this interdisciplinary program is the result of consultation between the student and an advisor.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. MSCI 101 and MSCI 102 must be completed in the first year in order to stay on track with subsequent Marine Science courses and ensure a timely graduation.
- Marine Science majors may enroll in the following courses a maximum of two times to earn the required grade of C or higher: MATH through MATH 142, CHEM 111/111L, CHEM 112/112L, PHYS 201/201L or PHYS 211/211L, PHYS 202/202L or PHYS 212/212L. For the purposes of this standard of progression, withdrawal with a W does not constitute enrollment. These courses, in addition to MSCI 101 and MSCI 102, must be completed before the beginning of the student’s third academic year (fifth major semester) as a marine science major.
- A maximum of 10 semester hours of a combination of independent study, seminar, and undergraduate research courses may count in the 36 hours of major credit required for the Marine Science major.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Marine Science, B.S. Geological Oceanography Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MSCI 101 | The Ocean Environment | 4 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 102 | The Living Ocean | 4 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 112 & 112L |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 311 | Biology of Marine Organisms (fall only) | 4 |
| PHYS 201 & 201L |
General Physics I or Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
4 |
| GEOL 101 |
Introduction to the Earth or Environment of the Earth or Observing the Earth |
4 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Take during Semester Three or Four: Preapproved Field Experience or MSCI 460 6 | 0-2 | |
| Credit Hours | 18-20 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 313 | The Chemistry of the Sea | 4 |
| GEOL 305 or GEOL 335 |
Earth Systems through Time or Processes of Global Environmental Change |
4 |
| PHYS 202 & 202L |
General Physics II or Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| History 7 | 3 | |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSCI 314 | Physical Oceanography | 4 |
| CSCE 102 |
Web Design and Development using AI Tools (or higher-level CSCE course) or Ocean Data Analysis or MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences |
3 |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement 6 | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement 6 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| GEOL 302 | Rocks and Minerals | 4 |
| STAT 515 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| MSCI Elective (See Bulletin for course list) 8 | 3-4 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GEOL 325 | Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basins (or MSCI Elective) 8 | 4 |
| GEOL 545 | Geological Oceanography | 3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 | 3 | |
| Elective 9 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 505 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| GEOL 315 | Surface and Near Surface Processes (or MSCI Elective) 8,10 | 4 |
| MSCI Elective (See Bulletin for course list) only if needed to meet MSCI major requirements 8 | 3-4 | |
| Elective (based upon hours needed to graduate) 9 | 7 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 129-133 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who place into MATH 115 will be required to successfully complete it before taking MATH 141. MATH 115 can be used as an approved elective. Students who start with MATH 115 should use the following sequence for the first three semesters:
- Semester One: ENGL 101, MSCI 101, MATH 115, UNIV 101 or other Carolina Core Requirement, Foreign Language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Two: ENGL 102, MSCI 102, MATH 141, CHEM 111 & 111L, Foreign Language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Three: MSCI 311, MATH 142, CHEM 112 & 112L, PHYS 201 & 201L or PHYS 211 & 211L.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
All MSCI majors are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of marine science field effort. Possibilities include taking the MSCI 460 class, semester or summer internship, REU, semester at sea, or faculty-sponsored field research or cruise or field data collection/analysis. Students who opt for an experience other than the MSCI 460 class must submit a petition for an alternative field experience to the Undergraduate Director. If the alternative is approved, the student must submit a short (2-3 page minimum) report at the completion of the experience to the Undergraduate Director for approval. Upon approval, the Undergraduate Director will notify the Dean’s office of the substitution, and the student’s record will be updated to reflect zero credit hours in MSCI 460 for meeting the field effort requirement. If the student takes the MSCI 460 class (2-credit hours), those credits will be counted towards their 23 major elective credit hours.
- 7
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
- 8
In addition to the required 13 hours of major coursework, Marine Science majors must select 23 hours of Marine Science electives (which include the required Geological Oceanography Concentration courses) in consultation with a faculty advisor for a total of 36 major hours. The elective courses listed in the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin for Marine Science are commonly selected, but any course which is eligible for cognate credit in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences can potentially be a major course in Marine Science. The determination of major courses in this interdisciplinary program is the result of consultation between the student and an advisor.
- 9
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
- 10
Choose either GEOL 325 in Semester Seven (fall) or GEOL 315 in Semester Eight (spring). Take a MSCI Elective in place of whichever course is not chosen.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. MSCI 101 and MSCI 102 must be completed in the first year in order to stay on track with subsequent Marine Science courses and ensure a timely graduation.
- Marine Science majors may enroll in the following courses a maximum of two times to earn the required grade of C or higher: MATH through MATH 142, CHEM 111/111L, CHEM 112/112L, PHYS 201/201L or PHYS 211/211L, PHYS 202/202L or PHYS 212/212L. For the purposes of this standard of progression, withdrawal with a W does not constitute enrollment. These courses, in addition to MSCI 101 and MSCI 102, must be completed before the beginning of the student’s third academic year (fifth major semester) as a marine science major.
- A maximum of 10 semester hours of a combination of independent study, seminar, and undergraduate research courses may count in the 36 hours of major credit required for the Marine Science major.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Marine Science, B.S. Physical Oceanography Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MSCI 101 | The Ocean Environment | 4 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 102 | The Living Ocean | 4 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 112 & 112L |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MSCI 311 | Biology of Marine Organisms | 4 |
| PHYS 211 & 211L |
Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
4 |
| MATH 241 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Take during Semester Three or Four: Preapproved Field Experience or MSCI 460 6 | 0-2 | |
| Credit Hours | 17-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 313 | The Chemistry of the Sea (spring only) | 4 |
| MATH 242 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| PHYS 212 & 212L |
Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSCI 314 | Physical Oceanography (fall only) | 4 |
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) 7 | 3-4 | |
| CSCE 102 |
Web Design and Development using AI Tools (or higher-level CSCE course) or Ocean Data Analysis or MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences |
3 |
| STAT 515 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) 7 | 3-4 | |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,8 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Physical-Oceanography Elective 9 | 3 | |
| Physical-Oceanography Elective 9 | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,8 | 3 | |
| History 10 | 3 | |
| Elective 8 | 3-4 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSCI 505 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| MSCI Elective (300-level and above) only if needed to meet MSCI major requirements 7 | 3-4 | |
| Elective 8 | 3 | |
| Elective 8 | 3 | |
| Elective 8 | 3 | |
| Elective 8 | 3-4 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-18 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 126-133 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who place into MATH 115 will be required to successfully complete it before taking MATH 141. MATH 115 can be used as an approved elective. Students who start with MATH 115 should use the following sequence for the first three semesters:
- Semester One: ENGL 101, MSCI 101, MATH 115, UNIV 101 or other Carolina Core Requirement, Foreign Language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Two: ENGL 102, MSCI 102, MATH 141, CHEM 111 & 111L, Foreign Language or other Carolina Core Req.
- Semester Three: MSCI 311, MATH 142, CHEM 112 & 112L, PHYS 201 & 201L or PHYS 211 & 211L.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
All MSCI majors are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of marine science field effort. Possibilities include taking the MSCI 460 class, semester or summer internship, REU, semester at sea, or faculty-sponsored field research or cruise or field data collection/analysis. Students who opt for an experience other than the MSCI 460 class must submit a petition for an alternative field experience to the Undergraduate Director. If the alternative is approved, the student must submit a short (2-3 page minimum) report at the completion of the experience to the Undergraduate Director for approval. Upon approval, the Undergraduate Director will notify the Dean’s office of the substitution, and the student’s record will be updated to reflect zero credit hours in MSCI 460 for meeting the field effort requirement. If the student takes the MSCI 460 class (2-credit hours), those credits will be counted towards their 23 major elective credit hours.
- 7
In addition to the required 13 hours of major coursework, Marine Science majors must select 23 hours of Marine Science electives (which include the required Physical Oceanography Concentration courses) in consultation with a faculty advisor for a total of 36 major hours. The elective courses listed in the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin for Marine Science are commonly selected, but any course which is eligible for cognate credit in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences can potentially be a major course in Marine Science. The determination of major courses in this interdisciplinary program is the result of consultation between the student and an advisor.
- 8
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
- 9
Physical Oceanography Electives (6 hours): MSCI 557 (or GEOL 557), 579 (or GEOL 579), 581 (or GEOL 581), 582 (or GEOL 582), 590 (or GEOG 590).
- 10
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. MSCI 101 and MSCI 102 must be completed in the first year in order to stay on track with subsequent Marine Science courses and ensure a timely graduation.
- Marine Science majors may enroll in the following courses a maximum of two times to earn the required grade of C or higher: MATH through MATH 142, CHEM 111/111L, CHEM 112/112L, PHYS 201/201L or PHYS 211/211L, PHYS 202/202L or PHYS 212/212L. For the purposes of this standard of progression, withdrawal with a W does not constitute enrollment. These courses, in addition to MSCI 101 and MSCI 102, must be completed before the beginning of the student’s third academic year (fifth major semester) as a marine science major.
- A maximum of 10 semester hours of a combination of independent study, seminar, and undergraduate research courses may count in the 36 hours of major credit required for the Marine Science major.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.