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Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate students on RV Savannah

Ocean science allows students to explore the marine environment from the shoreline to the open ocean, and the myriad ways that the oceans interact with the land and atmosphere. Ocean science is inherently interdisciplinary and students can explore the physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, and geology of the oceans, enhancing their understanding of the environment and developing their critical thinking skills. This program prepares students for careers in ocean and environmental sciences. For more information about our undergraduate programs, please see the information below or contact Dr. Brian Hopkinson (bmhopkin@uga.edu)
 

Ocean Science Major (B.S.)

A sampling rosette in the oceanThe Ocean Science Major (B.S.) provides students with a deep, interdisciplinary understanding of the structure and function of marine systems, from global oceans to local estuarine environments, and their interactions with the earth/atmosphere system. The major will equip students with the critical thinking skills and analytical tools needed to design, carry out, and interpret scientific studies in a broad range of environmental fields. 

View Ocean Science Major (B.S.)

fALL sEMESTER fIELD sTUDY pROGRAM 

RV Savannah

The Semester@Skidaway Field Study program is a capstone semester for seniors in our Ocean Science major and places students on the Georgia coast for a unique learning experience. Learn methods and concepts from leaders in marine science research and visit all the ecosystems and environments which make the region special. Students will participate in field trips to scientifically and culturally relevant locations, explore the coastal area on the Skidaway Institute’s fleet of small vessels, and cruise on the R/V Savannah for an overnight research expedition.

 View Field Study Program 

Marine Biology Area of Emphasis

Image of a kelp forestStudents majoring in Biology can now enroll in the Marine Biology Area-of-Emphasis.  This program provides a strong foundation for graduate studies or employment in Marine Biology and related fields.  The program is wholly contained within the Biology major – no extra coursework is required.  Specific requirements can be found on the Biology program web site.

View Marine Biology Area of Emphasis

Double Dawg Dual Degree

RV Palmer in McMurdo SoundThe Double Dawgs program was created to give ambitious and motivated students a competitive advantage in today’s knowledge economy. By earning both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years or less, students can save time and money while positioning themselves for success after graduation.

View Double Dawg Info

Certificates

CtenophoreThe Undergraduate Certificate Program provides a common curriculum to meet the educational needs of the next generation of environmental scientists and managers. Many of the courses provide hands-on experiences in an outdoor setting to learn about water resources.

View Certificate Info

 

Spring Semester and Summer Semester Coastal Field Study Programs

Shark swimming in a kelp forestParticipate in research at UGA's renowned Marine Institute on Sapelo Island. Explore the salt marsh, conduct fisheries sampling aboard an oceanographic research vessel, see nesting sea turtles, and dive into independent research projects. These programs are open to both UGA and non-UGA students, and are ideal for students pursuing degrees in biology, ecology, chemistry, geology, fisheries, wildlife, environmental sciences, and oceanography.

View Coastal Study Away Programs

 

Photo Credits: Julie Spivey (students on RV Savannah), Mike Sullivan (rosette), Adrian Burd (kelp forest, RV Palmer, ctenophore, shark)

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