Marine Biodiversity and Conservation
Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation
(858) 822-2886
E-mail: mbc@ucsd.edu
http://mbc.ucsd.edu
All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice. Updates may be found on the Academic Senate website: http://senate.ucsd.edu/catalog-copy/approved-updates/.
The master of advanced studies (MAS) in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation is a unique program of study equipping its graduates with the knowledge they need to improve conservation of marine biodiversity in the world’s most diverse and threatened eco-regions through development of local capacity and science-based management tools. Led by faculty of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the program is designed to teach current and future professionals about marine ecosystems from the scientific, economic and policy perspectives, as well as provide important cultural and communications skills. The degree is most appropriate for marine resource managers in all regions of the world, practicing marine science professionals who wish to broaden their understanding and influence in this arena, science policy analysts and advocates, and natural scientists interested in obtaining a more firm grounding in marine biodiversity.
The MAS in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation is a full-time, self-supporting degree program that most students complete in a twelve-month period, mid-June through mid-June each year. The UC San Diego graduate division confers the MAS degree and the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps Oceanography is responsible for the academic management of the curriculum.
Admission
New students are admitted in the summer (June) of each academic year. Prospective candidates should submit and complete the official UC San Diego online graduate application for admission, the application fee, one set of official transcripts from each institution attended after high school, three letters of recommendation, and a current résumé or curriculum vitae. The GRE/GMAT is not required. Candidates must normally have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. International applicants must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The application deadline is in January for the summer through spring academic program.
Program of Study
The full-time degree program is designed to be completed in one year. In the summer session, classes are scheduled five days a week, eight hours a day. In the fall, summer, and spring, students take courses that are held during regularly scheduled university class hours. Students are required to complete forty-eight units of courses, comprising thirty-six core units, including a six-unit capstone project, and twelve elective units.
Core Courses (36 units)
- SIO 295S. Introduction to Marine Biodiversity and Conservation—Seminar (8 units)
- SIO 295LS. Introduction to Marine Biodiversity and Conservation—Lab (8 units)
- MBC 258. Special Topics/Marine Biology (1 unit course; must be completed twice)
- Core Course in Marine Science Economics and Policy (4 units)
- Students may either take SIO 286, Marine Science, Economics, and Policy, or another course approved by the MAS-MBC program chair. Please contact the program for a list of approved courses.
- Core Course in Economics approved by MAS-MBC program chair (4 units)
- Student may either take Econ 281, Special Topics in Economics, or another course approved by the MAS-MBC program chair. Please contact the program for a list of approved courses.
- Core Course in Policy/Communications approved by MAS-MBC program chair (4 units)
- Students may either take SIO 296, Special Topics in Marine Biology, or another course approved by the MAS-MBC program chair. Please contact the program for a list of approved courses.
- MBC 296. Capstone Independent Study Project (6 units)
Elective Courses (12 units)
Students enroll in twelve elective units of course work related to marine biodiversity and conservation issues. Please contact the program for a list of approved elective courses.