Â鶹´å

A Program Shaped by the Coast

Studying Marine Science at Cal State Â鶹´å means being in the field as much as in the classroom. With the Â鶹´å National Marine Sanctuary at your doorstep, the shoreline, tidepools and deep waters become your learning environment. Every season, every tide and every shift in the weather offers new questions to explore.

Students in the Department of Marine Science apply a wide range of technologies to studying marine ecosystems. Through applied learning and research, students gain the skills necessary to develop a sustainable balance between the unique environmental, recreational, cultural and economic opportunities in the Â鶹´å region. Through lab and field experience, students apply techniques of experimental design, data acquisition, analysis and presentation that provide them with the skills needed to monitor and analyze marine science problems. Students are encouraged to interact with other Â鶹´å institutions, to take advantage of additional local expertise in marine and coastal ecology.

Courses are hands-on from the start, with opportunities to dive, collect, monitor and analyze. Students don't just observe; they participate. Through this work, they gain the scientific training and experience to pursue marine research, resource management, conservation and advanced study.

“The scuba program was probably the biggest opportunity I’ve had here. It really helped me figure out what I enjoy doing.”
— Branden Clarin