Academics
Combining traditional faculty and program strengths in oceanography, marine biology and ocean engineering with an emerging marine policy focus, the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering provides its students with the scientific underpinnings of these disciplines while training them to contribute to and engage in scientifically-informed policy and resource management. Both the graduate and undergraduate degree programs and undergraduate minors are offered through programs that are integrated between the school and the appropriate colleges and departments at UNH.
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Certificate Programs
The University of New Hampshire offers several opportunities for graduate students to earn certificates to complement their degree and working professionals to augment their training.
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Policy MinorEffective management of human activities in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes areas is critical to our future, which includes the setting of public policy as it relates to these systems.
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Undergraduate Programs
The University of New Hampshire offers several programs for undergraduate students interested in a marine-related degree.
See Undergraduate Programs (below) v
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Graduate Programs
The University of New Hampshire offers several programs for graduate students interested in an advanced marine-related degree.
See Graduate Programs (below) v
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Explore Programs
Why get a master’s degree in marine biology?
Marine biologists seek to understand and protect marine and estuarine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. A graduate degree in marine biology prepares you for a successful career in science, technology, education and public service.
Why choose UNH for your degree?
The combination of our location, faculty and laboratories makes UNH one of the best institutions from which to obtain a graduate degree in marine biology. Our faculty have expertise ranging from molecular biology to ecology and fisheries, and their research programs often…
Why pursue a Ph.D. in marine biology at UNH?
Our marine biology Ph.D. program will help you advance your career as you seek to understand and protect marine and estuarine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. Faculty in our program use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism and neurobiology, and study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. You’ll have the opportunity to focus on basic research or work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries. Our graduates now lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine…
Why get a graduate certificate in citizen and community science?
The emerging fields of citizen science and community science have expanded in recent years, providing new connections between scientific research and community decision-making. With the expansion of the use of and opportunities for citizen and community science, dedicated study through a graduate certificate enables students to focus on conducting robust and authentic citizen and community science projects. It will help students understand both the theory and practice behind this work, including best practices for effective…
Why get a graduate certificate in coastal policy?
Coastal policy (also referred to as marine or ocean policy) is focused on public policy and governance as it relates to marine, ocean, and coastal resources. Effective management of human activities in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes areas is critical to our future, which includes the setting of public policy as it relates to these systems. A graduate certificate (stand-alone or companion to another graduate degree) provides unique preparation and dedicated study appropriate for a range of students and professionals with interests in applied…
Earth sciences are vital to understanding our dynamic Earth, ocean, and atmosphere; our changing climate; and how to create a sustainable future. The Department of Earth Sciences offers three majors: the B.S. Earth Sciences, with tracks in Geology, Geophysics, Climate, and Oceanography, the B.S. Environmental Sciences, with options in Hydrology and Geosystems, and the B.A. Earth Sciences. All of our degree programs provide a strong concentration in geoscience that is built upon a solid foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences.
Our Earth and environmental science degrees are…
What is marine policy?
Marine policy (also referred to as coastal or ocean policy) is a field of study and practice focused on public policy and governance as it relates to marine, ocean, and coastal resources. Effective management of human activities in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes areas is critical to our future,which includes the setting of public policy as it relates to these systems.Combine this minor with a major such as ocean engineering, biology, wildlife conservation, environmental conservation and sustainability, political science, or others to enhance your career opportunities…
What is marine, estuarine and freshwater biology?
Marine, estuarine and freshwater biology is a wide-ranging discipline that covers everything from the smallest aquatic microbes to the largest marine mammals and the habitats that they depend on, as well as emerging opportunities in shellfish, fish and seaweed farming.The program builds on a core curriculum in math, chemistry, physics and biology, and branches out into the aquatic sciences. Students specialize in their own areas of interest, preparing for exciting careers in fields including research, teaching, conservation, restoration,…
What is a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering?
This degree program is tailored to students interested in solving engineering challenges associated with the ocean by studying the future technology, infrastructure needs and exploration methodology for the changing environment. It prepares students for careers in industry or government and provides a foundation for graduate studies. This program emphasizes ocean engineering fundamentals while offering interdisciplinary opportunities for focused study in civil, electrical, environmental or mechanical engineering and marine sciences.
Why…
Why get an advanced degree in ocean engineering?
Ocean engineering is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to interact with professionals in diverse disciplines within the ocean science community to develop responsible solutions leading to sustainable activity and life in the ocean. Ocean Engineering is a path toward developing practical, real-world ways to address the many urgent problems threatening the health of our oceans and, indeed, our entire planet. Rising sea levels, increasing populations close to the coast, and more frequent and severe storms are all issues that…
Why pursue a Ph.D. in ocean engineering?
As a student in our ocean engineering Ph.D. program, you’ll work toward developing real-world, sustainable solutions to the many urgent problems threatening the health of our oceans and planet. Rising sea levels, increasing populations close to the coast, and more frequent and severe storms all are issues ocean engineers are addressing. This interdisciplinary program will prepare you to interact with professionals in diverse disciplines within the ocean science community. An increasing number of positions for marine engineers coupled with a low number…
Why get a graduate certificate in ocean mapping?
More than 85% of the ocean floor is still unexplored. Ocean mappers are modern-day explorers, mastering not only the elements of mapping the seabed, but also becoming adept at such topics as the geologic characterization of the seabed and the mapping of living ocean resources and habitats. The ocean mapping graduate certificate is designed to provide advanced graduate training to working professionals who come from backgrounds ranging from earth science, geology and biology to engineering. You’ll complete core courses and an associated…
Why get a master’s degree in earth sciences with an ocean mapping option?
More than 85 percent of the ocean floor is still unexplored. Ocean mappers are modern-day explorers, mastering not only the elements of mapping the seabed, but also becoming adept at such topics as the geologic characterization of the seabed; mapping of living ocean resources and habitats; and development of the tools, sensors and techniques used to map the oceans.
Why choose for your earth sciences degree?
As a student in the ocean mapping program at UNH, you’ll gain experimental, numerical and analytical skills…
Why get a Master of Science in oceanography?
Are you interested in the environment around you, and does a job or career in marine science appeal to you? Do your interests lie in the aquatic realm, specifically the marine system that includes oceans, estuaries and the atmosphere? Then you’re in luck! Students in the oceanography graduate program are trained in the broad sub disciplines (physical, biological, chemical and geological oceanography) and in their specialty field, and conduct research in topics including – but not limited to – coastal and estuarine processes, sedimentation and…
What is oceanography?
Are you interested in the environment around you, and does a career related to marine science appeal to you? Do your interests lie in the aquatic realm, specifically the marine systems that include oceans, estuaries and the atmosphere? The oceanography minor offers a broad foundation in biological, chemical, physical and geological oceanography, with the opportunity to explore courses in marine biology, botany, ecology and evolution,aquaculture,climate, pollution and more. Combine this minor with a major in the sciences, education or business to prepare for career…
Why pursue a Ph.D. in oceanography at UNH?
Offering outstanding facilities along the New Hampshire coast and beyond,UNH is the perfect location to immerse yourself in marine science. You’ll work closely with a diverse faculty while conducting research on ocean processes in broad fields of physical, biological, chemical and geological oceanography and geophysics. You’ll have the opportunity to work in oceanic settings that range from shallow nearshore and estuarine waters to the deep ocean and span all ocean basins on earth,including the Arctic. Our interdisciplinary programs will prepare you…
Specialized Classes & Programs
Several specialized courses are offered thru the University of New Hampshire in support of students with marine science and ocean engineering interests throughout the university. These include the Marine Immersion course for incoming freshman and transfer students, basic and advanced research SCUBA courses, and the Ocean Projects course that pairs senior undergraduate students majoring in engineering and science with faculty to develop and carry out year-long research projects.
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Studied horseshoe crab behavior and distributionHelen Cheng researched American horseshoe crabs at SMSOE then worked at Sea Grant as a Knauss Fellow and coastal resilience specialist. She's currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Northeastern University in Marine and Environmental…Learn More -
Engineer gives back to program that inspired herAngela Hampson, who completed an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and graduate degree in ocean engineering, mentors with STEM outreach program she attended as a teen.Learn More -
Larry Mayer, director for the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping and Joint Hydrographic Center at UNH, has been selected as the first recipient of the Walter Munk Medal. Established in 2019, the Walter Munk Medal is awarded biennially by The…Learn More -
Lumpfish are being grown at the Coastal Marine Lab to investigate their use as cleanerfish at cage-reared salmonid farms in the US. Researchers are addressing existing lumpfish culture gaps, developing husbandry guides and SOPs to enable the development of a US lumpfish industry, showing proof of concept that lumpfish are effective cleanerfish for steelhead trout as well as for Atlantic salmon…Learn More -
NOAA taps UNH as one of five institutions tasked with exploring U.S. ocean territoryUNH is one of five internationally renowned ocean science institutions chosen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) over the next five years to explore an estimated three billion acres of U.S. ocean territory as part of the newLearn More
