As an international direct student at USC, you’ll receive:

• Exclusive and rigorous academic coursework
• Priority access to in-demand courses that fit your interests
• Guidance from academic advisors and mentors
• Career development and networking opportunities
• Intensive classes with domestic students

The ocean is one of the most productive and complex environments on Earth. Covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, it plays a major role in regulating the Earth’s climate and supports a diversity of life that impacts industry, tourism, and human health. Understanding the natural oceanic ecosystem, as well as human impacts on the marine realm, represents a major challenge to marine scientists worldwide. Marine Science oriented Faculty within the SEOE are leaders both within South Carolina and internationally in examining a variety of research questions that are vital to increasing our current understanding of the marine environment.

The BS in Marine Science (as opposed to Marine Biology) offers a holistic approach to the study of the oceans.  Interdisciplinary in nature, the degree draws upon subject matter in many different fields of scientific endeavor, including Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental, Physics, Engineering, Environmental Health and Social Sciences be combined into an individually-tailored curriculum. One cannot truly understand the organisms which live in the ocean without fully understanding their unique ocean environment.  

Marine Science majors take a series of core courses covering the geological, biological, chemical and physical areas of oceanography, and then choose upper-level major courses to tailor the degree to their specific interests.  Students may choose to specialize in biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography or coastal resource management/marine affairs and have specific Areas of Emphasis listed on their transcripts upon graduation.