BA in Marine Science in Boston United States | Boston University

The Bachelor of Arts in Marine Science, delivered via the BU Marine Program (BUMP), offers a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary curriculum covering biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography studies. Every Marine Science student undertakes the intensive Marine Semester - a demanding four-month series of research-intensive courses. This immersive experience includes fieldwork across New England sites and the Belizean Barrier Reef, collaborating with BU professors and researchers from institutions like the New England Aquarium, NOAA, and the University of Belize.

This marine science degree equips graduates for careers across commercial, educational, government, and nonprofit sectors, while also providing strong preparation for advanced studies in fields such as environmental science, marine biology, and oceanography.

Program Objectives
Students completing the Marine Science major will achieve these educational goals:

Master core marine science concepts encompassing geological, physical, chemical, and biological marine processes.
Develop proficiency in standard marine science techniques including laboratory work, field studies, and modeling approaches.
Acquire skills to: i) develop testable hypotheses, ii) create experimental or observational research designs, iii) perform rigorous statistical analysis, and iv) derive valid conclusions from findings.
Effectively communicate marine science concepts, methodologies, results, and implications to both technical and general audiences through written and oral presentations.
Apply acquired knowledge to address challenges in marine geology, physics, chemistry, or biology.
Understand the reciprocal relationship between human activities and marine ecosystems, including environmental impacts and societal consequences.