The Marine Sciences program concentrates on the physical and chemical aspects of science of the marine, estuarine, and coastal environment. The coastal location of the campus enables students to acquire extensive hands-on field experience in addition to a solid base of academic instruction in chemistry, geology, physics, biology, and mathematics. Students take four semesters of oceanography (biological, chemical, physical and geological). Electives in the junior and senior year allow the student to obtain a broader background in ocean studies or to specialize, usually in the areas of environmental science, geology, or chemistry or to prepare for admission to graduate school or professional positions in industry or government. Students may choose to pursue a minor in geology or chemistry.

The Marine Sciences graduate has a strong, well-rounded foundation in the quantitative physical sciences with considerable field and laboratory experience. With suitably chosen electives, graduates are qualified to enter M.S. or Ph.D. programs in Oceanography or related disciplines, or alternatively to move directly into the employment market. Graduates go on to jobs in environmental monitoring, oceanographic instrumentation, pollution control, the offshore oil industry, and other fields requiring a general technical background. Many students also go on to careers in the Navy or with other government agencies.