Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 APU Catalog 
    
2021-2022 APU Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Marine & Environmental Sciences, B.S.


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Human impacts on the environment are at the forefront of scientific, cultural, and political discourse.  The separate biological and physical sciences are now becoming integrated in order to address the complexity of local, regional, and global environmental issues. The BS in Marine & Environmental Sciences (MES) provides students with both integration and specialization, addressing these challenges and participating in ground-breaking research. 

Every sector of the job market wants college graduates who can think critically, solve problems and develop new ideas. Building on Foundational Studies, students grow these skills through the MES Major Studies which include an Integrated Core and prepare majors for the interdisciplinary nature of marine and environmental sciences. Students are encouraged to distinguish the degree by completing one or more MES concentrations as Self-Determined Studies.  Concentrations include Marine Biology, Earth & Climate Science, Ecology, Fisheries Ecology, Aquarium & Husbandry Science, and Applied Math.

MES graduates are prepared with knowledge, skills, and methodologies for graduate study.  They are also prepared to enter professional careers with private consulting firms, non-governmental organizations and public agencies at the state and federal levels.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate, a student will earn an Bachelor of Science degree with realized proficiency in APU’s Core Competencies:

  1. Effective Communication [EC]:  Demonstrate the ability to get one’s point across in writing, presentations, and organizations in order to share information, teach others, and foster collaboration
  2. Critical Thinking [CT]:  Demonstrate the ability to compute, analyze, make sense of information or data, and reach reasoned conclusions cognizant of possible bias or fallacies
  3. Cultural & Historical Perspective [CH]:  Demonstrate the ability to effectively consider tradition and heritage in relation to decision-making in a world shaped by diverse cultures and abiding histories
  4. Scientific Inquiry [SI]:  Demonstrate the ability to reach verifiable conclusions based on documented observations, findings, and recognized methods in order to know how things work in our world
  5. Ethical Engagement [EE]:  Demonstrate ability to raise needed questions and apply ethical and effective problem-framing and problem-solving to make things better

Foundational Studies (32-40 credits)


  • EC Written Communication** (WRIT 20100) (4)
  • EC Presentation & Media Literacy (from 10000-20000 level COMM) (3-4)
  • CT Critical Thinking (from 10000-20000 level CRIT) (3-4)
  • CT Computation** (MT 10100, BA 10500, or higher placement) (3-4)
  • CH Intellectual Traditions (various) (4)
  • CH Creative Endeavors (various) (4)
  • CH Intercultural & Spiritual Understandings (various) (3-4)
  • SI Biological/Physical Scientific Inquiry (various) (4)
  • SI Social/Behavioral Scientific Inquiry (various) (3-4) 
  • EE Social Responsibility (LS 10200) (2)
  • EE Personal Responsibility (various) (1-2)

     [†  Foundational Studies requirement satisfied in the Major Studies]
     [**  Minimum grade of ‘C’ (defined as C+, C, C-) must be earned]
    (Unless otherwise noted, check for courses which satisfy Foundational Studies categories under ‘Bachelor-level Degree Requirements- Overview’)

Self-Determined Studies (varies)


The MES degree is designed particularly to allow students to choose their own specialization as Self-Determined Studies.  Students are encouraged to distinguish their degree by selecting one or more of the MES concentrations.  Students may also distinguish their studies taking more electives in the sciences or with a minor, interdisciplinary concentration, or Eco League exchange.

Minimum Graduation Credit Hour Requirement: 128


MES Concentration Options (28 credits)


A minimum of 28 credits is required to complete a concentration.  Within each concentration there are required courses (20-24 credits) and elective options.  Courses taken for one concentration can double-count for other concentrations.  Students can complete concentration coursework through an Eco League exchange (as approved by an academic advisor). Many courses listed within concentrations will have pre-requisites.  Students are responsible for ensuring that pre-requisites have been met. Students are strongly encouraged to choose practicum experiences and senior projects relevant to their selected concentrations.   

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