Program Overview
The Marine and Environmental Science at University of the Virgin Islands is a MSc programme in Natural Sciences over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of natural sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Marine and Environmental Science programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Virgin Islands, U.S. and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- Tuition: USD 735 (Tuition (Module)) — International students; USD 368 (Tuition (Module)) — National students
- Location: Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands, U.S.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Marine and Environmental Science programme are prepared for diverse careers in natural sciences:
- Research Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Laboratory Manager
- Science Writer
- Policy Advisor
- Academic Researcher
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Physical and Ecological Processes along a Land-Sea Gradient I (3 credits)
- Research Methodologies and Tools I (3 credits)
- Natural Resource Management I (3 credits)
- Professional Development I (1 credit)
- Physical and Ecological Processes along a Land-Sea Gradient II (3 credits)
- Research Methodologies and Tools II (3 credits)
- Natural Resource Management II (3 credits)
- Professional Development II (1 credit)
- Marine Ecology (3 credits)
- Evolution (3 credits)
- Aquatic Plant Biology (4 credits)
- Terrestrial Plant Biology (4 credits)
- Plant Physiology (4 credits)
- Environmental Science and Human Health (3 credits)
- Selected Topics in Marine and Environmental Science (variable credits)
- Independent Study (1-4 credits)
- Internship (1-4 credits)
- Pedagogy and Mentoring (1 credit)
- Dr. Kostas Alexandridis
- Dr. Marilyn Brandt
- Dr. Lorraine Buckley
- Dr. Bernard Castillo
- Dr. Richard Hall
- Dr. Paul Jobsis
- Dr. Donna Nemeth
- Dr. Richard Nemeth
- Dr. Renata Platenberg
- Dr. Avram Primack
- Dr. Stephen Ratchford
- Dr. Jennilee Robinson
- Dr. Tyler Smith
- Dr. Alice Stanford
- Dr. Robert Stolz
- Dr. Teresa Turner
- Dr. Sandra Romano
- Dr. Kristin Wilson
- Dr. Sennai Habtes
- Dr. Paul Sikkel (Adjunct Faculty)
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Application due date and decision timeline:
- Complete applications for this program, including recommendations, must be received by March 1 of every year (or the following business day if the date falls on a weekend or holiday). Applications received after this date may not receive full consideration.
- Applicants will be notified via email when a complete application has been received.
- The MMES admissions committee will meet shortly after the March 1 deadline. We expect to contact applicants by April 1 with application decisions. Those who are accepted will be asked to respond to the offer of admission by May 1. If a space becomes available, wait-listed candidates are accepted in the order they are ranked.
To apply to the MMES program, please complete the following checklist of requirements:
1. Completed printable version of UVI\'s graduate application (PDF) mailed to Admissions Office at the address below or online graduate application.
2. Program Application online form. Please be prepared to complete this web form in one sitting.
Information you will need to complete the application:
- Citizenship information
- GPA, hours completed and/or degree information for all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) institutions you are currently attending or have attended
- GRE scores
- TOEFL scores (if applicable)
- List of academic honors, fellowships, scholarships and other awards received
- Names and addresses of three (3) persons who are acquainted with your academic work and/or experience in your proposed field of study
- A 1000 word or less personal statement explaining your reasons for wishing to undertake graduate work within the MMES program, identifying an area of research that you are interested in pursuing and explaining how your academic interests relate to your undergraduate study, work experience (if any), and professional goals.
4. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate level work are required.
Please note that mail takes approximately one to two weeks longer to arrive in the US Virgin Islands than on the mainland; therefore, we strongly urge applicants to request transcripts at least one to two months before the application deadline.
If an applicant is completing her/his degree at the time of application and if s/he is accepted to the Masters program, s/he will have to produce proof of having been awarded a baccalaureate degree prior to being allowed to matriculate.
It is highly recommended that applicants would have completed the following coursework within the past ten (10) years:
- Three (3) semesters of some combination of General Biology and General Chemistry, including at least one semester of Biology
- One (1) semester of Calculus and one (1) additional semester of Calculus or a course in the area of applied mathematics, biostatistics, statistics, and quantitative research methods
- Additional suggested courses include upper level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics or other social science coursework.
5. An official score of the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE): http://www.ets.org/gre must be submitted. Please use institution code 0879 (there is no department code).
6. Proof of English competency for international students for whom English is not a first language, such as TOEFL scores.
7. A CV or r\xc3\xa9sum\xc3\xa9 must be submitted with your application.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 735 (Tuition (Module)) — International students; USD 368 (Tuition (Module)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 735 (Tuition (Module)) — International students; USD 368 (Tuition (Module)) — National students
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of the Virgin Islands directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of the Virgin Islands
University of the Virgin Islands
Charlotte Amalie, United States
University of the Virgin Islands is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2004-03-18
- Start Date 2018-01-01
- Language English
- Duration 24 months