6  M.S. Marine Biology

6.1 Program Description

6.1.1 Degree Overview

Students in the M.S. Marine Biology program develop a plan of study in consultation with their advisor and Master’s Thesis Committee. The program includes required core courses and competencies, thesis research, and professional development.

Completion of at least 30 credits is required, including research credits. Students develop a thesis proposal within the first year and complete thesis research (typically 6–10 credits). The degree is awarded when:

  • Thesis research results are deemed acceptable
  • A formal public thesis presentation and defense has occurred
  • The thesis is approved by the Thesis Committee and accepted by the Graduate School

All students are expected to present research publicly (including at the UNH Graduate Research Conference) and to gain teaching and/or mentoring experience.

6.2 Credit Requirements

The M.S. degree requires a minimum of 30 total credits, including:

  • 6–10 credits of thesis research (BIOL 899 – Master’s Thesis)
  • Required coursework and competencies (outlined below)

Up to 8 graduate credits may be transferred from another institution if: - They were not counted toward another degree
- A grade of B or higher was earned
- The transfer is approved by the advisor, committee, and Graduate School

Students admitted through the Accelerated Master’s (AM) program may apply up to 12 credits of prior upper-level UNH coursework, in accordance with AM policies.

6.3 Required Courses and Competencies

All M.S. Marine Biology students must complete the following:

Core Course - BIOL 901 – Introductory Graduate Seminar
Introduces program expectations, professional skills, and cohort building during the first semester.

Contemporary Techniques (2 courses) - Two courses in contemporary research techniques
- At least one must be quantitative
- Course selection should be determined with the advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator

Writing and Communication (1 course) - May be fulfilled by prior graduate coursework (if approved) or by completing a graduate-level course
- Recommended courses often include:
- BIOL 902 – Writing and Publishing Science
- BIOL 950 – Scientific Communication

Marine-Focused Course (1 course) - May be fulfilled by prior approved graduate coursework or by completing a marine-focused graduate course

Field Experience Requirement - May be fulfilled through:
- A graduate course with a substantial field component, or
- Field research conducted as part of the thesis

6.4 Learning Outcomes

6.4.1 Core Knowledge

Demonstrate advanced knowledge within the subdiscipline relevant to the thesis research and general knowledge of marine biology.

6.4.2 Critical Thinking

Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative biological research to develop and test novel hypotheses.

6.4.3 Research

Apply appropriate research methods and analytical techniques to address a meaningful gap in the field.

6.4.4 Communication

Effectively communicate scientific concepts, methods, and findings to scientific audiences, stakeholders, and the public.

6.4.5 Professionalism

Conduct research ethically and responsibly while engaging with the broader scientific community.

6.5 Program Requirements and Timeline

6.5.1 Thesis Committee

The thesis committee typically consists of three members: - The advisor (chair)
- One additional DBS faculty member
- One member external to the department

Students should work with their advisor to form a committee early in the program.

6.6 Thesis Proposal

6.6.1 Purpose

The thesis proposal defines the research problem, methods, and expected contributions. Approval of the proposal represents agreement between the student and program regarding the scope of an acceptable thesis.

Students are expected to work closely with their advisor and committee when preparing the proposal.

6.6.2 Format

  • Maximum length: 20 double-spaced pages (excluding references and appendices)
  • Font size: 12 pt or larger
  • Pages must be numbered
  • Appendices and references should be numbered separately (Roman numerals)

Proposals exceeding the page limit will not be accepted.

6.6.3 Required Sections

Proposals must include the following sections:

  1. Title of the Study

  2. Statement of the Problem

    • Clear description of research question and scope
    • Objectives and/or hypotheses

  3. Justification and Significance

    • Rationale for the study
    • Relationship to existing literature
    • Importance to the field and to the student

  4. Methodology or Procedures
    May include research design, study system, sampling, data collection, and analytical methods.

  5. Broader Impacts

    • Intellectual merit
    • Contribution to knowledge
    • Relevance to scientific and broader communities

  6. Literature Cited

  7. Appendices (optional)
    May include extended methods, preliminary data, or compliance approvals (e.g., IACUC/IRB).

6.6.4 Timing

  • Typically submitted before or during the first semester of thesis research credits
  • Must be submitted at least one semester before thesis defense
  • Submit electronically with required approval form and signatures to the Program Coordinator

6.6.5 Revised Proposals

If significant changes in topic or methodology occur, a revised proposal may be required. Students should consult their advisor and Program Coordinator.

6.7 Annual Progress Review

Each spring, students participate in an annual progress review with a representative of the Graduate Program Committee.

Goals of the review: - Encourage reflection on progress and goals
- Support timely degree completion
- Provide mentorship and feedback
- Document progress and address concerns

Preparation includes: - Student progress report submitted to advisor and committee
- Advisor evaluation and summary of committee meeting
- Teaching feedback (if applicable)

Outcomes of the Review

Following the annual progress review, students will receive one of three designations:

6.7.1 1. Meeting Expectations

The student is making satisfactory progress toward degree completion and professional development milestones. Any recommendations provided are intended to support continued growth and timely completion of the program.

6.7.2 2. Making Progress with Concerns

The student is generally progressing toward degree completion but has one or more areas that require attention (e.g., research progress, coursework, communication, or professional development).

In this case:
- A brief written summary of concerns and recommendations will be provided.
- The student and advisor are expected to address these areas over the following semester.
- Additional formal review is not required unless concerns persist.

6.7.3 3. Not Meeting Expectations

The student is not making sufficient progress toward degree milestones or professional development benchmarks.

For students in this category, a written improvement plan will be developed collaboratively by the student, advisor, and the GPC. This plan will:
- Clearly identify areas of concern
- Define specific actions required for improvement
- Establish measurable milestones and timelines

Students designated as not meeting expectations will meet again with a GPC representative in August to evaluate progress toward the agreed-upon plan. Continued lack of progress may result in additional programmatic actions in accordance with graduate school and departmental policies. This structure is intended to promote transparency, consistency, and proactive support for student success while ensuring timely degree progress.

6.8 Enrollment and Registration

Graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment in fall and spring through coursework, research registration, or continuing enrollment.

Full-time status: - 9+ credits, or
- Master’s research (GRAD 900), or
- Holding an assistantship (minimum 6 credits or GRAD 900)

Students registered for continuing enrollment (GRAD 800) are not eligible for assistantships.

Students should consult their advisor regarding appropriate course load based on research, teaching, and field obligations.

6.9 Course and Credit Policies

Graduate Courses - 800- and 900-level courses count toward degree requirements
- Must be taken for a letter grade (if graded option available)

700-Level Courses - Up to 12 credits may count toward graduate degree (by petition)
- Must be outside the student’s program
- Must include additional graduate-level requirements

Undergraduate Courses (<700 level) - May be taken if necessary for background preparation
- Do not count toward graduate degree credits

Audited Courses - Allowed with advisor and instructor approval
- Count toward enrollment requirements but not degree credits

6.10 Completing the Degree

Students are responsible for understanding all program and Graduate School requirements, including:

  • Coursework and credit requirements
  • Committee formation and paperwork
  • Thesis formatting and submission requirements
  • Defense scheduling and deadlines

A public seminar and thesis defense are required. The thesis must be provided to the committee at least two weeks before the defense.

Final thesis submission must meet Graduate School deadlines and formatting requirements.

6.11 Graduation

Students must file an intent to graduate and meet all Graduate School deadlines.
See Graduate School graduation information:
http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/graduation.php

6.12 Student Rights and Policies

Graduate students are subject to UNH policies on student rights and responsibilities.

  • Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities: https://catalog.unh.edu/srrr/
  • Graduate School Catalog and policies: https://catalog.unh.edu/graduate/