Marine Science

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(Top row, L-R) Dr. M. Sullivan, Dr. E. Lacey, Dr. S. Moskalski, Dr. G. Grguric. (Bottom, L-R) Dr. A Pfeiffer-Herbert, Dr. C. Thompson, Dr. C. Alves-Souto

Meet your Faculty!

Stockton's Marine Science (MARS) program encompasses two general areas of study: Marine Biology and Oceanography. The program is interdisciplinary and requires student competence in several areas of science. A number of field and laboratory courses, seminars, independent studies, internships, and research opportunities which emphasize experiential learning are offered.

Stockton University is one of only a few undergraduate institutions in the U.S. that offers a degree program in Marine Science with a dedicated, easily accessible field facility (Stockton Marine Field Station).  Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty to design and implement research projects.  Students are  encouraged to present results at the NAMS Undergraduate Research Symposium and regional conferences.


About the Program

Mission Vision

Stockton University’s Marine Science Program is dedicated to undergraduate experiences within a coastal environment, to form ocean-literate citizens.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Marine Science Program at Stockton University is to promote curiosity and critical thinking through quality education and hands-on experiences both in and out of the classroom.  Students will develop intellectually, personally and professionally within the small class setting, using cutting edge technology to apply themselves to real-life scenarios within the marine biology and oceanography career fields.

 

Program Features

  • Small, field-oriented course sections taught primarily by full-time faculty (not by graduate assistants). 
  • A dedicated, easily accessible Marine Field Station focused on undergraduate education and research.
  • Every student is assigned a faculty member in the program as their academic advisor (preceptor).
  • Numerous field-related volunteer, internship, employment opportunities in the area.
  • The Environmental Studies and Marine Science programs were selected by Peterson's Guides and the Alliance for Environmental Education for inclusion in Education for the Earth: A Guide to Top Environmental Studies Programs. 

Science Program Highlights


Program Recognition

Peterson's Guides

Alliance for Environmental Education for inclusion in Education for the Earth: A Guide to Top Environmental Studies Programs

Inclusion in Education for the Earth: A Guide to Top Environmental Studies Programs

Curriculum 

Stockton’s Marine Science (MARS) program encompasses two general areas of study: Marine Biology and Oceanography. Within each of these broad areas of study are several focus areas that students may choose from, as a function of their selected electives. Examples include physical oceanography, marine geology, ocean chemistry, resource management, estuarine/marine ecology, and marine technology/survey. 

Prospective freshman or transfer students can use the Curriculum & Transfer Equivalency tool below. In addition, the program degree map provides valuable degree information and is a guide to assist in planning academic coursework, but should not substitute academic advisement.


Degree Offerings


Bachelors of Arts or Sciences in Marine Science with Marine Biology Concentration


Bachelor of Arts or Sciences in Marine Science with Oceanography Concentration


Minor in Marine Science

Degree Works Curriculum & Transfer Equivalency Tool

To see the curriculum for your area of interest you’ll use the web program, Degree Works. This service is accessible even if you are not currently a student with Stockton University.

Current students exploring the various paths towards degree completion should access the "what if" option in their Degree Works through the portal.

 

Instructions on How to Use Curriculum Tool

 

Best 15 Oceanography Degree/Marine Science Program

Stockton's Marine Science program was ranked in the Best 15 Oceanography Degree/Marine Science Programs in 2021

Faculty

Anna Pfeiffer-Herbert

Anna Pfeiffer-Herbert

Program Chair Associate Professor of Marine Science
USC2 - 304 | 609.626.3484 
Camilla Alves Souto

Camilla Alves Souto

Assistant Professor of Marine Science
USC2 - 303 | 609.626.3107
Gordan Grguric

Gordan Grguric

Associate Professor of  Marine Science
USC2 - 301 | 609.652.4492
Elizabeth A. Lacey

Elizabeth A. Lacey

Associate Professor of Marine Science
USC - 115 | 609.626.5542
Susanne Moskalski

Susanne Moskalski

Associate Professor of Marine Science
A&S - 219 | 609.626.6853
Mark Sullivan

Mark Sullivan

Professor of Marine Science
USC - 112 | 609.626.3575
Christine Thompson

Christine Thompson

Associate Professor of Marine Science
USC2 - 305  | 609.652.4725
 
Derek Burkholder

Derek Burkholder

Marine Science Adjunct Faculty
Dana Christensen

Dana Christensen

Marine Science Adjunct Faculty
Brenda Landau

Brenda Landau

Marine Science Adjunct Faculty
Melissa Laurino

Melissa Laurino

Marine Science Adjunct Faculty
Stephen Nagiewicz

Stephen Nagiewicz

Marine Science Adjunct Faculty
Tamar Spanier

Tamar Spanier

Marine Science Adjunct Faculty
Jacalyn Toth Sullivan

Jacalyn Toth Sullivan

Marine Science Adjunct Faculty
 David Werner

 David Werner

Marine Science Adjunct Faculty

Research Opportunities

Scientific presentations are an important part of the student research experience.  The Marine Science Virtual Research Symposium includes the visual aspect of a well-crafted research posteras well as the oral presentation of the key findings from the student's study.  Many students present these posters at local, regional, and national conferences in addition to making them available at the MARS Virtual Research Symposium site.

2020 Virtual Symposium 

 

Image of Stockton Marine Science Student Isabelle Zoccolo

Isabelle Zoccolo

B.S. Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Biology; Minor in Environmental Science

Class Year: 2020

Title:  Sargassum Mitigation Location in Barbados

Principle Investigator: Dr. Elizabeth Lacey

Abstract
Sargassum, which is normally viewed as a species that forms a highly productive ecosystem in the open ocean, has been causing problems on and around Caribbean shores both ecologically and economically. It forms thick mats which shade and suffocate other ecosystems, such as seagrass beds, as they travel nearshore and begin to decompose.Barbados’ beaches used for recreational and commercial purposes have been initiated with Sargassum. The Barbados government needs to focus their mitigation effort.

Image of Stockton Marine Science Student Danielle Dyson

Danielle Dyson

B.S. Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Biology

Class Year: 2022

Title:  Changing Seagrass on the Barnegat Bay

Principle Investigator: Dr. Elizabeth Lacey

Abstract
Sargassum, which is normally viewed as a species that forms a highly productive ecosystem in the open ocean, has been causing problems on and around Caribbean shores both ecologically and economically. It forms thick mats which shade and suffocate other ecosystems, such as seagrass beds, as they travel nearshore and begin to decompose. Barbados’ beaches used for recreational and commercial purposes have been initiated with Sargassum. The Barbados government needs to focus their mitigation effort.

 


Get Involved

The Marine Science Program offers a number of opportunities for students to get involved in various areas of interest outside of the classroom. These include student-organized clubs, as well as student chapters of established professional societies.

Essential Learning Outcomes

Learn more about the MARS program ELO's.  These essential learning outcomes guide all Stockton University students from first-year through graduation to the intellectual and marketable talents needed to prepare for personal and professional success in the 21st century.

 

Careers

Graduates of the Marine Science program seek employment directly with their B.A. or B.S. degrees, or go on to graduate school to work for M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. There are a number of employment opportunities in this field, both in the private and public sectors. Students concentrating in Oceanography, and those taking additional electives in marine geology, marine technology, and underwater surveying should do well in an increasingly quantitative field.

Stockton graduates in Marine Science have been very successful in obtaining entry-level positions in their field with local, state, and federal agencies. Such positions have involved laboratory work, fieldwork on marine habitats, data analysis, K-12 and public education and law enforcement. Some have gone on to consulting jobs with private firms, while others have entered postgraduate study at major universities.

All Marine Science students are required to take a 1-credit seminar course that prepares them for successful careers after graduation. Regardless of area of interest, undergraduate students who seek additional hands-on experiences outside of the classroom tend to flourish at the next level.

 

Potential Careers

There are a wide variety of jobs within marine sciences. Here are just a few examples of potential careers:

Ocean engineer
Marine researcher
Aquaculturist
Marine biologist/scientist
Oceanographer
Marine Environmental Economist
Marine mammal trainer
Aquatic veterinarian
Veterinarian
Marine archeology
Underwater filmmaker
Educator

 

The connections you made with your professors and preceptors are invaluable resources for your career planning. Beyond providing assistance on coursework and scheduling, they can give you guidance in planning for your post-college career. 

In addition, we have a student Career Center that is available to guide you through your career development journey - from CV writing, interview prep or general guidance.