Undergraduates may elect a general emphasis in marine invertebrate zoology, marine vertebrate zoology, marine botany, marine microbiology, or limnology. Classes in each of these areas prepare students for careers in the private and public sector and provide the necessary preparation to apply to graduate programs in marine biology, ecology, and conservation biology. It's recommended that students consult with an advisor in the Marine Science program to develop a plan of study that best suits their needs and career goals.
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
Students must earn a C or better in a GWAR course to satisfy the requirement.
Biology majors have flexibility for which GWAR course they can take to meet their requirement, as long as the prerequisites for the course have been completed.
Marine Science majors may choose between BIOL 344GW, BIOL 475GW, BIOL 478GW, BIOL 570GW, or BIOL 670GW.
September 2025
College of Science and Engineering
Thornton Hall (TH) 323,
1600 Holloway Avenue,
SAN FRANCISCO,
California,
94132, United States
Complete a secondary/high school curriculum that totals 12 years of primary-secondary education, be qualified to enter a university in your home country and have a good scholastic record from an accredited/recognized school. Have a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) in the 4.0 grading scale or B- average in academic courses completed after 9th grade.
TOEFL score of at least 61, IELTS score of at least 6.0 or PTE score of at least 45 is required.
Application Deadlines: Spring: Sept-30; Fall: May-1
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.