Upon completion of the requirements for the Associate in Science Degree in Marine Science, students will have a broad introduction to the academic study of marine science and will have a strong background for upper division work in marine science or related fields, such as earth and environmental sciences.

The Marine Science major requires completion of a minimum of 18 program major units, 12 of which are required core units. The additional 6 units must be taken from additional marine science courses and a list of restricted related electives. The department strongly recommends that all declared Marine Science majors work with counseling to select electives that will best prepare them for their intended transfer institution.

Program Outcomes

1. Describe how the ocean influences and is influenced by terrestrial, atmospheric, geological and biological processes.
2. Describe how the physical and chemical properties of water molecules affect the way that the ocean is structured and how the large scale movement of this water in waves, currents and tides influences oceanographic processes.
3. Describe the diversity of life in the ocean.
4. Identify how humans have influenced the ocean (chemically, physically and biologically) and explain the potential challenges associated with those changes.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

1. UNIT REQUIREMENT - 60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
2. MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
3. MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
4. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.