This minor is designed for students interested in oceans and coastlines. The fundamental courses include topics in oceanography, physical oceanography, coastal morphology and processes, marine geology, chemical oceanography, and marine ecology.

Policies

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor.

For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

Banner Code: OES

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 18-22

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

Students must successfully complete the following coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Core Requirements

GEOL 309Oceanography3
Select two courses from the following:6-7
Physical Oceanography
Coastal Morphology and Processes
Coastal Morphology and Processes
Marine Geology
Chemical Oceanography
Chemical Oceanography
Marine Ecology
Total Credits9-10

Additional Courses

Select 9-12 credits from the following: 19-12
Global Warming: Weather, Climate, and Society (Mason Core)
Physical Oceanography
Sedimentary Geology
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Invertebrate Paleontology
Coastal Morphology and Processes
Coastal Morphology and Processes
Marine Geology
Chemical Oceanography
Chemical Oceanography
Field Biology (up to 4 credits of only marine or estuarine-oriented field courses)
Marine Ecology
Marine Conservation
Marine Conservation
BIOL 454
& BIOL 455
Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation
and 2
Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation
and Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation Field Course
Freshwater Ecosystems
Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation
and Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation Field Course 2
The Diversity of Fishes
Estuarine and Coastal Ecology
and Estuarine and Coastal Ecology Laboratory 2
Field-Based Work (up to 4 credits of only marine or estuarine-oriented field courses)
Total Credits9-12
1

Courses taken to satisfy the core requirements above cannot be repeated to count toward the additional courses requirement. 

2

If chosen, students must take both the lecture and lab for a total of 4 credits. 

Notes

RECR 161 Scuba Diving: Basic is strongly recommended, but is not required.