Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Marine Science

Catalog Year 2026-2028

Based on VCCS Curriculum for ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement

• This degree program is covered by Randolph College's Guaranteed Admission Agreement. By meeting all of the following criteria, students are guaranteed admission into Randolph College and entry directly into the Marine Science major (BA).

• Earn a transfer associate degree that fulfills all course requirements listed in this guide.

• Earn a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

• Be in good standing at the current institution.

• Please visit the TransferVirginia.org portal to explore different majors (Transfer Tools) and Transfer Guides that outline course requirements for specific majors.

Important Links & Dates

• College Transfer Center: http://www.randolphcollege.edu/admission/apply/transfer-student/

• Admission Application: By December 1 for admission in the spring semester or July 1 for admission for the fall semester, at http://admission.randolphcollege.edu/apply/. Applications may be accepted after the deadline.

• Financial Aid: http://www.randolphcollege.edu/financialaid/

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov/

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and Randolph College within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Why Study Marine Science at Randolph College?

• Randolph College is located in central Virginia, but that doesn't stop Marine Science majors from getting to the coast. Fieldwork opportunities are frequent and accessible; at least one Eastern Shore trip each year is free for students.

• Explore and study local ecosystems, like Lynchburg's Blackwater Creek Natural Area and the James River watershed. Use Randolph's beautiful 100-acre campus as a living laboratory.

• Join a close-knit community invested in sustainability and community engagement. Randolph College consistently ranks in the Princeton Review's top 20 most sustainable college campuses.

• Common minors for students majoring in Marine Science: Biology, Environmental Analysis, Data Science, Sustainability, Political Science, Global Studies.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Incoming students possessing an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts and Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, or Associate of Science awarded by a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) institution during or after high school will be exempt from Randolph College's General Education requirements.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students who complete an Associate Degree from an accredited Virginia college or university through dual enrollment in high school will be exempt from Randolph College's General Education requirements.

• Credit for Prior Learning: AP, IB, and CLEP are evaluated for credits. Learn more by visiting the Randolph College Office of the Registrar's website: http://www.randolphcollege.edu/registrar/.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at the community college post high school graduation.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Randolph College is a small liberal arts college located on historic Rivermont Avenue in Lynchburg, VA. Lynchburg is part of a larger metropolitan area and home to more than 20,000 college students.

• TAKE2: Instead of taking four or more classes each semester, Randolph students take two classes at a time for seven-week sessions, with no classes on Wednesdays. You'll graduate in the same amount of time as you would with a traditional model, but you can focus deeply on just two subjects at a time.

• The average class size at Randolph is 13, and the student:faculty ratio is 8:1. 95% of Randolph's full-time faculty members hold the highest possible degree in their field.

• Randolph offers study abroad programs and supports student research. Students may apply for up to $2,000 through our RISE Grant to fund their own scholarly or creative endeavors.

• Housing options include spacious, mixed-year residence halls as well as apartment-style living, all right near the center of campus.

• Learn more about our college at http://www.randolphcollege.edu.

Did You Know That…

• Completing your associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at Randolph College?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Marine science is an ideal major for students interested in marine biology, oceanography, or related careers.

• Explore potential careers, salary ranges, and job outlooks at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Marine science majors must complete the Marine Science Field Experience requirement. The Marine Science Field Experience requirement may be fulfilled with an appropriate EVST 3394 research course section, an internship used for credit (EX L), participation in department field excursions, summer research, or other department-approved activity equivalent to 42-45 hours during the academic year or summer.

• Majors are encouraged to pursue certification in scuba diving.