Program Details
Program Details
Back to top

Program Details

Minor in Marine Science (2023-24)

Minor
Randolph College

Marine science is the interdisciplinary study of the world’s oceans and marine life, including marine biology (flora and fauna), marine and coastal ecosystems, oceanography, ocean-atmosphere dynamics, and climate change. The Environmental Studies and Science department offers a B.A., B.S., and a Minor in Marine Science. The curriculum emphasizes technical skills, and includes required fieldwork experiences for the B.A. and B.S. degrees. Many academic opportunities are available to marine science majors, including the Marine Biological Laboratory in Environmental Science at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, summer and semester fieldwork, and off-campus and study-away options. Marine Science programs are especially appropriate for students with interest in marine biology, oceanography, and related careers. Marine Science majors are encouraged to pursue a minor in a relevant discipline such as biology, chemistry, environmental analysis, data science, engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or sustainability.


Program Overview & Guidance
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The curriculum emphasizes technical skills, and includes required fieldwork experiences for the B.A. and B.S. degrees. Marine Science programs are especially appropriate for students with interest in marine biology, oceanography, and related careers.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • The Marine Science field experience requirement may be fulfilled with an appropriate EVST 3394 research course section, internship EXL, participation in department field excursions, summer research, or other department-approved activity equivalent to 42-45 hours, during the academic year or summer.
  • The Marine Science field experience requirement may be fulfilled with a research course, EXL, department field experience, summer research, or other department-approved activity equivalent to 42-45 hours, during the academic year or summer.

  • 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
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Randolph College within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
  • The Marine Science field experience requirement may be fulfilled with an appropriate EVST 3394 research course section, internship EXL, participation in department field excursions, summer research, or other department-approved activity equivalent to 42-45 hours, during the academic year or summer.
  • The Marine Science field experience requirement may be fulfilled with a research course, EXL, department field experience, summer research, or other department-approved activity equivalent to 42-45 hours, during the academic year or summer.
Doing More With Your Degree Many academic opportunities are available to marine science majors, including the Marine Biological Laboratory in Environmental Science at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, summer and semester fieldwork, and off-campus and study-away options. Marine Science programs are especially appropriate for students with interest in marine biology, oceanography, and related careers. Marine Science majors are encouraged to pursue a minor in a relevant discipline such as biology, chemistry, environmental analysis, data science, engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or sustainability.
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Applicable Admissions Agreements
Expand or Shrink Accordion

The table below lists admissions agreements between Randolph College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name Type Title
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
New River Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College GAA Transfer Agreement with Guarenteed Admission Between Randolph College and the Virginia Community College System

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will not guarantee completion of the general education component of the Randolph undergraduate curriculum. Courses will be evaluated individually upon transfer.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will not guarantee completion of the general education component of the Randolph undergraduate curriculum. Courses will be evaluated individually upon transfer.
Credit for Prior Learning Not Available
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
College Level Information
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
38
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
90% of transfers admitted, the average GPA is 3.12.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?
  • Randolph College's total undergraduate enrollment is around 780, with 95% being full-time students.
  • Generally, 54% percent are women and 46% are men, mirroring the national average.
  • Randolph College enrolls graduate students in several programs including a Master of Arts in Teaching, M.F.A. in Creative Writing or Theatre, and a Master of Arts in Coaching and Sport Leadership.
  • Randolph's students come from many states and countries and about 75% are Virginia residents. The student body includes around 41% domestic non-white students.
  • Members of Randolph's first-year class are high achievers, with GPAs averaging about 3.51.
  • A remarkable 97% of Randolph's 66 full-time faculty members hold the highest possible degree in their fields.
  • Randolph offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum in small classes taught by engaged, caring professors, never graduate students.
  • The average class size is 13, and the student: faculty ratio is 9:1.
  • Around 36 majors and over 52 minors, as well the option of an independently designed major tailored to your interests.
  • Co-curricular experiences bring real world focus to every major and require significant independent research.
  • Five pre-professional programs, including law, medicine, veterinary medicine, teacher licensure, engineering, and other health-related studies.
  • A cooperative, dual degree career program in engineering allows students to earn a degree at Randolph and a second degree from another institution (Washington University in St. Louis or the University of Virginia) in a compressed time frame.
  • Unique opportunities like the American Culture Program, the Symposium of Artists & Scholars, the Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) grant program, and the Summer Research Program.
  • Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
    First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
    Applying for Guaranteed Admissions See the transfer application process;https://www.randolphcollege.edu/admission/apply/transfer-student/
    Where Can This Degree Transfer
    Expand or Shrink Accordion
    This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

    Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
    Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
    J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science DegreeAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
    Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate in Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science DegreeAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science AssociateAssociate of Arts & Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    Careers Where This Degree Applies
    Expand or Shrink Accordion
    O*Net Code Name Description Parent
    19-1029.01Bioinformatics ScientistsConduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    19-1029.00Biological Scientists, All OtherAll biological scientists not listed separately.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    19-1029.04BiologistsResearch or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    19-2041.01Climate Change Policy AnalystsResearch and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    11-9121.01Clinical Research CoordinatorsPlan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.Management Occupations
    19-2041.02Environmental Restoration PlannersCollaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    19-2041.00Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including HealthConduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    19-1029.03GeneticistsResearch and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    19-2042.00Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and GeographersStudy the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    19-2041.03Industrial EcologistsApply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    19-1029.02Molecular and Cellular BiologistsResearch and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    11-9121.00Natural Sciences ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
    19-2099.00Physical Scientists, All OtherAll physical scientists not listed separately.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    25-1199.00Postsecondary Teachers, All OtherAll postsecondary teachers not listed separately.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
    19-2099.01Remote Sensing Scientists and TechnologistsApply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    11-9121.02Water Resource SpecialistsDesign or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.Management Occupations
    19-1023.00Zoologists and Wildlife BiologistsStudy the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    Cost To Complete
    Expand or Shrink Accordion