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Graduate student Emma Gallagher conducting research in Jefferson Turner's Biological Oceanography & Plankton Ecology lab

Intercampus Marine Science Programs
MS, PhD

The University of Massachusetts Intercampus Marine Science (IMS) graduate program brings ‌together expertise in marine science and related fields under the umbrella of the entire University of Massachusetts system. The IMS mission involves scientific understanding, management, economic growth, and sustainability of our marine environments.

The multidisciplinary program focuses on the aquatic ecosystem and its contribution to humanity and provides a unique learning experience for students and professors alike who engage with local, regional, and worldwide partners.

Graduate students at IMS have the unique benefit of choosing to work from one of five diverse UMass campuses, including Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell, and Worcester (UMass Medical School). Interested students apply to an individual UMass “home” campus.

Student success

SMAST PhD student Siddhant Kerhalkar standing in front of the ocean

Student spotlight

Siddhant Kerhalkar '24

"I learned that UMassD is home to good facilities and resources, and I knew I could do impactful research here. I am in the Intercampus Marine Science (IMS) program, which allows me to enroll in courses at the other UMass campuses and have access to resources and faculty across the UMass system."

For the application process, interested students, depending on their research interests, apply to one of the five UMass campuses. While IMS students may take courses at UMass Worcester Medical campus, please be aware the Worcester campus does not accept IMS applications.

Learn more about the overall program and admissions requirements.

Admissions requirements

To apply please create an account in our Applicant Portal. You will need to submit:

  • Application form
  • $60 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words)
  • Resume
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not)
  • English Proficiency test scores:TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation (see program requirements for more information)
  • GRE/GMAT (not required for most programs, see program requirements for more information)

Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review but official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration. 

Application dates

  • courses and option areas from 5 diverse campuses and 23 departments
  • range of knowledge from each faculty member
  • blending of diverse academic programs across traditional disciplines to form contemporary interdisciplinary concentrations
  • quality graduate education with fostering research and public service in support of the Commonwealth’s efforts