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Graduate Mechanical Engineering student, Patrick Pasteris

Marine Science and Technology
MS

The School for Marine Sciences & Technology’s (SMAST) MS in Marine Science and Technology program emphasizes societal need-driven research and learning in an interdisciplinary environment. The MS program focuses on observations, modeling, experimentation, and theory in the areas of ocean sciences, ocean technology, and marine policy.

Students work independently as well as collaboratively with our renowned faculty and some of the most highly regarded oceanographic institutions and may pursue a range of leading-edge research projects in areas that include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Biochemical cycling
  • Coastal Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration
  • Computational Modeling
  • Fisheries Science
  • Marine Renewable Energy
  • Ocean Physics

For a complete list of faculty and their areas of expertise, visit the faculty page. 

Highlights

  • Options for thesis or non-thesis program of study
  • Thesis option requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and the non-thesis option requires 33 credit hours
  • Full-time MS students normally complete their degree requirements in four semesters
  • Part-time MS students are encouraged to take at least two courses per semester

At a glance

SMAST student achievements

  • Fulbright Fellowships
  • Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships
  • NOAA Sea Grant Fellowship in Population Dynamics
  • Nancy Sayles Day Foundation Research Award

Awards for presentations

  • International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
  • American Meteorological Society
  • National Shellfisheries Association
  • International Pectinid Workshop
  • American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists
  • American Fisheries Society

Funding

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has several financial programs to assist graduate students with the cost of advanced studies. These programs apply to degree-seeking, matriculated students only.

Applicants should take an active role in contacting faculty member(s) who could potentially advise them, as well as make an effort to seek funding before applying.

Student placement

SMAST alums succeed at becoming involved in research, teaching, and project management in academia, private industry, and governmental agencies.

Student success

Median starting salary for SMAST alumni

AY 2023 NACE Data Collection of Graduate Alumni
Juan and fellow researchers on research vessel at sunset

Student spotlight

Juan Gutierrez Bravo MS '24

UMass Dartmouth SMAST alum Juan Gutierrez Bravo describes his experience conducting research at sea and working alongside faculty mentors like Dr. Mark Altabet. "I have the freedom to develop my own research project while receiving guidance at the same time."

Research

Scientists fishing near a wind turbine near Block Island

Research spotlight

Collaborative science, offshore wind, and the future of fisheries

SMAST MS and PhD students examine the effects of offshore wind development on fish species and the local fishing industry. 

Read more about just one of the ways SMAST students collaborate across industries to produce strong science that benefits communities here and beyond. 

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. 

Program-specific requirements

Candidates must submit the required application materials, university requirements and program-specific requirements, for consideration.

  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree with a GPA of 3.00 or higher.
  • Completion of an undergraduate major in one of the basic scientific disciplines or engineering, or strong multidisciplinary training.
  • Completion of at least six semesters of coursework in the natural sciences, generally to include biology, chemistry, and/or physics.
  • Preparation in mathematics at least through integral calculus is strongly encouraged.

Requirements

  • GRE is optional.
  • 3 letters of recommendation. Applicants will be required to provide the recommenders name and email address so we can contact the recommender for the letter of recommendation.

Application dates

A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. This award is subject to the work needs of the position and department, your satisfactory performance of duties, your academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.

Learn more about assistantships at UMass Dartmouth

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.