Pace of Study

The UCSD Master's Degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation consists of 48 quarter units of study. Coursework will be completed in twelve months.

The academic year starts with the Summer program, an intensive, 15-unit course that features lectures, lab work, field trips, mock trials, presentations and more. During the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters, students are required to take the Marine Science, Economics and Policy course, SIO 286, and a minimum of two policy courses from the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies. Students may choose electives courses from many other departments at UCSD (See Program Overview below).

The MAS in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation program is designed for conservation professionals to take one year off to complete the degree in the 12 intensive months.  Part-time study, following completion of the 15 unit full-time summer course, is approved on a case by case basis. Applicants who are interested in part time study must communicate with program representatives prior to the application deadline to discuss the part-time study option and the proposed pace of study.  There will be a 2 year time-frame in which the degree must be completed.

Summer Program

Program Overview

Electives