Hands-On Science in Alaska’s Living Laboratory

The Marine and Environmental Sciences programs offer hands on, field based learning rooted in Alaska’s unique and dynamic landscapes. With small class sizes and close mentorship, students work directly with faculty on real world scientific questions, gaining practical experience through fieldwork, laboratory research, and applied projects. Across both levels of study, the programs emphasize individualized learning, strong faculty collaboration, and immersive experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers in environmental science and related fields.

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Marine & Environmental Sciences

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Study marine and environmental sciences through hands on fieldwork and laboratory research with Alaska as your classroom
Work directly with faculty mentors from your first semester in small class settings with personalized support
Gain early access to research projects, specialized laboratories, and scientific equipment often reserved for graduate students at larger universities
Explore Alaska’s diverse coastal and marine ecosystems while contributing to research that addresses real environmental issues
Build practical experience and professional connections that prepare you for careers in environmental science, marine science, conservation, and research
Students may choose to specialize in Marine Biology, Earth and Climate, Ecology, Fisheries, Aquarium and Husbandry Science, or create a custom concentration tailored to their unique interests and career goals.

Alaska boasts a stunning variety of ecosystems, from coastal and tundra landscapes to alpine regions, river systems, boreal forests, and glaciers. This variety allows students to develop a diverse scientific background while also offering the freedom to pursue topics about which they are passionate. If you are enthusiastic about understanding the natural world and human impacts on natural systems, the Marine and Environmental Sciences degree is for you.

Career Opportunities

Fisheries
Tribal Environmental Stewardship
State & Federal Environmental Agencies
Environmental Consulting
State and Federal Management Agencies
Environmental Education
Animal Husbandry and Life Support Systems
Natural Resource Companies
Graduate School
Scientific Diving

Sample classes at the undergraduate level:

Core Curriculum

Principles of Chemistry (1 & 2), Principles of Biology (1 & 2), Physical Geology, Environmental Ethics, Scientific Writing, Physics.

Quantitative Analysis and Modeling Classes

Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Applied Geographical Information Systems, Introduction to Remote Sensing, Ecology, Applied Statistics for the Environmental Sciences, Calculus and Analytic Geometry.

Field Courses

Survey and Methods for Environmental Science
Oceanography
Scientific Diving

Sample of Upper Division Courses

Aquarium Biology
Animal Behavior
Climate Change
GIS and Remote Sensing
Human Impacts on the Marine Environment
Perspectives and Practice in Fish Biology

Degree Completion

128 credits minimum are required to complete the degree program. Core competencies, foundational, major, and self- determined studies are offered in a mixed format of:

On-campus
Online via synchronous learning

Marine Biology

The Marine Biology concentration focuses on the biology and ecology of marine organisms and ecosystems. Students explore the impacts of climate change and human activity on ocean environments while developing the knowledge and skills needed to address challenges related to ocean health, ecosystem resilience, conservation, and global food security.

Earth & Climate Science

The Earth and Climate concentration prepares you to understand how the physical, chemical, and atmospheric processes of the Earth combine to shape geology, glacial and hydrological cycling, and global climate. Through coursework in Geomorphology, Weather and Climate, and Oceanography you’ll learn how connected these systems are in terrestrial, marine, and aquatic systems and how they drive our interactions with the planet.

Ecology

The Ecology concentration focuses on terrestrial ecosystems and the relationships between organisms and their environments. Students explore ecosystem structure and function, ecological interactions, population biology, animal behavior, and the distribution of plant and animal life while developing the skills to understand and address ecological and conservation challenges.

Fisheries Ecology

The Fisheries concentration prepares students for careers in fisheries science, management, and industry through a strong foundation in fisheries biology, policy, regulation, and resource management. With extensive hands on fieldwork and industry experience, students develop the practical skills and professional connections needed for careers in fisheries management, research, conservation, and commercial fisheries.

Aquarium & Husbandry Science

The Aquarium and Husbandry Science concentration prepares students for careers in aquariums, hatcheries, and aquatic animal care. Students learn to design and maintain aquarium systems, care for captive fish and invertebrates, and understand animal behavior while gaining extensive hands on experience in APU’s state of the art aquarium laboratory.

General Marine and Environmental Sciences Degree

Create a flexible, individualized pathway that lets you explore the areas of environmental science that interest you most.

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
** If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher
If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

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Marine & Environmental Sciences

Master of Science

Research based master’s program focused on real world environmental science challenges in Alaska’s uniquely valuable ecosystems, including highly productive waters, more coastline than the rest of the United States combined, and landscapes that remain relatively untouched by human impact
Work one on one with faculty mentors on individualized research projects aligned with your interests, building scientific research skills through hands on collaboration with faculty and industry experts
Complete a master’s thesis with the potential for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals
Graduate with a strong professional network and the skills needed for careers in environmental science, research, and natural resource management

MSES students develop the skills to conduct scientific research through collaboration on real-world projects with faculty and expert practitioners. Successful candidates will graduate with a publishable thesis project, a professional network, and the tools necessary for a successful career in environmental science.

Career Opportunities

State and Federal Management Agencies
Tribal Environmental Stewardship
Fisheries Policy
Natural Resource Companies
Doctoral Programs
Commercial Fishing
Nonprofits
Education
Environmental Consulting

MSES is a 48-credit graduate program, with time to completion dependent on the specific research project pursued. In addition to research, MSES students complete coursework in research and quantitative methods, scientific writing, and a variety of discipline specific classes. Interested in applied fisheries and marine science research? Check out the Fisheries, Aquatic Science, & Technology (FAST) Laboratory at Alaska Pacific University!

Research Methods
Quantitative Methods
Conservation Biology
Human Impacts in Marine Systems
Environmental Policy and Assessment
Climate Change
Environmental Ethics
Perspective and Practice in Fisheries Science
Geomorphology
Perspectives & Practice in Fish Biology
Applied Statistical Modeling
Principles of Glaciology
Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing

The MSES degree is research project based, and applicants should contact MSES or MES faculty to explore current project opportunities before submitting the required application materials.