Coastal and Marine System Science studies the interactions within the coastal and marine environment, which includes most of the critical physical and biological systems that support life on Earth. The mission of the Coastal and Marine System Science (CMSS) program is to support interdisciplinary research and scholarship on the biotic and abiotic components of this zone, including quantitative investigation of socio-economic and political processes. The program addresses this mission by integrating the tools of Earth System Science: biogeochemistry, geographic information science, ecosystem dynamics, and quantitative modeling.

ersons seeking admission to the CMSS Program must apply through the University’s College of Graduate Studies (CGS). In addition to the documents required by CGS, applicants must submit GRE general test scores, an essay of no more than 1,000 words describing their educational background, career interests, goals and challenges, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of evaluation from persons knowledgeable about their potential for success in graduate studies. Persons seeking admission to the MS Program in CMSS should first contact the program faculty and identify a faculty member willing to serve as the graduate advisor. Applicants will not be admitted to the program without a graduate advisor. Applicants may optionally submit other relevant materials, e.g., copies of published works or reports of past scientific research.