The Bachelor of Science in Marine Resource Management (BS-MRM) degree is designed for graduates who have completed an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or equivalent (i.e. earned credit in no less than sixty (60) semester hours from a regionally accredited institution). The BS-MRM program includes coursework and field experience in marine resource management settings to enable students to integrate theory with practice. Graduates will acquire specialized skills in restoration and conservation biology/ecology, extensive practical skills in both remote and in situ data collection techniques and technology, a basic-level competence in GIS software applications, and an understanding of best management practices and policies for both biological and submerged cultural resources. Students will have exposure to marine resource management fieldwork and will demonstrate their acquired skills during the required four-credit capstone internship experience. Completion of this degree will provide an applied science-based education with professional experience for entry into a variety of careers within the field of marine resource management such that our graduates will be technician level reflective practitioners.

Degree Requirements

Students must have earned an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS) degree or equivalent (i.e. earned credit in no less than sixty (60) semester hours) from a regionally accredited institution(s). To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours, including successful completion of thirty-six (36) general education credit hours, twenty-seven (27) credit hours of lower level specialized and technical courses, forty (40) credit hours of upper-level required core courses, and seventeen (17) credit hours of electives. Mandatory advising will be required for all registration in the BS-MRM program. The College will utilize the policies codified in Board Rule 7.710 to complete prior learning assessments.

Recommended Lower–Level Technical Courses: (Choose at least 27 credits)

• BSC 1011 - Principles of Biology or BSC 1005 Survey of Biology (3)
• BSC 1010L - Principles of Biology Lab (1)
• ISC 2132 - Basic Research Diving (4)
• MTE 1052 - 2&4 Cycle Outboard Theory or MTE 1053C - 2&4 Cycle Outboard Repair and Maintenance (3)
• MTE 1811 - Basic Seamanship (3)
• MTE 2810C - Motorboat Operations (2)
• OCB 1000 - Introduction to Marine Biology (3)
• OCB 2102C - Marine Data Collection (4)
• OCB 2263C - Coral Reef Biology and Management (4)
• OCB 2721C - Survey of Mariculture (3)

Upper–Level Common Core Course Requirements (40 credit hours):

• FAS 3700 - Aquaculture and Seafood Policy (3)
• GIS 3043 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3)
• ISC 3133 - Advanced Research Diving (3) * or OCB 3903 Directed Individual Study in Marine Resource Management
• OCB 3035 - Nearshore and Offshore Ecology and Assessment (3)
• OCB 3072 - Marine Conservation (3)
• OCB 3700 - Marine Resource Economics (3)
• OCB 4073 - Marine Socioeconomics (3)
• OCB 4074 - Marine Policy and Management (4)
• OCB 4103- Forensic Marine Science (3) *
• OCB 4103L - Forensic Marine Science Lab (1) *
• OCB 4624 - Estuarine and Coastal Ecology (3)
• OCB 4935 - Seminar: Issues in Marine Resource Management (1)
• OCB 4945 - Capstone Experience: Marine Resource Management Internship (4)
• ZOO 4894C - Fisheries Management (3)

Total Required Credit Hours: 120

Foreign Language Requirement

Prior to completion of the Bachelor Science in Marine Resource Management (B.S.-M.R.M.) at the College, students must demonstrate foreign language competence by providing evidence that documents the successful completion of two (2) credits of sequential high school foreign language instruction, or by passing the second level of foreign language at the college level. Students may demonstrate equivalent foreign language competence via the alternative methods specified by the Florida Department of Education including established minimum College Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores, or other methods as determined by the College. The College reserves the right to validate the foreign language competence of any student prior to awarding the Associate in Arts Degree through methods including, but not limited to, review of official transcripts, portfolio and performance reviews, 87 competency testing, standardized testing, or other methods determined by the College that are designed to assess the foreign language competencies outlined in Rule 6A– 10.02412 of the Florida Administrative Code. Some majors and universities require additional foreign language competencies. Please consult an advisor regarding your foreign language transfer requirements.

*Non-degree seeking students who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution may register for up to seven (7) credits in the following courses with prior administrative approval : ISC 3133 – Advanced Research Diving (3), OCB 4103 – Forensic Marine Science, or OCB 4103L – Forensic Marine Science Lab (1).