Skip to main content
    GradsMatch
    Back to Programs
    University of California-Santa Barbara

    Master of Science in Marine Science

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Santa Barbara, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $60,452.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    17%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    6
    Cohort
    students
    39
    Credits

    Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara is a 39-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Santa Barbara, US. Tuition is $60,452 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Interdisciplinary program covering biological, chemical, and physical oceanography, marine geology and geophysics, marine biology, paleoceanography, ocean engineering, marine optics and remote sensing, and marine policy. Students complete core courses, additional coursework, and a thesis under faculty supervision.

    Focus: research

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

    Sign in to view - it's free

    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 15, 2027

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min Minimum TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 80 (exams taken before 1/21/2026) or 4.0 (exams taken on or after 1/21/2026)
    IELTS
    required
    Min Minimum IELTS Academic and IELTS Indicator: Overall Band Score of 7

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), potential 24 months STEM OPT extension

    $22,000.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara is $60,452 across 39 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara take to complete?
    Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara is structured around 2 years and 39 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara?
    Per the program's published guidance: minimum undergraduate or postgraduate GPA of 3.0
    Is Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science in Marine Science at University of California-Santa Barbara is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.