Coastal Carolina University (15 miles from Myrtle Beach) offers a graduate degree (M.S.) in Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies. The program consists of 24 hrs of coursework and 6 hrs of thesis research. Courses are taught primarily by faculty members from two academic departments: biology and marine science. The coursework involves three core classes stressing coastal physical processes, ecology, and environmental policy. Various electives provide students with skills in conservation biology, geographic information systems, statistics, wetland delineation, geophysical surveying as well as theoretical background in specific areas of organism biology and ecology.
Located near coastal marshes, swamps, a large unregulated river, barrier islands, and the ocean, the program offers exceptional opportunities for basic and applied research. Students pursue projects that contribute to the characterization and preservation of the coastal ecosystem and the organisms that thrive in this ecosystem. Research conducted by graduate students and their faculty mentors is typically presented to the public via seminars, conferences or publications. Research support is provided by the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, The Nature Conservancy, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Sea Grant and other entities. Teaching assistantships and fellowships are also available. Contact: Dr. Jim Luken, CMWS Program Coordinator ([EMAIL PROTECTED]<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) http://www.coastal.edu/science/coastalstudies/
