Associate of Science Degree in
Marine Science
The marine science program is designed to respond to a need expressed by the FSM
leadership in the FSM States and National Economic Summits. It has been designed to
take full advantage of the unique variety of marine environments available in the FSM,
particularly Pohnpei. This program provides a solid foundation for students interested in
pursuing a higher degree at a four-year institution
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the COM-FSM Marine Sciences requirements, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of geological, geographical, physical, chemical, astrological, and biological oceanography.
- Apply fundamental knowledge of marine sciences towards identifying and solving regional and global problems relating to marine systems.
- Apply the scientific process to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and collect and analyze data from which valid scientific conclusions are drawn.
- Communicate effectively, in written and oral forms, utilizing the language and concepts of marine science.
Preparatory Courses (by placement)
General Education Core Requirements - 29 credits
English (9 Credits)
- EN 110 Advanced Reading (3)
- EN 120a Expository Writing I (3)
- EN 120b Expository Writing II (3)
Mathematics (3 credits)
- Any 100 level or above mathematics course
Natural Sciences (7 credits)
- Any two of the following courses recommended, one of which must have a lab:
- SC 111 Environmental Studies (3)
- SC 180 Microbiology w/lab (4)
- SC 220 Introduction to Geology (3)
- SC 250 General Botany w/lab (4)
- SC 255 General Zoology w/lab (4)
- SC/SS 115 Ethnobotany (3)
- MR 252 Fishery Extension (3
Social Sciences (3 credits)
- SS 150 History of Micronesia (3)
Computer Applications (3 credits)
- CA 100 Computer Literacy (3)
Excercise Sports Science (1 credits)
- Exercise Sports Science course (1)
Humanities (3 credits)
- Any course in art, music, history, literature, philosophy, or language (3)
Major Requirements -36 Credits
Open Elective - 3 Credits
- Marine Science (23 credits)
- MR 120 Marine Biology w/lab (4)
- MR 201 Aquaculture w/lab (4)
- MR 210 Marine Ecology (3)
- MR 230 Ichthyology w/lab (4)
- MR 240 Oceanography w/lab (4)
- MR 250 Fishery Biology and Management (3)
- MR 254 Marine Biology Field Studies (1)
- Natural Sciences (4 credits)
- SC 230 Introduction to Chemistry w/lab (4)
- SC 230 Introduction to Chemistry w/lab (4)
- Mathematics (3 credits)
- MS 150 Introduction to Statistics (3)
- MS 150 Introduction to Statistics (3)
- Social Sciences (3 credits)
- SS 120 Introduction to Geography (3) or
- Choose one of the following :
- SS 101 Political Science
- SS 125 Geography of the Pacific
- SS 130 Introduction to Sociolog
- SS 120 Introduction to Geography (3) or
Open Elective - 3 credits
Graduation Requirements - 65 Credits
Suggested Schedule
- First Semester
- Second Semester
- Summer Session
- Thrid Semester
- Fourth Semester
EN 110 Adcanced Reading......................................................3
MR 120 Marine Biology w/Lab.................................................4
MS 100 College Algebra..........................................................3
SC 230 Intro. to Chemistry w/Lab..........................................4
Excercise Sports Science........................................................1
Total Credits = 15 Credits
EN 120b Expos Writing II.....................................3
MR 240 Oceanography w/lab...............................4
MR 210 Marine Ecology........................................3
MR 254 Marine Biology Field Studies......................1
CA 100 Computer Literacy...................................3
Total Credits = 14 Credits
Humanities Elective.............................................................3
SS 150 history of Micronesia...............................................3
Total Credits = 6 Credits
EN 120b Expos Writing II...........................................3
MR 230 Ichthyology w/lab..........................................4
Marine/Natural Sciences w/lab......................................4
MS 150 Intro to Statistics............................................3
Total Credits = 14 Credits
MR 250 Fishery Biology & Management ....................................3
MR 201 Aquaculture w/lab.........................................................4
Non-lab Marine/Natural Science or Agriculture............................3
Social Science............................................................................3
Open Elective............................................................................3
Total Credits = 16 Credits
