About the College | Welcome
"Is there any resource that is more fundamental to life, more inspiring, more mysterious than the earth itself? Together, the land and sea hold the keys to the health and the welfare of the Earth and all its inhabitants."
— Dr. Nancy M. Targett, Dean
Dr. Nancy M. Targett, Dean
Welcome!
Here at the University of Delaware College of Marine and Earth Studies (CMES) we are dedicated to advancing the knowledge, use, and conservation of the earth, its oceans and its other resources. Our goal is to produce well-rounded scientists and policy specialists who have the broad vision and interdisciplinary background necessary to address the sweeping, interrelated issues that are part of the study of ocean and earth systems.
Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
The undergraduate component of the College is currently housed within the Department of Geological Sciences where students can major in Earth Science Education or Geology. Geology majors can undertake concentrations in Paleobiology or Coastal and Marine Geoscience. Students may also major in Environmental Science, a collaboration between the departments of Geological Sciences, Geography and Biological Sciences. Environmental Science majors can select several concentrations including the Geological Environment or the Marine Environment. There are also marine studies courses that are open to undergraduate students. These range from introductory classes for non-science majors to advanced programs for science and engineering majors.
In addition, CMES offers many research opportunities for undergraduate students. These include a semester-in-residence program at the Lewes campus and an NSF-supported Research for Undergraduates program in the summer. Additionally, undergraduates have the opportunity to work with faculty on special projects for the University's Honors Program and for Degrees with Distinction.
Opportunities for Graduate Students
Our graduate program offerings include both Master's and PhD degrees. Students may pursue Master's and doctoral degrees in Geology, Oceanography and Marine Studies. Students pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Marine Studies can select concentrations in marine bioscience, marine policy, oceanography, or physical ocean science and engineering. We also offer a Master's of Marine Policy (MMP) and a Master of Marine Management (MMM). The MMM is a nine-month intensive degree program for working professionals in fisheries, marine minerals and energy, shipping and ports, maritime security, coastal management, and environmental protection.
Who We Are
Since the college's founding in 1970, we have sought to create one of the pre-eminent marine institutions in the nation. The recent union with Geological Sciences adds the critical component of our earth systems and furthers our quest for excellence in the field. CMES brings the latest advances in technology to bear on ocean, earth, and atmospheric research as well as on teaching. Our distinguished faculty includes members of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Academy of Engineering, the National Association of Geology Teachers, The Archaeological Institute of America, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, a Presidential Faculty Fellow, a Fulbright Scholar, and several University named professors.
The college is the administrative base of the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program, a partnership between the federal government, the state, and the University.
We hope you will join us in pursuing a deeper understanding of our blue planet. Please visit our web site often to learn about our latest CMES activities.
