California State University, Monterey Bay

What you'll study

Students conduct original thesis research while gaining practical experience in coastal and oceanic environments around Monterey Bay. Training includes field methods (including research diving), use of boats and aquaria, and exposure to instrumentation and laboratory techniques. CSUMB faculty research areas represented in the program include fish ecology, ecophysiology, climate change biology, marine predator ecology, marine microbial ecology, population genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, biological oceanography, and policy and management applications.

Entry requirements

Applicants must first apply to the MLML graduate program and identify a potential faculty research advisor. Prospective students who plan to work with a CSUMB faculty member should apply to MLML and then complete the CSUMB application via Cal State Apply to enroll through CSUMB.

Career prospects

Graduates enter roles across government, non-profit and private sectors and have worked for organizations such as NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Hakai Institute, NASA, National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Naval Research, and various state wildlife agencies and conservation groups. Alumni also continue to doctoral study at institutions including Oregon State University, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego, and Stanford University.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page references tuition, fees and financial aid information; prospective students should consult CSUMB and MLML admissions staff for details on available funding, assistantships, and scholarship opportunities relevant to graduate research training.