Marine Science Center

The Marine Science Center, a fleet of research vessels, and our own private island are just a few of the many resources Marine Sciences students have everyday access to for experiential learning and research.

Media Gallery

Large classroom with students sitting at lab tables and chairs and a professor writes on a chalkboard
Two students in rubber fishing waders use a net put fish in a bucket
man kneeling filling a bucket
two hands in yellow gloves hold a yellow lobster
Large research tank in the Marine Science Center
Two people aboard the R/V Sakohki research vessel
aerial view of an isolated island during the sunset
aerial shot of a long building surrounded by trees and near the water
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🌊 Marine Programs

UNE offers a variety of top-notch Marine Sciences programs.

Academics

Our undergraduate programs cover a wide range of topics in the marine sciences. Whether you're interested in pursuing further research, conservation, policy, advocacy, business, entrepreneurship, the marine economy or education — or some combination — our degrees offer the hands-on experience, research, and internship opportunities you need to become a leader in the marine sciences.

We also offer a 4+1 B.S./M.S. program in Marine Sciences, which allows you to complete your undergraduate and master's degrees in a total of five years, saving you time and money. You'll complete much of your master's coursework during your senior year of undergraduate work, while also working on your thesis project. Your fifth year will be spent finishing your research and writing your thesis.

🐟 Marine Science Center

Sitting on the shore of the Saco River, where the river meets the sea, UNE's Marine Science Center is just steps from UNE's private beach as well as the research vessel dock.

The Marine Science Center is the home of UNE's Marine Science program, boasting top-notch seawater facilities, laboratories, classrooms and offices right in the heart of the Biddeford Campus.

Inside the Marine Science Center

Our Marine Science Center offers 27,550 square feet across two floors for teaching, learning and research. Our tidal pumping system and 550,000 gallon storage tank enable flow-through seawater to be distributed to classrooms and labs, ensuring realistic environmental conditions for research. UNE's Ocean Clusters, research-education work groups focused on specific marine topics ranging from aquaculture to phytoplankton, occupy a whole wing of the building, showcasing 4,950 square feet of research space, five internal pools, wet and dry laboratories, offices and classrooms.

In addition to serving as our primary teaching, learning, and research space, the Marine Science Center plays an important role in the community as a public learning resource, offering information about marine research being conducted at the university and in the region through special programming and tours.

🔬 Marine Research

Undergraduate research is an essential part of our Marine programs, no matter which major you choose. All students conduct research in the field through their regular coursework beginning in their freshman year, with additional opportunities to gain experience through faculty labs and multi-institutional initiatives.

In addition to lab classes and faculty lab positions, UNE provides pathways for students to obtain research experience through fellowships from partners and programs. Research topics include biology of marine organisms, human impacts on the ocean, applied marine technology, and much more.

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