College of Marine Sciences – American University for Continuing Education
Dean’s Welcome Address
Welcome to the College of Marine Sciences at the American University for Continuing Education (AUCE).
Oceans cover more than seventy percent of our planet's surface and hold the key to global climate stability, biodiversity, food security, and sustainable economic growth. Our College stands at the forefront of oceanographic research, marine conservation, aquaculture technology, and blue economy innovation. We are dedicated to educating world-class marine scientists, oceanographers, and environmental stewards equipped to address the complex ecological and scientific challenges of our marine environments.
At AUCE, we combine rigorous theoretical instruction with hands-on oceanographic research cruises, specialized coastal field stations, and state-of-the-art laboratory experimentation. Guided by internationally recognized faculty and supported by cutting-edge technology, our students explore marine ecosystems, monitor ocean processes, and develop sustainable solutions for marine resource management. Whether your ambition is to lead deep-sea research, advance aquaculture technologies, or formulate global marine protection policies, our programs provide the perfect academic foundation.
We invite you to join a passionate community of scientific explorers dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the oceans and preserving marine life for generations to come.
Dean, College of Marine Sciences
American University for Continuing Education
About the College
The College of Marine Sciences at AUCE is a premier academic institution dedicated to marine biology, physical and chemical oceanography, marine geology, aquaculture, and coastal environmental management. Adhering to international scientific standards, the College prepares research scientists, oceanographers, and marine resource specialists equipped with advanced analytical methodologies, fieldwork expertise, and ethical environmental stewardship to support sustainable marine ecosystems and the global blue economy.
Academic Departments
The College encompasses specialized scientific and technological departments covering core marine disciplines:
Department of Marine Biology & Coastal Ecology: Marine Biodiversity, Coral Reef Ecology, Marine Invertebrates, Benthic Ecology, and Marine Conservation Biology.
Department of Physical & Chemical Oceanography: Ocean Dynamics, Marine Geochemistry, Climate-Ocean Interactions, Chemical Marine Pollution, and Remote Sensing of Oceans.
Geophysics
Department of Marine Geology & Geophysics: Marine Sedimentology, Coastal Geomorphology, Plate Tectonics, Submarine Mineral Resources, and Paleooceanography.
Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries Management: Fish Nutrition, Marine Fish Hatcheries, Shellfish Farming, Fisheries Stock Assessment, and Pathology of Aquatic Organisms.
Department of Marine Biotechnology & Natural Products: Marine Pharmaceuticals, Bioactive Marine Compounds, Algal Biotechnology, and Marine Genomics.
Department of Marine Environmental Management & Coastal Protection: Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), Marine Policy & Law, Marine Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Protected Area Management.
System of Study & Academic Credit Hours
The university operates under an Integrated Credit Hour System that combines theoretical scientific lectures, specialized laboratory analysis, marine research vessel expeditions, and field surveys.
Undergraduate Degree Program (B.Sc. in Marine Sciences):
Total Academic Credit Hours: 160 Credit Hours.
Duration of Study: 4 Academic Years (comprising 3 years of academic, laboratory, and field-based coursework followed by 1 full year dedicated to Field Practicum, Oceanographic Cruises, and a Senior Marine Research Thesis).
Affiliated Research Vessels, Oceanographic Labs & Marine Stations
Students gain direct practical research experience through university-operated marine facilities and national research partnerships:
AUCE Oceanographic Research Station & Marine Field Station: A coastal research facility equipped with seawater circulation systems, wet laboratories, marine specimen collections, and diving equipment.
AUCE Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology Center: An advanced facility featuring indoor fish breeding systems, microalgae cultivation units, and molecular marine research labs.
Network of Partnered Research Vessels, Marine Parks & Oceanographic Institutes: Strategic affiliations with national oceanographic fleets, marine reserves, fisheries authorities, and international marine science consortiums for oceanic expeditions and internships.
Graduate Studies: Master’s & Doctoral Degrees
The College of Marine Sciences offers accredited Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees across all major oceanographic and marine science fields.
Master of Science (M.Sc.) Programs
Focused on advanced marine research techniques, specialized environmental monitoring, and applied aquaculture innovation.
Duration of Study: 2 Academic Years.
Total Credit Hours: 45 Credit Hours (comprising advanced scientific coursework, field/oceanographic research, and a master’s thesis defense).
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programs
Designed for university faculty positions, marine research institute leadership, global environmental policy consulting, and original scientific contributions to oceanography.
Marine Geology & Submarine
Duration of Study: 3 Academic Years.
Total Credit Hours: 60 Credit Hours (including advanced doctoral research seminars, independent oceanic or laboratory research, and an original doctoral dissertation).
Available Postgraduate Specialties
Graduate candidates may pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees in the following fields:
Marine Biology & Biodiversity Conservation
Physical & Chemical Oceanography
Aquaculture Technology & Fisheries Management
Marine Environmental Protection & Coastal Zone Management
Marine Biotechnology & Bioactive Resources
