Marine Science
Minor
Explore the marine science minor at UW-Eau Claire
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's marine science minor is designed for students who are interested in studying, maintaining and preserving marine life. Most of your coursework is completed over two summer sessions at the Gulf Coast Research Lab (GCRL) in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Here, you'll work alongside experts in the field, gaining firsthand professional experience. This unique opportunity is an excellent way to explore career paths and make valuable connections.
Remaining credits to complete the minor must come from courses outside of your major. This flexibility will allow you to choose courses that interest you and align with your career goals. The minor is commonly paired with a major in biology, chemistry, geography or geology.
Why marine science at UW-Eau Claire?
Experiential learning. You won't need to travel far to access marine life. In fact, we have it right here on campus! A unique opportunity to join and intern for the Reef Team Club involves maintaining and caring for a variety of tropical creatures and plants housed in two, 125-gallon tropical saltwater aquaria.
Fascinating curriculum. UWEC offers exceptional class variety, allowing you to specialize in the topics that interest you. Explore classes that focus on certain organisms or gain a more holistic picture with courses in climatology and earth history. Taught by expert faculty, our classes involve unique, experiential learning opportunities, helping you to grow as a professional.
After witnessing amazing marine research, as well as getting to partake in it, I love the idea of being outside every day, contributing to marine conservation efforts.
Marine science minor curriculum
Curriculum throughout the marine science minor will encourage you to learn and apply common laboratory, field and modeling methods used in marine science today. Coursework will uncover the geological, physical, chemical and biological processes within marine environments, as well as highlight the two-way relationship between these complex ecosystems and human activity.
What classes do marine science minors take?
Your classes may cover topics like:
- Biology of fishes
- Oceanography
- Earth science
- Aquatic ecology
- Environmental biology and conservation
- Global environmental change
Learn more about the marine science minor in the UWEC catalog.
Learn more about UWEC
Related programs at UW-Eau Claire
Thinking about minoring in marine science? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.
Department information
Multiple departments support this program. Learn more about them!

Biology
Phillips Science Hall 330101 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the Biology department website

Geology and Environmental Science
Phillips Science Hall 157101 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the Geology and Environmental Science department website