Undergraduate and gradute students have been studying marine science at the EOS Center since it was first established in 1978. With its close proximity to salt marshes, rocky intertidal areas, sandy beaches and open water, the EOS Center is a perfect setting for active field study. State of the art research facilities are available for student research, as well as a fleet of research vessels that are suitable for research activities in the Bay.
M.S. in Interdisciplinary Marine and Estuarine Sciences (IMES)
The IMES program combines coursework, an interdisciplinary research experience, a professional internship* and co-curricular workshops to support students in developing their technical and professional skills. These skills prepare students for a variety of career pathways, including preparing them to pursue a PhD. The IMES is a 2-3 year program of full-time study. The length of the program depends on the type of research thesis project the student decides to pursue and their prior preparation. Most, but not all, courses required for the MS degree are offered at the Estuary and Ocean Science Center on the Romberg Tiburon Campus, 3150 Paradise Drive, Tiburon, CA. Some courses may only be offered at SF State’s city campus, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA. Students should plan on taking required coursework on both campuses. For more information please contact Associate Director of Academic Programs, Ellen Hines.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Summer Program
The REU summer program is designed to expose participating students to core concepts in Ecology, Evolution and Developmental Biology. This 10 week program includes independent research activities in laboratories at SFSU or at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center. Other key components of the program are in weekly professional development meetings in which students learn strategies for successfully pursuing a career in science, courses and workshops, a $5500 stipend, and social interactions and networking designed to foster the development of an ongoing community of learners.
DEEP: Diving into Ecology and Evolution Program
Are you interested in marine environments, finishing your degree requirements, and getting involved in research but don’t really know how? The DEEP: Diving into Ecology and Evolution Program offers students these opportunities and more.
Resources
Current Course Schedule
Fall 2022 course schedule for undergraduate and graduate students.
Housing Crisis & Food Access Resources
Food+Shelter+Success is SF State's Basic Needs Initiative. Basic needs are the essentials that every student needs to survive and thrive. Food+Shelter+Success supports students and their ability to be engaged learners who reach their full potential by helping students access quality food, secure housing and economic resources.
Scholarship and Funding Opportunities
There are many opportunities to find scholarship and financial support. Check back often as opportunities and deadlines change by semester.
Estuary & Ocean Science Scholarship
The Estuary and Ocean Science Scholarship supports graduate student success in marine and coastal research and science engagement. Criteria: first, second or third year in the Interdisciplinary Marine & Estuarine Sciences MS degree program or other CoSE graduate degree program when the graduate advisor is based at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center. Awards are for up to $2000.
Estuary & Ocean Science Opportunity Scholarship
The Estuary and Ocean Science Opportunity Scholarship supports graduate student success in marine and coastal research and science engagement for students who have demonstrated financial need. Criteria: first, second or third year in the Interdisciplinary Marine & Estuarine Sciences MS degree program or other CoSE graduate degree program when the graduate advisor is based at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center. Awards are for up to $2000.
Star Program at the EOS Center
STAR is an internship program of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, in which pre-service and early career STEM teachers have the opportunity to participate in research activities at the EOS Center Romberg Tiburon Campus, SF State and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Many STAR interns are also Noyce Scholars, committed to teaching science or math in a high needs school district.
Program highlights:
- Individual research projects at the EOS Center for Environmental Studies and Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
- Integrated program of academic and professional development
- Mentoring from research faculty, graduate students, and peers
- Nine week program (June to August)
- Weekly education workshops focused on exploring the nature of science and transferring the experience to the classroom, including creating a lesson plan
- Opening and closing conferences to introduce and present intern research
- $500 weekly stipend and assistance with housing expenses and relocation costs (if qualified)
- Excursions and social programs highlighting attractions of the Bay Area