CSM Partners with St. Mary’s College of Maryland to Provide Pathway to Brand-New Marine Science Degree and Neuroscience Science Degree

CSM Partners with St. Mary’s College of Maryland to Provide Pathway to Brand-New Marine Science Degree and Neuroscience Science Degree

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students who want to pursue careers in marine studies, or nervous system research, can now do so locally thanks to two new transfer agreements with St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) and a brand-new Marine Science major being offered at that college.

The Marine Science articulation agreement lays out a sequence of courses for both CSM and St. Mary's College that allows CSM students graduating with an Associate of Science in the Mathematics and Sciences with concentrations in either General, Biology, Chemistry or Mathematics to complete their bachelor's degree in four semesters after earning their associate degree. Similarly, the new Neuroscience articulation agreement lays out a sequence of courses for both CSM and St. Mary’s College that allows CSM students graduating with an Associate of Science in Mathematics and Sciences with concentrations in either General or Biology to complete their bachelor’s degree in four semesters after earning their associate degree. There is also a dual admission option for CSM students where they can complete classes at both institutions simultaneously to promote timely graduation. 

 “We are very excited to have created a pathway for this exciting new Marine Science major at St. Mary’s College of Maryland,” said CSM Coordinator of Transfer and Articulation Jacqui Rogers. “These agreements help us keep education affordable and provide a variety of exciting transfer options to our students. In fact, we are in the works to solidify articulation agreements and suggested course work for CSM students to transfer in St. Mary’s College for every degree program that college offers.”

The new Marine Science program is available at St. Mary’s College beginning fall 2021 semester. The major embraces the regions’ waterfront environments to create a unique, rigorous, and innovative program. Because of the location of St. Mary’s College on the St. Mary’s River and because of the college’s close association with the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, many opportunities exist for marine science that are not available at any other Maryland higher education institutions. 

In SMCM’s proposal submitted to the Maryland Higher Education Commission in support of the new marine science major, the college explained:

“As one of the largest, most productive estuaries in the world, the Chesapeake Bay is a cornerstone of Maryland’s culture and economy. Its waters are estimated to drive economic activity worth $33 billion per year, and have served as a model system for landmark discoveries in the field of coastal science. As our coastal environment rapidly changes, the need for knowledgeable professionals to advance emerging industries and develop creative environmental solutions is increasing.

“For example, the health of the Chesapeake Bay is improving but sea levels are also rising,” SMCM wrote. “Aquaculture is expanding, but industry success in any given year is unpredictable due to intensifying coastal storms. Maryland needs people who understand and can address the complexities of these and other problems facing coastal communities. Yet there is not one undergraduate program in the state dedicated to preparing students for careers that are oriented around the water.”

CSM students who meet certain criteria are given priority enrollment or guaranteed admission into colleges and universities worldwide. CSM offers more than 150 transfer agreements with more than 50 partnering universities and that number grows weekly. Learn more by visiting CSM’s transfer agreements webpage. 

More information regarding admission to St. Mary’s College can be found on the College’s website.