"Earth and Planetary Sciences" text placed on top of a decorative photo collage of the five main UC Davis EPS research disciplines.

Planning your MCS Major

Your path to an MCS Major

Marine and Coastal Science (MCS) Undergraduate Courses

Many upper division MCS classes are offered once per year or once every other year, so careful planning will help you fit in your preferred electives. Check when each MCS major (and oceanography minor) class is offered.

The Marine and Coastal Science major begins with introductory courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and earth sciences.  These are followed by core courses in Marine Science. The major requirements provide focus and breadth, so that each student gains mastery in one area and broad exposure to many facets of Marine and Coastal Science.  Focus and Breadth areas include: Coastal Environmental Processes, Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology, Marine Environmental Chemistry, or Oceans and the Earth System. Students also graduate with hands-on fieldwork and research or internship experience. 

 

  • Marine Science Seminar
  • The Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute's Lead Mentor hosts seminars each year for all students interested in the Marine Sciences. See more at MCS Lead Mentor Courses.  
  • General Education courses to consider
  • GE Chart for MCS majors

    ABT/LDA 150—Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4 units) GE credit: SE, VL
    ANS 018—Introductory Aquaculture (4 units) GE credit:  SE, OL, QL, SL, VL, WE
    ANS 118—Fish Production (4 units) GE credit: SE. Prerequisite: WFC 120
    ANS 119—Invertebrate Aquaculture (4 units) GE credit: SE
    ANS 136–Techniques & Practices of Fish Culture (3 units)
    ANT 131–Ecology & Politics (4 units) GE credit: SS
    ANT 133–Anthropology of Ocean Worlds (4 units) GE credit: SS, WC, WE
    BIS 020Q—Modeling in Biology (2 units)
    CRD 149 — Community Development Perspectives on Environmental Justice (4 units) - includes a global learning focus!
    ESM/SAS 008–Water Quality at Risk (3 units) GE credit: SE, SL, SS, WE
    ESP 174—Environmental Justice Policy & Practice (4 units) GE credit: SS, DD, WE
    HIS/STS 002—Introduction to the History of Science & Technology (4 units) GE credit: AH, SS, SL, WC, WE
    HIS 108—Global Environmental History (4 units) GE credit: AH, SS
    HIS 157—Business, Biomes & Knowledge: Latin American Environmental History (4 units) GE credit: SS, WC, WE
    HIS 172–American Environmental History (4 units) GE credit: ACGH, AH, SS, WE
    HIS 178—Water in the West: Environment & Politics in America's Arid Lands (4 units) GE credit: AH, ACGH, WE
    HYD 150—Water Law (3 units) GE credit: ACGH, SS.
    NAS 161—California Indian Environmental Policy I (4 units) GE credit: ACGH, DD, SS, WE. No prerequisites. Offered Spring of odd-numbered years.
    NAS 162—California Indian Environmental Policy II (4 units) GE credit: ACGH, DD, SS, WE. No prerequisites.
    PHI 030—Introduction to Philosophy of Science (4 units) GE credit: AH, SE, SL, WE
    PLS 021—Application of Computers in Technology (3 units). Teaches Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other useful technologies.
    POL 12B–Climate Change and Politics (4 units) GE credit: SS, WE
    SAS 004Y–Water in Popular Culture (3 units) GE credit: SE, SS, ACGH, SL, WC
    SAS 010—Water, Power, Society (3 units)
    SAS 145—Digital Communications in Agricultural, Environmental and Human Sciences. Make video presentations about areas of science most interesting to you. 
    STS 001—Introduction to Science, Technology & Medicine Studies (4 units) GE credit: SS, WE. Learn how society and science affect each other.
    STS 011—Science on Trial: Law, Science, & Technology in the United States (4 units) GE credit: ACGH, SS. An introduction to law and science in America.
    STS 101—Data & Society (4 units) GE credit: QL, SS. Learn to analyze and visualize data about some of today's most challenging social problems. Add data analysis to your portfolio of skills.
    STS 115—Adventures in Data Science (4 units) GE credit: OL. Learn data science, including R. Consider taking it's next class, STS 195 where you work on real data science projects, and then even get involved in an internship. 
    UWP 049 — Writing Research Papers (4 units)
    UWP 102G — Writing in the Disciplines: Environmental Writing (4 units)
    UWP 104E—Writing in the Professions: Science (4 units)
    UWP 111C—Specialized Topics in Journalism: Science Journalism (4 units)

4-year Students | MCS Sample Academic Plan

The following are sample academic plans and goals for four-year MCS majors. This information is provided for your convenience, but should be adjusted to each student's specific needs. These plans are not meant to replace a consultation with a major advisor, who can help you create a personalized academic plan. Classes are subject to change.

Freshman Year

Fall
Winter
Spring
Entry-Level Writing (if needed) (0-6)CHE 002B (5)CHE 002C (5)
Preparatory Chemistry or CHE 2A (5)MAT 016B or 017B or 019B or 021B (3-4)MAT 016C or 017C or 019C or 021C (3-4)
Preparatory Math or MAT 016A or 017A or 019A or 021A (3-4)Lower Division College English (4)BIS 002B (5)
First-year seminar (optional) (1-2)General Education (3+) 
Total: 12-15 units
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ unis
  • Freshman Year Goals

  • Welcome to college! This year is all about getting used to campus and all the support you have available. There are a lot of resources, so be sure to find what works for you. Dedicate some time to yourself to think about what you value and what you want to accomplish during your time at UC Davis. Here are some things to think about exploring during your first year:

    Academic Goals
    • Take 1-3 preparatory science classes each quarter, and fill in your schedule with General Education classes
    • Take fun classes to explore your major (GEL 16: The Oceans or EVE 12: Life in the Sea)
    • Enroll in a Freshman Seminar
    • Attend office hours
    • Attend study skills and time management workshops
    • Figure out the right workload for you so you can create successful schedules
    • Complete your first-year mandatory advising requirement with the College of Letters & Science or College of Biological Sciences
    Career Goals
    • Visit the Career Center to learn about career preparation workshops, Handshake, and career counseling services
    • Participate in a Career Discover Group (CDG - available to those in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences only)
    Extracurricular Goals

Sophomore Year

Fall
Winter
Spring
BIS 002C (5)BIS 002A (5)STA 100 (4)
CHE 008A* (2)CHE 008B* (4)Depth Course (4-5)
General Education (3+) (suggestion: ESP 1)GEL 016 (3)EVE 012 (optional) (3)
General Education (3+)General Education (3+)General Education (3+)
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
  • Sophomore Year Goals

  • It takes everyone a different amount of time to get used to how college works, but once you feel like you’ve learned some of the resources and support systems that exist, it’s time to start pursuing some of those and getting more involved. Consider some of these things this year:

    Academic Goals
    • Finish biology, chemistry, and math, and start organic chemistry (if applicable) and physics. Continuing with General Education classes.
    • Complete your second-year mandatory advising requirement with your major advisor (College of Letters & Sciences)
    • See My Degree for a GE check
    • See your major advisor to create a four-year academic plan
    • Explore what undergraduate research is like by talking to your advisors, professors, and the Undergraduate Research Center (URC)
    • Learn about gaining a global education through the Global Learning Hub and their Study Abroad programs, the UC Davis Washington Program, or UC Center Sacramento
    Career Goals
    • Take ANS 198 Professional Development in Marine Sciences (Fall)
    • Attend Career Center workshops on how to write a resume, how to interview, and how to find internships and jobs
    • Create a resume
    • Visit your major advisor or faculty advisors to find out more about getting an internship
    • Talk to your major advisor and faculty advisors about graduate school
    • Are you interested in teaching? Consider taking a CalTeach/Math and Science Teaching (CalTeach/MAST) course
    • Visit Health Professions Advising (HPA)
    Extracurricular Goals
    • Continue your involvement on campus by participating in clubs and student organizations
    • Find a summer experience that will help you explore your interests and begin to gain transferable skills

Junior Year

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer (or Fall) at BML
BIS 101* (4)GEL/ESP 116N** (3)BIS 104* (3)
Field Requirement (0)
PHY 007A or 009A (4-5)BIS 105* (3)PHY 007C or 009C (4-5)
Focus Course (4)
Depth Course (4-5)PHY 007B or 009B (4-5)GEL/ESP 150B** (3)GEL/ESP 150C** (3)
ANS 198: Professional Development in Marine Science (2) General Education (3+)Breadth Course (3-4)
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
Total: 10 units
  • Junior Year Goals

  • By your third year, you’ll want to work on creating your unique path at UC Davis. This is the time to get more involved in the opportunities you think will best support your long-term goals. Use these academic and co-curricular experiences to clarify some of your values, and help shape the person you want to be when you graduate:

    Academic Goals
    • Transition into taking Upper Division coursework for your major. 
    • Pick your depth, focus, and breadth classes – some are only offered one every year or two, and choosing them early means you won’t miss out on your favorites
    • Get to know your professors
    • Think about if a minor is right for you. See the advisor for that minor to fit it into your academic plan.
    • Approach faculty members about research opportunities
    • Complete classes at the Bodega Marine Lab in Summer or Fall
    • Learn what a Senior Thesis is like. If you want to pursue one, set that up with a faculty member this year.
    Career Goals
    • Meet with a career advisor to explore your interests and skills
    • Update your resume with each new experience
    • Create a LinkedIn account and use it to network
    • Complete an internship
    • Research graduate or professional schools and prepare to apply, with help from your advisors, professors, and Pre-Graduate Advising
    Extracurricular Goals
    • Take on a leadership role in a class, project, or club
    • Volunteer for campus or community service
    • Work at a part-time job to build transferable skills and a professional network

Senior Year

Fall
Winter
Spring
Focus Course (3-4)Focus Course (3-4)GEL/ESP 150A** (4)
Focus Course (3-4)Breadth Course (3-4)Breadth Course (3-4)
Research/Internship (3)General Education (3+)EVE/ESP 111 (1)
UWP 101 or 102 or 104 or UDCE General Education (3+)
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
Total graduation units: 180 (54-64 upper division)
  • Senior Year Goals

  • All the opportunities you’ve created for yourself over the past few years have shaped you into the person you are today. Continue to develop skills, recognize your strengths, and set long-term goals for yourself with some of these resources during your senior year:

    Academic Goals
    • Take discipline-specific courses, or classes to help you get into grad school. Also consider practical courses outside of your major like writing, communication, computer programming, personal finance, etc
    • Complete your fourth-year mandatory advising requirement with your major advisor (College of Letters & Sciences)
    • Check My Degree and plan for any remaining degree requirements with your academic advisors
    • Complete a senior thesis
    • Consider presenting your research at the Undergraduate Research Conference in Spring
    • Register for Graduation and Commencement
    Career Goals
    • Attend a Career Fair
    • Attend academic conferences
    • Apply to jobs for after graduation
    • Research and apply to graduate or professional schools
    Extracurricular Goals
    • Prepare for the transition from your undergraduate career to graduate school or the professional world

Updated December 2024

*Only required for the focus in Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology
**Choose two from GEL/ESP 116N, 150A, 150B, and 150C

2-year Transfer Students | MCS Sample Academic Plan

The following is a sample academic plan for 2-year transfer MCS majors. It assumes that you’ve completed the preparatory coursework. This information is provided for your convenience, but should be adjusted to each student's specific needs. These plans are not meant to replace a consultation with a major advisor, who can help you create a personalized academic plan. Classes are subject to change.

Junior Year

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer (or Fall) at BML
GEL 001 or 002 or 016 or 050 (3-4)GEL/ESP 116N** (3)BIS 105* (3)Field Requirement
STA 100 (4)BIS 101* (4)GEL/ESP 150B** (3)Focus Course (4)
Depth Course (4-5)Focus Course (3-4)Breadth Course (3-4)GEL/ESP 150C** (3)
ANS 198: Professional Development in Marine Science (2)
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
Breadth Course (3-4)
Total: 12-15 units
 
 
Total: 10 units
  • Junior Year Goals

  • Welcome to UC Davis as a transfer student! Your path through the major involves jumping right in and taking advantage of opportunities right away. Here are some sample goals for transitioning effectively to UC Davis and then getting even more involved throughout the year:

    Academic Goals
    • Finish any remaining preparatory (lower division) science coursework
    • Visit your college advisor in Winter quarter to check in on your IGETC or General Education
    • Transition into taking Upper Division coursework for your major. Pick your depth, focus, and breadth classes – some are only offered one every year or two, and choosing them early means you won’t miss out on your favorites. See your major advisor to create a four-year academic plan
    • Complete your first-year mandatory advising requirement with the College of Biological Sciences or College of Letters & Sciences
    • Attend office hours and get to know your professors
    • Attend study skills and time management workshops
    • Complete classes at the Bodega Marine Lab in Summer or Fall
    • Explore what undergraduate research is like by talking to your advisors, professors, and the Undergraduate Research Center (URC). Approach faculty members about research opportunities
    • Learn what a Senior Thesis is like. If you want to pursue one, set that up with a faculty member this year.
    • Learn about gaining a global education through the Global Learning Hub and their Study Abroad programs, the UC Davis Washington Program, or UC Center Sacramento.
    Career Goals
    • Take ANS 198 Professional Development in Marine Sciences (Fall)
    • Participate in a Career Discover Group (CDG - available to those in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences only)
    • Participate in the College of Biological Sciences cohort program
    • Visit the Career Center to learn about career preparation workshops, Handshake, and career advising
    • Create a resume
    • Visit your major advisor or faculty advisors to find out more about getting an internship
    • Create a LinkedIn account and use it to network
    • Research graduate or professional schools and prepare to apply, with help from your advisors, professors, and Pre-Graduate Advising
    • Are you interested in teaching? Consider taking a CalTeach/Math and Science Teaching (CalTeach/MAST) course
    • Visit Health Professions Advising (HPA)
    Extracurricular Goals

Senior Year

Fall
Winter
Spring
BIS 104* (3)Focus Course (3-4)GEL/ESP 150A** (4)
Depth Course (4-5)Focus Course (3-4)Breadth Course (3-4)
Research/Internship (3)UWP 101/102/104/UDCE (0-4)EVE/ESP 111 (1)
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
Total graduation units: 180 (54-64 upper division)
  • Senior Year Goals

  • All the opportunities you’ve created for yourself over the past few years have shaped you into the person you are today. Continue to develop skills, recognize your strengths, and set long-term goals for yourself with some of these resources during your senior year:

    Academic Goals
    • Take discipline-specific courses, or classes to help you get into grad school. Also consider practical courses outside of your major like writing, communication, computer programming, personal finance, etc
    • Complete your fourth-year mandatory advising requirement with your major advisor (College of Letters & Sciences)
    • Check My Degree and plan for any remaining degree requirements with your academic advisors
    • Think about if a minor is right for you. See the advisor for that minor to fit it into your academic plan.
    • Complete a senior thesis
    • Consider presenting your research at the Undergraduate Research Conference in Spring
    • Register for Graduation and Commencement
    Career Goals
    • Attend Career Center workshops on how to write a resume, how to interview, and how to find internships and jobs
    • Update your resume with each new experience
    • Complete an internship
    • Attend a Career Fair
    • Attend academic conferences
    • Apply to jobs for after graduation
    • Research and apply to graduate or professional schools
    Extracurricular Goals
    • Take on a leadership role in a class, project, or club
    • Volunteer for campus or community service
    • Work at a part-time job to build transferable skills and a professional network
    • Prepare for the transition from your undergraduate career to graduate school or the professional world

Updated December 2024

*Only required for the focus in Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology
**Choose two from GEL/ESP 116N, 150A, 150B, and 150C