COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Earth Sciences with an Ocean Mapping option at UNH is a highly specialized graduate program designed to prepare students for advanced careers in hydrography, marine geoscience, and ocean technology by combining Earth science, engineering, and geospatial analysis. Students may pursue either a thesis option requiring at least 30 graduate credits or a non-thesis option requiring at least 34 credits, both of which include core coursework, advanced technical training, and either a master’s thesis or a directed research project with written and oral presentations. The program begins with foundational requirements such as ESCI 997 Seminar in Earth Sciences and ESCI 998 Proposal Development, typically completed in the first year to build research direction and communication skills. The core curriculum is centered on ocean mapping and includes a series of advanced technical and scientific courses. Students study physical oceanography through ESCI 858 Introduction to Physical Oceanography or ESCI 868 Applied Physical Oceanography for Hydrographic Surveyors, along with geological oceanography via ESCI 859 or ESCI 869 Marine Geology and Geophysics for Hydrographic Surveyors. Additional required technical training includes ESCI 870 Geodesy for Ocean Mapping, ESCI 871 Positioning for Ocean Mapping, ESCI 872 Applied Tools for Ocean Mapping, ESCI 874 Integrated Seabed Mapping Systems, ESCI 875 Advanced Topics in Ocean Mapping, and ESCI 972 Hydrographic Field Course, which provides hands-on field experience using professional surveying equipment and techniques. Students complete either a 6-credit Master’s Thesis (ESCI 899), involving original research and an oral defense, or a 2-credit Directed Research project (ESCI 898) with formal written and oral reporting. The program also offers pathways aligned with international professional standards for hydrographic surveyors through FIG/IHO/ICA certification competencies. Overall, the degree combines rigorous scientific training, advanced geospatial technology, and real-world field experience, preparing graduates for careers in ocean mapping, marine surveying, offshore industry support, environmental monitoring, and global seabed exploration initiatives.