Undergraduate

Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology

Investigate critical marine and freshwater environments, from oceanic to riverine habitats, learning cutting-edge research techniques and conservation strategies.

2026

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Durham, NH

Courses

24*

Credit

128 hrs.*

Full-time

4 yrs.

Part-time

Varies

View course catalog

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Biological Sciences

The Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology major at UNH offers immersive training to prepare you for work in diverse aquatic ecosystems. You’ll study environments ranging from oceans to rivers while learning advanced research techniques and conservation strategies.

Through fieldwork, lab research and professional internships, you’ll build hands-on skills and prepare for careers in marine biology, ecological conservation and environmental resource management.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

Department of Biological Sciences

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Gregg Moore

Associate Professor

Gregg.Moore@unh.edu

Spaulding Hall, Room 254, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-5138

Maria Shortt

Administrative Coordinator

Maria.Shortt@unh.edu

Spaulding Hall, Room 116b, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-4400

What is marine, estuarine and freshwater biology?

Marine, estuarine and freshwater biology is a wide-ranging discipline that covers everything from the smallest aquatic microbes to the largest marine mammals and the habitats that they depend on, as well as emerging opportunities in shellfish, fish and seaweed farming.The program builds on a core curriculum in math, chemistry, physics and biology, and branches out into the aquatic sciences. Students specialize in their own areas of interest, preparing for exciting careers in fields including research, teaching, conservation, restoration, fisheries and aquaculture.

Why study marine, estuarine and freshwater biology at UNH?

State-of-the-art facilities, hands-on learning with an emphasis on undergraduate student research, and an incredible location make UNH the perfect place to study marine, estuarine and freshwater biology. The university is close to the New Hampshire Seacoast, the Lakes Region and the White Mountain National Forest, providing endless opportunities to study aquatic organisms and ecosystems. UNH has aquaculture facilities and coastal and estuarine research laboratories such as Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, Coastal Marine Laboratory and Shoals Marine Laboratory. Together with Cornell University, it administers the summer undergraduate programs at the Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine.

Potential careers

Aquariums and ecotourism
Biotechnology
Conservation/environmental protection
Education
Environmental consulting
Fisheries/aquaculture/ecological restoration
Fisheries management
Research

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The Major in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology is intended to give students interested in the fields of marine and freshwater biology the background and direct hands-on experience needed to pursue productive careers, including potential advanced study. This strategically cross-disciplinary major builds on a broad set of science courses in high-impact areas of study for today’s world, represented by a core curriculum in math, chemistry, physics, and biology. The core background is strengthened by a series of required and elective courses in a diverse range of aquatic sciences spanning watersheds to oceans, providing opportunities for study from organismal to ecosystem scales. Designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge in freshwater, estuarine, and marine biology, the MEFB Major allows flexibility and encourages students to focus on particular areas of interest from molecular biology to ecosystem and policy studies. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in areas of their own interest, such as aquaculture and fisheries, animal behavior, ecological restoration, or management. While MEFB students must complete rigorous course requirements, our students are encouraged to tailor their elective courses within and across departments and colleges as needed to build their own, unique cross-disciplinary path.

The University of New Hampshire is uniquely located for the study of aquatic organisms and their habitats. We are centered between the Great Bay Estuary and the Gulf of Maine, with easy access to diverse marine environments as well as the freshwater habitats of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and the White Mountain National Forest. We boast three Marine Laboratories that provide exceptional opportunities for our student’s research and educational needs, including Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL), the Coastal Marine Lab (CML; part of the larger Judd Gregg Marine Research Center), and the Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML), as well as strong affiliations with the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. While JEL is located on Great Bay in Durham, CML is in nearby New Castle at the Seacoast, and SML is located seven miles off the coast. SML provides summer undergraduate programing with field-based marine courses that fulfill major electives, as well as internships and research opportunities for advanced study. In addition, UNH’s campus maintains two fish aquaculture facilities, a world-class genomics laboratory, and the State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which provide hands-on opportunities for undergraduates. There is also an active diving program with courses at both beginner and advanced levels. A major strength of the MEFB program is the hands-on approach to learning combined with an emphasis on involving undergraduate students in mentored research opportunities.

Off Campus Coursework and Study Abroad Opportunities

It is strongly recommended that students consider participating in a summer, semester, or year-long study abroad program. UNH’s Shoals Marine Laboratory (https://www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.org/), in conjunction with Cornell University, offers a host of marine biology-related college level courses that meet many degree requirements of the MEFB major over the summer on our island campus in the Isles of Shoals. SML offers both Merit and Need-based Scholarships, multi-course discounts, as well as competitive Research Internships offering summer stipends. UNH Global is the definitive resource for Study Abroad opportunities for undergraduates (https://www.unh.edu/global/education-abroad). UNH Global can provide information on programs of study, while students’ academic advisors can assist in course selection options that provide equivalencies to requirements in MEFB so progress toward degree is not compromised. In addition, Ecoquest, run by the Department of Natural Resources, offers summer and semester programs of environmentally oriented courses in New Zealand (https://ecoquest.unh.edu/). These are just some of the many opportunities available for MEFB students and we encourage you to explore more.

Pre-health Professional Program

MEFB majors who wish to pursue postgraduate degrees in the health care professions should visit the premed advising website (http://www.unh.edu/premed-advising).

Degree Plan

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
MEFB 401	Marine Estuarine and Freshwater Biology: Freshmen Seminar	1
BIOL 412	Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology	4
CHEM 403	General Chemistry I	4
ENGL 401	First-Year Writing	4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	17
Spring
BIOL 411	Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular	4
CHEM 404	General Chemistry II	4
BIOL 528	Applied Biostatistics I	4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
MEFB 503	Introduction to Marine Biology	3
CHEM 545 & CHEM 546	Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	5
Discovery Course		4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
BIOL 633	Data Analysis for Life Science	4
BMCB 658A	General Biochemistry	3
GEN 604	Principles of Genetics	4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	15
Third Year
Fall
MEFB 625 or MEFB 747	Introduction to Marine Botany or Aquatic Plants in Restoration/Management	4-5
MEFB 725	Marine Ecology	3
PHYS 401	Introduction to Physics I	4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	15-16
Spring
ZOOL 690	Evolution	4
ZOOL 625 & ZOOL 626W	Principles of Animal Physiology and Animal Physiology Laboratory	5
PHYS 402	Introduction to Physics II	4
Animal Survey Course		4
	Credits	17
Fourth Year
Fall
MEFB 755	Biological Oceanography	3
ZOOL 710	Sharks and Bony Fishes	4
Major Elective		4
Capstone		4
	Credits	15
Spring
Major Elective		4
Major Elective		4
Elective		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	127-128

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements

Foreign Language Requirement: No

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required in all biological science courses that are counted toward the requirements for a degree in MEFB. Students who expect to compete successfully for post-baccalaureate programs should attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher by the end of the sophomore year and maintain it at that level.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
MEFB Core
BIOL 412	Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology	4
BIOL 411	Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular	4
MEFB 401	Marine Estuarine and Freshwater Biology: Freshmen Seminar	1
MEFB 503	Introduction to Marine Biology	3
MEFB 725	Marine Ecology	3
ZOOL 690	Evolution	4
GEN 604	Principles of Genetics	4
CHEM 403	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 404	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 545 & CHEM 546	Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	5
BMCB 658A	General Biochemistry	3
MATH 424B	Calculus for Life Sciences	4
or BIOL 428	Quantitative Biosciences
or BIOL 633	Data Analysis for Life Science
or BIOL 706	Data Science with R for the Life Sciences
or BIOL 711	Experimental Design & Analysis
BIOL 528	Applied Biostatistics I	4
PHYS 401	Introduction to Physics I	4
PHYS 402	Introduction to Physics II	4
Choose one Plant Survey course:
MEFB 625	Introduction to Marine Botany
MEFB 747	Aquatic Plants in Restoration/Management
Choose one Systems course:		3-4
MEFB 717	Lake Ecology
MEFB 755	Biological Oceanography (C)
ZOOL 708	Stream Ecology (C)
Choose one Physiology/Function course:		4-5
ZOOL 625 & ZOOL 626W	Principles of Animal Physiology and Animal Physiology Laboratory
MEFB 773	Physiology of Fishes
Choose one Animal Survey course:		3-4
MEFB 628	Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology
MEFB 675	Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation
ZOOL 542	Ornithology
ZOOL 710	Sharks and Bony Fishes
Capstone:
BIOL 780	Capstone Companion Course
MEFB Electives ¹
Select three courses from the following:
ANSC 701	Physiology of Reproduction
BIOL 566	Systematic Botany
BIOL 706	Data Science with R for the Life Sciences
BIOL 720	Plant-Animal Interactions
BMCB 605	Principles of Cell Biology
BMS 503 & BMS 504	General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory
ESCI 501	Introduction to Oceanography
GEN 713	Microbial Ecology and Evolution
MARI 705	Introduction to Marine Policy: Understanding US Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Policy
MEFB 505	Introduction to Applied Science Communication (SML)
MEFB 506	Marine Parasitology and Disease (SML)
MEFB 508	Marine Ecosystem Research and Management (SML)
MEFB 510	Field Ornithology (SML)
MEFB 530	Evolution and Marine Diversity (SML)
MEFB 535	Marine Mammal Biology (SML)
MEFB 590	Coastlines in Crisis
MEFB 625	Introduction to Marine Botany
MEFB 628	Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology
MEFB 674	Ecology and Marine Environment (SML)
MEFB 675	Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation
MEFB 702	Sustainable Marine Fisheries (SML)
MEFB 714	Field Animal Behavior (SML)
MEFB 717	Lake Ecology
MEFB 741	Sharks: Biology and Conservation (SML)
MEFB 747	Aquatic Plants in Restoration/Management (C)
MEFB 751	Research in Biology at the Shoals Marine Lab (SML)
MEFB 754	Anatomy and Function of Marine Vertebrates (SML)
MEFB 755	Biological Oceanography (C)
MEFB 772	Fisheries Biology: Conservation and Management
MEFB 773	Physiology of Fishes
NR 504	Freshwater Resources
NR 703	Watershed Water Quality Management
NR 712	Mammalogy
NR 744	Biogeochemistry
ZOOL 518	Comparative Morphology and Biology of Vertebrates
ZOOL 542	Ornithology
ZOOL 610	Principles of Aquaculture
ZOOL 625 & ZOOL 626W	Principles of Animal Physiology and Animal Physiology Laboratory
ZOOL 690	Evolution
ZOOL 710	Sharks and Bony Fishes
ZOOL 708	Stream Ecology (C)
ZOOL 733W	Behavioral Ecology (C)
ZOOL 736	Genes and Behavior (C)
ZOOL 740	Acoustic Ecology (C)
ZOOL 777W	Neuroethology (C)
Research and Special Projects ²
Select from the following Courses:
BIOL 795	Independent Investigations in Biology
BMS 795	Investigations in Biomedical Science
BIOL 799H	Honors Senior Thesis (C)
MEFB 403	Investigative Marine Biology Laboratory (SML)
MEFB 730	Underwater Research (SML)
MEFB 751	Research in Biology at the Shoals Marine Lab (SML)
MEFB 795	Independent Investigations in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology
TECH 797	Undergraduate Ocean Research Project (C) ³
MEFB 799H	Honors Senior Thesis in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology (C)

¹: A single course cannot be used for both a core requirement and an elective (e.g., ZOOL 542 cannot be used to fulfill the animal survey requirement and as an elective).
²: Primary focus of the project must be Marine, Estuarine and/or Freshwater. A 600, 695, 795, or 799 experience may substitute for one elective with academic advisor approval, but only if taken for at least four credits. These four credits may be spread over multiple semesters if they are consecutive and with the same faculty mentor.
³: This class requires enrollment in both fall and spring sections, 2 credits/semester for a total of 4 credits.

Capstone Experience

As part of the University of New Hampshire’s Discovery Program requirements, all students must complete a capstone experience during their senior year (after earning at least 90 credits). The capstone experience for students majoring in MEFB consists of BOTH (1) an approved individual experience AND (2) the successful completion of the BIOL 780 Capstone Companion Course. Students will not be approved for graduation until capstone certification has been granted.

1) The individual experience

The individual experience may be satisfied through various forms of experiential learning (e.g., Honors thesis, mentored research project, internship) or a course denoted with a “(C)” in the courses listed above. The individual experience must fulfill at least one of the University’s capstone criteria:

synthesizes and applies disciplinary knowledge and skills
fosters reflection on undergraduate learning and experience
demonstrates emerging professional competencies
applies, analyzes, and/or interprets research, data, or artistic expression
explores areas of interest based on the integration of the prior learning

Before beginning any capstone individual experience, students must submit a completed capstone approval form to their Program Coordinator.
Students can obtain this form on the Department's Capstone page or from their Program Coordinator. Here they will describe their proposed individual experience and how it fulfills at least one of the University’s capstone criteria listed above. If the student is selecting a “C” course for their individual experience, they should obtain the course syllabus from the instructor for information about the course’s content and learning objectives.

2) Enrollment in BIOL 780 Capstone Companion Course

Students will also be required to enroll in BIOL 780 (1 cr.) during the semester of their individual experience. BIOL 780 is offered every Fall and Spring semester.

If the individual experience is a two-semester thesis, BIOL 780 should be taken during the second semester.
If the individual experience occurs during the summer (e.g., internship), BIOL 780 should be taken during the Fall semester that immediately follows.
Note: Because BIOL 780 is not offered during the summer, students cannot complete their individual experience during the summer and graduate during that same September. Summer experiences could only be used as individual capstone experiences if completed the summer before the student’s senior year.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Show the ability to synthesize diverse sources of information and communicate it effectively.
Demonstrate a broad understanding of the unique characteristics, as well as the similarities, governing freshwater, estuarine and marine systems.
Have a broad understanding of biology from the molecular to the ecosystem with a particular appreciation for the abiotic and biotic factors relating to diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Demonstrate the ability to describe basic principles of scientific inquiry and the importance of scientific study for understanding the natural world.
Demonstrate the ability to design and experiment, collect data, analyze and graph it appropriately, and summarize the significant findings.
Demonstrate an ability to critically and objectively evaluate data, develop hypotheses, plus interpret biological experiments and studies.
Demonstrate an ability to communicate clearly and explicitly, both orally and in writing, following conventional scientific formats.
Demonstrate a broad understanding of major groups of prokaryotic and eukaryotic aquatic life.

Explore Program Details

FAQ

Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology (MEFB) Curriculum

Why major in MEFB over other biology-based majors at UNH in DBS or otherwise?

You really can’t go wrong with a major in the Department of Biological Sciences! That said, MEFB faculty span a number of departments and disciplines and designed the major to be 1) rigorous, 2) diverse, and 3) marketable. Meaning, we want to train a cohort of self-selecting, talented students interested in marine, estuarine, and freshwater biology, taking advantage of UNH’s uniquely direct access to these habitats and the organisms that depend upon them. Graduates of MEFB are highly trained and qualified candidates in a diversity of related job and postgraduate markets.

Can I minor in another area of interest? Does it have to be in Biology?

Minoring is encouraged in MEFB. Current students have minored in a wide range of topics, including Zoology, Animal Behavior, Sustainability, Marine Policy, Plant Biology, Economics, Foreign Language, and more. Minors do not need to be situated in the Biology Department. Suitability of Minors should be a conversation between students and the major advisor.

How large are the classes? Do I get one-on-one time with faculty or TA’s?

Class size varies of course. In your Freshman year, there will be a mix of often larger classes in subjects critical to many majors (Intro Biology, for example). But there are moderately sized courses as well on campus. Plus all incoming Freshman take a MEFB-specific seminar limited to your incoming MEFB cohort. That’s a great opportunity to meet MEFB affiliated faculty and graduate students in an open and welcoming informal seminar format.

Are the classes hands-on or field-based? Or are we always in the classroom?

We in the Biology Department pride ourselves on interactive, experiential, hands-on learning. This teaching philosophy translates strongly in MEFB, in both introductory and advanced course opportunities on campus and beyond. Our faculty seek immersive opportunities throughout the school year, rain or shine.

How many students are in MEFB? Is that number growing?

MEFB continues to be a growing major. Increasing awareness of climate-related disruptions, coupled with increased opportunities for related research funding, has coalesced around this major and the disciplines it spans. There are roughly 110 students declared in MEFB presently at UNH and evidence suggests that number will continue to grow as it has for the past 5 years.

I’m not good at ___________ (insert subject or topic). Is MEFB right for me?

UNH and Biology Department recognizes there are all types of students, with all types of strengths and skills. Passion for the subject matter will drive students to success but aptitude is critical in that process, particularly considering the rigor of the MEFB major. We have seen students with widely variable skillsets succeed and encourage all to do the same. Close coordination and communication with your major advisor is paramount to tracking your trajectory and positing yourself to success. We are here to discuss and consult as you make your decisions. We will offer recommendations and guidance as needed.

How many semesters of __________ (insert subject or topic) do I need to graduate?

The degree requirements are straight forward. Like other majors, the degree mandates several requirements and a series of electives to choose from throughout your program. Please note that electives may be selected from departments including, but not limited to Biological Sciences. Many students elect to take electives from other departments within the college: ANFS, NREN and MCBS, as well as at the Shoals Marine Lab, but many other departments and programs offer suitable options for degree elective fulfillment.

Are the course sequences pre-determined or do I have room to explore many topics?

Following a sequential pathway for courses that have pre-requisites is naturally required, for example, and there are some advantages to trend towards following the path most take. These advantages may include having a common peer cohort going through similar experiences and coursework, as well as simplifying the decision-making process. However, not all the courses have to follow a set sequence and there are many pathways to success.

Are there any courses JUST for MEFB students, or some that are considered ‘essential’?

All MEFB-declared Freshman take a MEFB-specific seminar limited to your incoming MEFB cohort. That’s a great opportunity to meet MEFB affiliated faculty and graduate students in an open and welcoming informal seminar format. The MEFB Seminar is a springboard to get to know faculty and learn about their projects, research interests, and opportunities for undergraduate experiences in their labs.

Is there ever a problem getting into classes? Do they fill up fast?

Typically, students tend to get into the classes they want and need. Establishing a graduation plan with your advisor is an important step in this process and of course, registering for classes on time during the pre-determined registration window is essential.

Do I pick my major advisor or is that person assigned to me?

Your major advisor is assigned to you by the Department. If you major in MEFB, your advisor is most likely a faculty member who strongly affiliates and/or teaches courses in that major. There is some flexibility in re-assigning major advisors if desired, but that is uncommon. We’re all here to help you succeed – and some students seek advice from more than one faculty person.

What is a Capstone Experience? Can you provide a few examples of recent MEFB grads?

The Capstone Experience is required during your senior year (or the summer prior). The Capstone explores areas of interest-based on the integration of prior learning with focused skill-building experiences. Capstones may be satisfied through created work or products, various forms of experiential learning (e.g., Honors thesis, mentored research project, internships, study abroad, or other special student activity agreed upon by undergraduate advisor). The Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research is an excellent resource of campus-based research opportunities for MEFB students.

I’m a transfer student. Will my credits transfer over or will I be behind?

Transfer of credits is completed on a case-by-case basis. Every effort is made to account for the valuable work you have completed before transferring to UNH. To assist evaluators in this process, you should be sure to have the course description and syllabus for each course being considered.

MEFB Resources

How many faculty are there in the major? Are they all in DBS?

There are roughly 20 faculty that formally affiliate with MEFB. Eight of us call the Department of Biological Sciences our home, but others span the other three departments within the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, as well as, the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering primarily. This diversity allows our faculty to offer exceptional expertise and learning opportunities for our students that simply could not be found in one department or program!

What opportunities do MEFB students have to work in lab or field positions?

The opportunities are many, and UNH faculty stand out as priding themselves on creating meaningful experiences for students in their research (lab, field or otherwise). Virtually every faculty member has undergraduates participating in their research in the Biology Department.

Positions include paid and unpaid internships, research independent studies, hourly and work-study positions, as well as some volunteer opportunities. The MEFB Seminar (required of all incoming MEFB majors) is a springboard to get to know faculty and learn about their projects and research interests. We encourage all to seek out any and all such opportunities for experience and personal growth.

What are UNH’s marine facility resources (i.e., marine labs, vessels, etc.)?

We boast three Marine Laboratories that provide exceptional opportunities for our student’s research and educational needs, including Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL), the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex, a.k.a. Coastal Marine Laboratory (CML), and the Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) as well as strong affiliations with the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. While JEL is located on Great Bay in Durham, CML is in nearby Newcastle at the Seacoast, and SML is located six miles off the coast. SML provides summer undergraduate programming with field-based marine courses that fulfill major electives, as well as internships and research opportunities for advanced study.

In addition, UNH’s campus maintains three fish aquaculture facilities, a world-class genomics laboratory (Hubbard Center for Genome Studies), and the State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which provide hands-on opportunities for undergraduates. Finally, we have 2 research vessels as well as numerous small boats to conduct field-based research.

Are there scholarships for MEFB majors once they have matriculated?

Absolutely. We have a number of competitive departmental and university-wide scholarships available for MEFB majors to consider. The Department of Biological Sciences maintains a standing committee of faculty and staff specifically charged to solicit many of these scholarship opportunities. In addition, there are a number of scholarships specifically for MEFB courses offered at Shoals Marine Laboratory in the summer. Again, we are here to help you succeed.

Study Abroad And Distance Learning

Can I study abroad and still finish the MEFB major on schedule?

Absolutely. If you plan to study abroad, you should consult with your major advisor to help plan the most efficient path forward sooner than later. UNH Global is the definitive resource for Study Abroad opportunities for undergraduates We are all here to help you explore and succeed.

What are some study abroad opportunities well-suited to the MEFB major?

In addition to programming through UNH Global, we have a number of Study Abroad programs that are well-suited to MEFB students. Ecoquest, run by the Department of Natural Resources, offers summer and semester programs of environmentally oriented courses in New Zealand. Meanwhile, UNH’s Shoals Marine Laboratory offers shorter-term study-away programs in the summer. These are just some of the many opportunities available for MEFB students and we encourage you to explore more.

How would UNH-MEFB courses run should we need to continue with, or return to, distance learning?

Students in the MEFB program have continued to take courses, including laboratory courses, during the Spring 2020 semester. Faculty and Teaching Assistants have been working overtime to continue to offer as high-quality experience as a student would receive in person. While some things are missing from a virtual experience, there are actually quite a few marine-based modules that can be accessed virtually. We are working hard, together with the UNH administration, to ensure that the trajectories of all undergraduate students are not derailed by the adventures of online learning.

MEFB Culture

Are there existing networks of MEFB students? Or MEFB-related clubs on campus?

Your first MEFB student network is inherently linked to the Freshman Seminar. This required course of first-year MEFB-declared majors gives you weekly exposure to your peers (as well as MEFB-affiliated faculty and graduate students). For many, this becomes an important network. Other Networks form from taking other courses together, especially courses with lots of field and research training, such as our summer offerings at Shoals Marine Laboratory. Many students also find common ground through campus-based clubs like the UNH subunit of the American Fisheries Society or the Aquaculture Club. There are many pathways that exist, and we encourage you to join us and develop new ways to connect!

How can I get more information re: the experience/opinions of current MEFB students?

One great way to get to know current MEFB students is to attend our upcoming ASVD Virtual Conference – April 16, 2020, 2-3 pm EST and April 17, 2020, 3-4 pm EST. MEFB students will be online and ready to share their experiences and answer your questions.

My Future

What do the graduates of MEFB go on to do? Are they finding jobs in their field?

The timing is great for MEFB grads to join the workforce or continue on to graduate studies or paid internships. Our grads work in many fields across diverse disciplines, with employers such as local state and federal agencies, NGO’s, aquaria, research think-tanks, environmental consulting, and graduate schools, among many more.

Capstone Experience

As part of the University of New Hampshire’s Discovery Program requirements, all students must complete a capstone experience during their senior year (after earning at least 90 credits).

For students in catalog years AY 20-21 and earlier, capstones may be satisfied through created work or products, various forms of experiential learning (e.g., Honors thesis, mentored research project, internships, study abroad, or other special student activity agreed upon by undergraduate advisor). The Hamel Center (https://www.unh.edu/undergrad-research/) is an excellent resource of campus-based research opportunities for MEFB students. In addition, several specialized courses may also count as capstones, as denoted by “(C)” in the course catalog. Students should consult with their advisor to determine the activities that satisfy this requirement.
Capstone Designation Form

For students in catalog years AY 21-22 and later, the capstone requirements have changed. Learn More