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.
- UC Davis General Catalog: full MCS Major requirements
- MyDegree: checklist of full degree requirements
- OASIS: Academic planning website that includes helpful Degree Worksheets and Academic Plans for planning your classes
- Four-year roadmap for MCS: Suggested goals and resources for your time as an MCS major
- 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.
The Fall 2023 course registration number (CRN) is 21654. - 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.
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)