BS Marine and Coastal Science - Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology at UC Davis: Fees Dates & Requirements

University of California Davis Bachelor of Science in Marine and Coastal Science – Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology is a 4-year, full-time on-campus degree. Located in Davis, California, this programme costs USD 71,000 per year (INR 67.69 Lakhs). Fall intake only. Eligible international students with IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 80+ may apply. This degree trains biologists and oceanographers to understand physiological adaptations, species biology, and ecological processes in ocean environments.

The Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology major stands apart through hands-on fieldwork at Bodega Marine Laboratory and access to UC Davis’ Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute. Graduates work as marine biologists, fisheries biologists, oceanographers, and environmental chemists for California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Ideal applicants are curious about ocean life, comfortable with quantitative science, and eager for research experience.

• Direct undergraduate research participation in marine ecology and evolutionary biology.
• Access to California’s premier research facilities including Bodega Marine Laboratory for field courses.
• STEM OPT eligibility allows 36 months of post-graduation work authorisation in the United States.

Also Check: University of California Davis Admission

University of California Davis Marine and Coastal Science Fees and Living Costs 2026

Annual tuition and mandatory fees for international students are broken down below.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• Tuition covers classroom instruction, laboratory access, and use of UC Davis libraries and research facilities.
• Health insurance is mandatory; UC Davis automatically enrolls international students in the university plan.
• Room and board costs vary; on-campus residential colleges range USD 14,000–18,500 annually.
• The International Student Administrative Fee (USD 143–215 per quarter) applies only if visa sponsorship is required.

Cost of Living in Davis for Marine and Coastal Science Students

Cost Reality: Davis is a college town with modest living expenses compared to major US cities. International students budget USD 13,000–18,000 annually for rent, food, transport, and personal items.

Also Check: Cost of Living in USA

University of California Davis Marine and Coastal Science Admission 2026

UC Davis Marine and Coastal Science accepts Fall cohorts only. International students must meet strong academic credentials and English language proficiency standards.

The university ranks 33rd in US News National Universities 2025 and 114th globally by QS World University Rankings 2026. UC Davis’ agriculture and life sciences programmes hold top-tier global recognition.

Academic Eligibility

All applicants must complete rigorous secondary coursework in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. UC Davis does not require a minimum GPA, but competitive applicants average 3.2 GPA or higher.

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

All international students must demonstrate English language proficiency via standardised testing. UC Davis accepts multiple pathways; neither exam is "easier," but test accessibility differs by region.

• TOEFL 80 (iBT) and IELTS 6.5 are equivalent thresholds; Indian students typically achieve one within 3 months of focused preparation.
• TOEFL registration takes 2–3 weeks; IELTS test dates occur monthly in India—book 4–6 weeks ahead.
• Even with scores above minimums, UC Davis evaluates English proficiency within the full application context; strong academics may offset borderline language scores.
• Applicants scoring TOEFL 75–79 or IELTS 6.0–6.4 are sometimes placed in intensive English pathways (ESL) before mainstream coursework.

Tip for Indian Students: IELTS is widely available across India; TOEFL requires stable internet access. Both are accepted equally. Focus on achieving 80+ TOEFL or 6.5+ IELTS at least 2 months before November deadline.

Also Check: University of California Davis Fees

University of California Davis Marine and Coastal Science Application 2026

The Common Application platform is used for all UC Davis undergraduate admissions. The application is straightforward but requires careful documentation for international credentials.

• The Common Application asks for essays, extracurricular activities, and academic records—no UC-specific supplement required for Marine Science.
• International students must submit official secondary school transcripts, translated to English if originally in another language.
• One teacher recommendation (science or math recommended) and one counsellor reference carry significant weight for STEM applicants.
• International credentials must be verified via WES (World Education Services) before submitting; submit WES report directly to UC Davis admissions office.

Application Tip: Start the WES evaluation 3–4 months before the deadline. Delays in credential verification often push international applications past the stated deadline extension window.

Read More: USA Student Visa Guide

University of California Davis Marine and Coastal Science Scholarships 2026

UC Davis offers limited scholarships for international undergraduate students, but merit-based aid exists for high-achieving applicants, especially in STEM fields.

International students are eligible for academic merit scholarships ranging from USD 2,000 to USD 8,000 per year. These scholarships do not cover full tuition (USD 47,000) but reduce the net annual cost to USD 39,000–45,000 (INR 37.14–42.86 Lakhs). UC Davis does not offer need-based aid to international students.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement (3.6+ GPA), excellence in standardised tests, and strong extracurricular engagement. STEM research, environmental club leadership, or marine science internships strengthen applications for scholarship consideration.

Scholarship Reality: International merit scholarships at UC Davis rarely exceed 15% of total cost; expect to cover 85% of tuition via family resources, loans, or part-time work. Budget accordingly when applying.

Check Out: Scholarships in USA

University of California Davis Marine and Coastal Science Salary 2026

UC Davis Marine and Coastal Science graduates pursue careers in marine biology, fisheries management, oceanography, and environmental consulting. Starting salaries are competitive within the life sciences sector.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (US), Glassdoor, PayScale 2026 data. Salaries represent gross annual income before federal, state, and local taxes.

Graduates often earn USD 55,000–60,000 (INR 52.38–57.13 Lakhs) in their first year with California state agencies or research institutions. After 3–5 years, salaries typically increase to USD 65,000–80,000 (INR 61.88–76.17 Lakhs). Master’s degree holders command 15–20% salary premiums.

Take-home pay varies by location (California state income tax is 9.3%) and employer. Use IRS or state tax calculators to estimate net income from gross salary figures.

ROI Reality: A UC Davis Marine Science degree costs USD 284,000 total (4 years × 71,000). Graduates earning USD 55,000–60,000 will recoup the investment within 6–7 years. Pursuing a master’s degree extends payoff timeline but increases long-term earning potential significantly.

Also Check: Post-Study Work Visa (OPT) for USA

USA Visa Pathway for Marine and Coastal Science Students

All international students studying at UC Davis are sponsored under the F-1 (student) visa category. Upon graduation, marine science graduates are eligible for 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) due to the STEM designation of the degree.

• F-1 visa allows full-time on-campus study and limited part-time work (20 hours/week during academic terms, full-time during breaks).
• STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) provides 36 months of post-graduation work authorisation—significantly longer than the standard 12-month OPT for non-STEM degrees.
• Skilled-worker visa (H-1B) requires employer sponsorship and an annual salary of at least USD 60,000; marine science salaries often meet this threshold after 1–2 years of OPT work experience.
• Spouse and dependent children may accompany the primary F-1 student; family members cannot work but can attend school under F-2 derivative status.

Visa Reality: STEM OPT is a major advantage; 36 months allows you to gain US work experience, secure permanent employment, and transition to an H-1B or immigrant visa pathway if desired. Plan to apply for OPT within 60 days of graduation.

Read More: USA F-1 Student Visa

University of California Davis Marine and Coastal Science Ranking 2026

UC Davis does not hold a subject-specific ranking for marine sciences in QS, Times Higher Education (THE), or US News subject rankings. However, UC Davis is globally ranked 114th by QS (2026) and 33rd nationally by US News, with particular strength in agriculture, environmental sciences, and biological research.

The Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute at UC Davis is one of North America’s leading research centres for coastal and ocean sustainability. Undergraduate students gain access to this institute’s research networks, Bodega Marine Laboratory (home to decades of long-term ecological studies), and faculty recognised for advances in marine conservation and evolutionary biology.

Rankings capture research output and reputation but do not measure undergraduate education quality directly. UC Davis Marine and Coastal Science curriculum emphasises hands-on fieldwork, research participation, and direct mentorship—elements that shape career readiness beyond ranking positions.

Honest Take: UC Davis’ marine programme is valued by employers in California and federal research agencies despite lacking a discrete subject ranking. The Bodega Marine Laboratory connection and research opportunities matter more than a ranking number for landing marine science roles.

Also Check: University of California Davis Rankings