The Department of Marine Science's (DMS) location at the Stennis Space Center (SSC) provides more than just an intellectual advantage. SSC's 139,000 acres is centered around the scenic Pearl River in a rural forested area rife with wildlife. The natural beauty of the area provides opportunities for nature hikes, boating, and fishing. SSC also houses a fitness club that everyone can join at a low cost.  The SSC Recreational Association sponsors many recreational events such as springtime softball teams, a Mardi Gras krewe, a gun and archery club, a riding club complete with bridle paths, and a wildlife conservation club.

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Ingrid During Gulf of Mexico Cruise	Academic Programs Apply Degree Requirements Undergraduate Background Courses Offered Student Oceanographic Society (SOS)

Although SSC is located over 75 miles from The University of Southern Mississippi's main campus in Hattiesburg, DMS is an integral part on the University. In this respect, students at DMS enjoy all the rights and privileges accorded to their counterparts on the main campus. This includes the use of libraries and computer centers, low-price admission to sporting and theater events, and other such common student services.

Cost of Study

Most marine science graduate students are supported on teaching or research assistantships and must be enrolled for 9 to 13 hours to be considered full-time students; assistantships include a full tuition waiver.  Students not on an assistantship pay a tuition of $2,156* per semester (for 2005-2006).  Non-resident full-time students pay an additional out-of-state tuition fee of $2,715* per semester; the non-resident fee is also waived for students on an assistantship. 
*The University must reserve the right to increase or modify expenses without prior notice, but with approval of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.

Cost of Living

The cost of living on the Gulf Coast is average for the southeast and considerably lower than the national average. A student sharing an apartment or small house should find that $5,500 to $6,500 a year will be adequate for basic needs. For example, in the Long Beach, Mississippi area, a modern, two-bedroom, air-conditioned, unfurnished apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen can be found for approximately $550 to $650 a month. No housing is available at SSC and it is highly recommended that each student have a car as the nearest towns to SSC are twenty miles away.

Additional Information can be found in the SOS Student Handbook: [PDF format].