Students may enter the program after completing at least 30 hours (but no more than 75 hours) of coursework. Your credit hours should also include at least 16 hours of IDS coursework. You must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above at UGA; this GPA must be maintained to remain in the program. Transfer students must wait at least one semester before applying to the IDS program, as the program considers your GPA at UGA only. However, the number of hours that you have (no more than 75) includes transfer hours. If you are entering UGA with close to 75 hours (or will have more than 75 hours after completing one semester at UGA), we recommend that you meet with us as soon as you arrive at UGA. Students who are doing a double major often declare their first major (e.g. Biology) upon entering college and add the IDS major later. To apply to the IDS program, you need an IDS program of study, which is a list of the relevant courses you have taken (and are planning to take) over the course of your studies. Your final Program of Study must meet the requirements of the IDS program in Marine Sciences as well as all other College and University requirements. You also need a three-member faculty committee as well as a completed copy of the IDS petition, which can be obtained from the Dept. of Marine Sciences. For more information contact the Undergraduate Coordinator in the Department of Marine Sciences, 706-542-7671 (marsciundergrad@uga.edu).
