ISMES
- About ISMES
- Benefits of ISMES
- Advising/University Studies
- Prospective ISMES students
- Admitted Students
- Curriculum
- Contact Us
- Apply
- About UNCW
- Environmental Studies
- Marine Biology
International Scholars in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies (ISMES)
Welcome to the ISMES website! ISMES is a three year degree program exclusively for international students interested in studying marine biology or environmental studies. As a part of the ISMES program, students will become involved in hands-on study from the very beginning. The departments of Biology and Marine Biology, and Environmental Studies stress a research-oriented approach to learning, aimed at developing future leaders who can implement practical solutions to growing worldwide concerns in marine and environmental conservation.
During the first year at UNCW, students will explore the scientific foundations of marine biology and allied sciences (chemistry, physics and math), as well a liberal arts component that is the key to informed global citizenship. The first summer includes experiences in the coastal environment of North Carolina, including the ocean, estuaries, marshes and barrier islands.
During the second year, students will master the core areas of marine biology and the allied sciences in greater detail, as well as continue their liberal arts education. The second summer includes opportunity for greater field experience and independent study with a faculty mentor.
The final year at UNCW will allow students to explore the cutting edge of marine biology through advanced classes and independent research. The final summer is dedicated to an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
BENEFITS
- Students in the ISMES program have the potential to earn a degree in three years, providing students earlier job market entry to accelerate earning income.
- Students major in either marine biology or environmental studies with a conservation focus, a critical issue in today’s global society aimed at preserving ecosystems for tomorrow’s generations.
- Students choose either marine biology or environmental studies as their major, but can take courses in both disciplines, as each department encourages interdisciplinary study; the two programs are complementary.
- Students spend summer semesters engaging in hands-on research or in an internship; these experiences enhance their depth of knowledge and are attractive to prospective employers.
- Exclusively for international students, this program offers greater support from the university, including priority class registration and its own orientation.
- Students begin their studies in the spring semester (January), providing additional time for visa processing and preparation.
- On-campus housing is guaranteed for all students in the program.
- ISMES students attend classes alongside domestic students majoring in either marine biology or environmental studies, fostering cultural exchange between U.S. and international students.
- The $60 application fee for university admissions will be waived for students applying to the program.
- International Scholars in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies Program (ISMES) will begin Spring 2013 term (January).
- Students receive focused advising to guide them throughout their university studies.
For details on how to apply for admission to UNC Wilmington and the ISMES program, please visit www.uncw.edu/admissions/international.html.
ISMES students will be assigned an academic advisor who will provide focused guidance to assist in their development throughout the ISMES program.
The purpose of academic advisors is to:
- Concentrate on the individual student
- Assist in the transition to UNCW
- Help students navigate UNCW and understand academic policies
- Assist in course selection
Students should see or contact their academic advisor whenever the student has a question about classes or academic policies, or has a concern about academic performance and needs advice about improving grades.
In addition, all students must complete basic studies known as University Studies, in addition to courses related to the major. Advisors will ensure that University Studies requirements are met. For more information about University Studies, go to: http://uncw.edu/universitystudies/. On the right, choose “Know the Curriculum.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Tell me about the ISMES program.
International Scholars in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies (ISMES) is an accelerated degree program exclusively for international students at UNCW. ISMES students will major in either Marine Biology or Environmental Studies, and have the potential to earn their degree in three years. This is possible because students spend summers earning credit toward their degree; courses taken during summer involve intensive research related to their field of study. Graduating in three years allows students to begin graduate studies sooner or begin to work in their field of interest. Students who complete the program with a degree in marine biology or environmental studies, two areas vital of international concern, will have marketable employment skills since they will have hands-on experience through research conducted under the supervision of highly respected faculty. For more details on the curriculum, please click here.
2. What are the advantages to starting in the spring semester with the ISMES program?
There are several advantages to beginning your studies in the spring through the ISMES program. These include:
-having more time to address visa issues, such as making an appointment at the embassy, gathering important documentation, etc.
-having more time to secure funding for college expenses, if needed.
-guaranteed housing
-waiver of the $60 application fee
-concentrated, focused advising and support throughout the ISMES program
3. What type of housing options will I have?
We work closely with the Office of Housing and Residence Life to ensure you on-campus housing. All residence options are air-conditioned, have internet access (wireless as well as Ethernet), premium cable television, your own phone connection and personal voice mail. The International House is an optional on-campus residence hall housing international and U.S. students, providing a rich environment in which students can share and celebrate cultural diversity. Assistance is available for students who prefer information about off-campus housing: Seahawk Perch.
4. Can I take courses at a college or university in the Fall before I attend UNCW?
Yes; if those courses are completed successfully at a U.S. accredited institution, you will receive credit. If you choose to take courses at a foreign institution, you may not be able to receive credit. You will need to submit a credit evaluation report in order to determine what academic credit can be awarded. For course transfer information, go to: http://www.uncw.edu/admissions/INTLReqsTR.html
5. What kind of support is offered for students beginning in spring?
We are pleased to offer a full spring orientation to our students admitted to ISMES, as well as the opportunity to work with a professional academic advisor. This advisor will work with you throughout the class registration process to ensure that you have registered for the appropriate courses. Also, our Office of International Programs offers comprehensive support to international students, including airport pickup, immigration advising, special welcome sessions to orient students to the U.S., host families, and a variety of cross-cultural programs and events in conjunction with the International Student Organization (ISO).
6. Are there scholarships or financial aid available for international students?
Financial aid and scholarships for international students are extremely limited since the out-of-state tuition is lower at UNCW than at many comparable institutions. To research funding opportunities, go to: http://www.uncw.edu/admissions/INTLFinances.html
If you have additional questions, please contact Linda Byrnes (byrnesl@uncw.edu) or Tom Tascone (tasconet@uncw.edu).
How can I apply to the ISMES program?
You must apply to the ISMES program through UNCW's Office of Admissions. When you begin the application, select Fall 2012 term, complete the application and then fill out the required supplemental application form. To begin the application, click here.
- If you apply through SeaLevel, choose fall as the entry term, then contact the Office of Admissions to request the required ISMES Supplemental Application Form.
- If you apply through the Common Application, select spring as the entry term, then contact the Office of Admissions for the required ISMES Supplemental Application Form.
Sample Curriculum
Year 1- Environmental Studies |
||
| Spring | Summer | Fall |
Introductory EVS Allied Sciences Liberal Arts electives |
International Field Experience Allied Sciences |
EVS core Allied Sciences Liberal Arts electives |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring | Summer | Fall |
EVS core Allied Sciences Liberal Arts electives |
International Field Experience Allied Sciences |
EVS electives Liberal Arts electives |
| Year 3 | ||
| Spring | Summer | Fall |
EVS electives Liberal Arts electives |
Independent research/Internship | EVS electives Liberal Arts electives |
| Year 1- Marine Biology | ||
| Spring | Summer | Fall |
| Introductory Biology Allied Sciences Liberal Arts electives | Field experience Introductory biology Allied Sciences | Marine Biology core Allied Sciences Liberal Arts electives |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring | Summer | Fall |
| Marine Biology core Allied Sciences Liberal Arts electives | Field experience Introductory Biology Marine Biology Core Allied Sciences | Marine Biology core Advanced Marine Biology electives Liberal Arts electives |
| Year 3 | ||
| Spring | Summer | Fall |
| Advanced Marine Biology electives Liberal Arts electives | Independent research | Advanced Marine Biology electives Liberal Arts electives |
Welcome to the International Scholars in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies (ISMES) program at UNCW! The ISMES program is designed for promising international students looking for a challenging university experience in the U.S in a program that offers expertise in both teaching and research. Nestled between the Cape Fear River and the subtropical Atlantic Ocean, UNCW is North Carolina’s coastal university. Our faculty and students have access to a wide range of natural habitats, from coastal forests and barrier islands to the vast Atlantic Ocean. Using cutting edge technologies and the latest techniques to answer questions that span the range of life sciences, conservation, and environmental policy and management, ISMES students are able to explore the surrounding habitats.
Go through our site! Check out the many opportunities for an International Scholar in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies.
Best Regards,
Christopher Finelli- Chair of the Department of Biology & Marine Biology
Jack Hall- Chair of the Department of Environmental Studies
Next Steps (enrollment deposit, housing, orientation) – to come
Placement tests (http://uncw.edu/uc/)
Contacts regarding admission ISMES policies and procedures:
Linda Byrnes
International Admissions Coordinator
byrnesl@uncw.edu
910.962.7779
Tom Tascone
First-Year Admissions Coordinator
tasconet@uncw.edu
910.962.7573
Departmental Contacts:
Biology and Marine Biology
Dr. Christopher M. Finelli
Associate Professor and Chair
finnellic@uncw.edu
910.962.3487
910.962.4066 (fax)
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