Starting this fall, students will have the opportunity to work with professionals in both the marine and health science fields.

A bachelor’s in health science and a master’s in marine science and oceanography have been added to the College of Science, says a university press release.

Students in the marine science program will work alongside “leading researchers and engineers,” according to Charles Roberts, College of Science associate professor. The work will take place at FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Harbor Branch is a research facility that was founded in 1971 by Seward Johnson, an heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company. It merged with the university’s marine science department in 2007.

Students in the program will continue having regular course work at the main campuses, but will be involved in lab research at Harbor Branch as well.

Meanwhile, the bachelor’s degree in health science will prepare students for clinical or nonclinical careers involving public health, pharmaceutical sales and physical therapy.

The health science majors can choose from a variety of studies including women’s health, global/environmental/public health, healthy aging studies and behavioral/mental health.

An increased demand for graduates with health science skills spurred the degree creation, according to media relations manager Kelsie Weeks.

Nicole Pujazon is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet her @NicolePujazon.