The Marine Science Institute provides a wealth of research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students interested in marine science. Although MSI is not a department offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, MSI is affiliated with the following departments to support undergraduate and graduate education; History, EEMB, Geography, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Bren, Environmental Studies, MCDB, Chemical Engineering, Earth Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, College of Creative Studies.

The Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science is a multidisciplinary program bringing together marine faculty from across the UCSB campus to provide graduate training leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Marine Science. The diversity of research interests, perspectives, and expertise within the program promotes the development of a broad foundation in marine science and appreciation for interdisciplinary approaches to education and research while also allowing students to develop depth in specific sub-disciplines within the field.