The Master of Oceanography degree program delivers advanced studies and real-world experience to aspiring professionals.
Topic Areas
Students pursuing the M.O. degree with a concentration in coastal systems may develop expertise in:
- mapping
- marine spatial planning
- oil-spill impacts and remediation
- coastal eutrophication
- planning for impacts of sea-level rise
- coastal ocean energy development
- port management
Employers
Professionals with advanced knowledge of coastal systems are commonly hired by:
- construction consultants
- shipping firms
- resource and energy developers
- port managers
- uniformed marine services
- government agencies
- environmental organizations
Example course paths
This table illustrates the courses one may take to pursue a typical specialization within Coastal Systems.
| Customized Learning for Coastal Systems | ||
| Focus: Near-shore Physical Processes | Focus: Coastal Ecology | Focus: Oil Spills |
| Physical Oceanography | Biological Oceanography | Physical Oceanography |
| Geological Oceanography | Foundations of Earth System Dynamics | Chemical Oceanography |
| Numerical Models and Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences | Applied Coastal Ecology | Numerical Models and Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences |
| Geological Oceanography | Salt Marsh Ecology | Introduction To Marine Pollution |
| Ocean Waves and Storm Surge Modeling | Restoration Ecology | Marine Environmental Organic Chemistry |
| Engineering Wave Mechanics and Nearshore Processes | Coastal Zone Law | Marine Pollution Policy |
| Independent Study | Independent Study | Independent Study |
| Internship | Internship | Internship |
| Student Seminar | Student Seminar | Student Seminar |
Studies and Coursework
Requirement
- Independent Study (results in a major paper that may include an internship)
- Seminar in Oceanography
Elective (at least two)
- Chemical Oceanography
- Geological Oceanography
- Physical Oceanography or Foundations of Earth System Dynamics
- Biological Oceanography
At least four from the following
Environment
- Foundations of Restoration Ecology
- Salt Marsh Ecology
- Applied Coastal Ecology
- Wetland Ecology
- Marine Environmental Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to Marine Pollution
- Climate, Radiation, Gases and Aerosols
Geological/geotechnical
- Coastal Geologic Hazards
- Glacial Geology
- Quaternary Paleoclimates
- Marine Geotechnics
- Deep Foundations
- Experimental Geomechanics
Physical Science
- Dynamics of Waves and Structures
- Ocean Waves and Storm Surge Modeling
- Engineering Wave Mechanics and Nearshore Processes
- Tides
- Ocean Renewable Energy
Policy
- Coastal Zone Management
- Coastal Zone Law
- Port Planning and Policy
- Marine Pollution Policy
Tools and Methods
- Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Mapping
- Concepts of GIS and Remote Sensing in Environmental Science
- Numerical Models and Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences
- Modern Oceanographic Imaging and Mapping Technique
For More Information
Associate Dean of Academic & Student Affairs; Associate Marine Research Scientist
Marine Geology and Geophysics
401.874.6926
rpockalny@uri.edu