Master of Marine Affairs

Overview

Applicants for this program must have either a graduate degree in a field useful in coastal and ocean management, such as the behavioral sciences, ocean science or engineering, resource economics, law, political science or public administration, or have at least three years of post-graduation employment. In this program, students acquire knowledge and analytical skills through required and elective courses.

The Master of Marine Affairs degree (M.M.A.) program does not offer an intensive concentration but, rather, fills in the gaps left by narrow specialization. Those interested in our joint degree programs with Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams Law School, and URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography should first apply to those programs.

The typical course load for a graduate student during the fall and spring semesters ranges from 9 to 15 hours and should take into consideration needs for employment, research time, and outside commitments. In order to graduate within one year MMA students must take 15 credits per semester, for a total of 30 credits. Up to six credits may also be earned by examination for professional credentials or proven experiential learning.