Master of Arts in Marine Affairs
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge: Students shall demonstrate the ability to utilize knowledge from social science, natural science, and public policy to analyze coastal /ocean problems, evaluate possible management alternatives to address those problems, and to communicate their findings in a well-written document. The subparts of this outcome are as follows:
- Appreciate multiple uses of coastal/ocean areas and comprehend the political, social, economic factors influencing governance and management efforts;
- Understand ethical questions that arise in coastal/ocean management;
- Be able to incorporate knowledge, methods, and skills from a variety of fields from natural science, public policy, and social science;
- Locate and collect data from appropriate sources;
- Logically analyze, critically evaluate, and draw appropriate conclusions from gathered data; and
Present the findings in a logical and concise written document that effectively utilizes the collected data and analysis of that data.
- Quantitative Competence: Students will identify and use appropriate quantitative methods to analyze relevant data. Students will have the ability to:
- understand statistical concepts in marine affairs and
- utilize statistical techniques to draw inferences and develop governance and management recommendations
- Methods of Inquiry: You will understand and use methods of inquiry appropriate to marine affairs and have the ability to:
- understand research as a process of critical inquiry dedicated to the development and evaluation of knowledge;
- develop testable research questions; and
- comprehend the strengths and limitations of different research methodologies.
- Problem-Solving: Students will use acquired knowledge, skills, and insights to solve complex problems. Students will have the ability to:
- recognize the dimensions and complexity of the types of problems facing marine affairs analysts in their political context;
- understand the need to incorporate knowledge, methods, and skills from a variety of fields;
- comprehend the multiple concerns that may be at stake in any given problem area; and
- develop effective management recommendations.
- Communication: You will communicate clearly and effectively and be able to:
- speak in an articulate, organized manner with clear presentation of ideas, research findings, making effective use of time and being able to respond to questions;
- write in a logical and concise manner, effectively utilizing collected data and analysis;
- prepare appropriate visual materials, charts, graphs, maps, and diagrams; and
- tailor written/oral communications as appropriate for different audiences
- Ethical principles: You will understand and apply ethical principles to issues, problems, and professional practices and will:
- understand the ethical questions that arise in coastal/ocean management;
- develop a personal ethic related to the discipline of marine affairs; and
- understand ethics in the academic, research, and professional environment.
- Global Awareness: You will develop an awareness of the global community and ecology in its multiple dimensions and will:
- be familiar with global environmental concerns;
- be knowledgeable of major international efforts to achieve better coastal/ocean management and the requirements of coordinating and harmonizing such efforts;
- be aware of approaches of different societies to coastal/ocean questions;
- understand how different cultures and societies adapt to and use their coastal/ocean resources; and
- understand the role of the United States in global ocean affairs.
- Personal Development: You will develop a sense of responsibility to self, community and will:
- recognize the role you may play in coastal/ocean management;
- develop interpersonal and organizational skills needed for professional life; and
- use reflection and self-evaluation to set goals for personal development.