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. If you are on an assistantship you should consult with your adviser to determine a realistic course schedule given your other responsibilities. Students receiving an assistantship must be registered for a minimum of 6 credits for that semester.
Advising
Elizabeth Mendenhall, PhD
Coastal Institute Building, Room 215
maf_gradprograms@uri.edu
The director of the graduate programs will advise you upon your arrival at URI and serve as your academic adviser to help you plan your academic program. Before the start of your second semester, you will select a major professor to guide your dissertation, thesis, or major paper and serve as your academic adviser. The determination of your major professor is made on the basis of the expertise of the faculty member in relation to your thesis or major paper subject.