Master of Marine Affairs

• Overview
• Curriculum
• Major Project
• Dual-Degree Programs
• Admission
• Funding Resources

Curriculum

The core courses are: Ocean Uses and Marine Science, Economics of Marine Resources, International Ocean Law, and the Marine Affairs Seminar. The fall seminar is the focus of interdisciplinary exchange. It relies heavily on outside speakers and resident faculty members and requires student presentations on specific selected problems.

Students also take 15 credit hours of electives in Marine Affairs and in other fields, such as community planning, fisheries technology, geology, oceanography, political science, and resource economics. An additional three credits are earned with the preparation of a major research paper, the subject of which is determined by the student with the approval of the student’s major professor. Substantial independent effort is required in research projects and written work. The 30 non-thesis credits required for the degree may be earned in nine months of intensive, full-time resident study. The major paper is submitted toward the end of the spring semester.

Program of Study

Each student must complete a program of study form by the beginning of the second semester in the program. The program of study, prepared by the student with his or her major professor, provides a listing of required courses and the elective courses which the student will take to complete the program. The program of study is signed by the student, by his or her major professor, by the appropriate program coordinator in the Department of Marine Affairs, and by the Dean of the Graduate School. Changes in the program of study may be done with the approval of the major professor, department chair, and Dean of the Graduate School.

When it comes time to certify the student for receipt of degree, the Graduate School will determine if the contracted and approved program of study has been fulfilled.