Marine Affairs Ph.D.

Curriculum

  1. Students must complete the following required courses or their equivalents (20 credits):
    • MAF 482 – Quantitative Methods in Marine Affairs
    • MAF 502 – Research Methods in Marine Affairs
    • MAF 511 – Marine Science and Ocean Uses
    • MAF 577 – International Ocean Law
    • MAF 651 – Marine Affairs Seminar
    • EEC/MAF 514 – Economics of Marine Resources
    • MAF 650 – PhD Seminar (must be taken at least twice)
  2. Students will complete a minimum of an additional 24 credits of course work and 20 credits of research. Courses will be selected by the student with the approval of the student’s Ph.D. committee from among relevant 500 and 600 level courses.
  3. Students will have to demonstrate proficiency in relevant research tools such as computer science, foreign language(s), or in statistics as appropriate for the proposed course of study and dissertation. The required capabilities will be determined by the Ph.D. committee.
  4. Upon completion of required coursework, students will have to pass a comprehensive examination, consisting of a written exam, followed by an oral exam focused on the student’s proposed research. The Ph.D. Comprehensive Exam focuses on the student’s dissertation proposal content, major interest areas, and research methods. Once the Comprehensive Exam has been passed, Ph.D. students “advance to candidacy” status.
  5. Each student is to write and successfully defend a dissertation of high quality, representing original and meaningful research which makes a contribution to the literature in the field of marine affairs. 
  6. Up to 30 credits may transfer in from a master’s program, upon approval from the graduate school.