Master of Arts in Marine Affairs
Overview
Potential applicants who do not have a prior graduate degree or the requisite marine experience to qualify for study toward the M.M.A. degree may make application for the degree of Master of Arts in Marine Affairs. This academic degree counterpart to the professional M.M.A. degree is a two-year, 39-credit thesis program. In this program, students acquire knowledge and analytical skills through required and elective courses.
The thesis track M.A.M.A requires writing a defending an in-depth research activity. The non-thesis track M.A.M.A. requires writing a major paper and passing a comprehensive examination.
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. The successful completion of the M.A.M.A. degree within two years requires the student to complete a minimum of 39 credits in that period. If you are on an assistantship you should consult with your advisor 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.