Overview
The Ocean Science Graduate Certificate program provides students with practical and up-to-date education aimed at enhancing careers in ocean-related businesses as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations.
This program provides scientific knowledge and skills required by many ocean-related jobs such as:
- Ship technician
- Marina operator
- Wind energy developer
- Consultant
- Environmental advocate
- Environmental scientist or manager
Courses
Program Requirements
Students must complete 12 credits (4 3-credit courses), 9 of which must be from program courses including at least 2 courses from core classes and 1 elective.
At least 2 courses from Graduate School of Oceanography core classes:
OCG 501: Physical Oceanography
OCG 521: Chemical Oceanography
OCG 540: Geological Oceanography
OCG 561: Biological Oceanography
1 elective from Graduate School of Oceanography classes:
OCG 533: Graduate Writing in Marine and Environmental Sciences
OCG 506: Numerical Models and Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences
OCG 555: Modern Oceanographic Imaging and Mapping Techniques
OCG 560: Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Science and Management
OCG 601: Ocean Resilience
OCG Core Class (see above list)
1 elective from following classes:
AFS 515: Fisheries Ecology
AFS 531: Fisheries Stock Assessment
DSP 552: Computer-based Data Exploration
DSP 553: Mathematical Methods for Data Science
DSP 555: Multivariate Statistical Learning for Data Science
EVS 505: Environmental Leadership in Practice
EVS 509: Web-based Mapping I
EVS 514: Environmental Data Management and Visualization
EVS 518: Sustainable Natural Resources Management Planning
EVS 519: Natural Resource Management Planning
NRS 570: Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management
NRS 571: Techniques in Geospatial Analysis
NRS 572: Advanced Topics in Geospatial Data Visualization
NRS 573: Emerging Technologies in Geospatial Data Collection
Tuition per credit based on 2024/2025 academic year rates (subject to change): $887
Admissions
- GPA of 3.0 or higher*
- Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, engineering, or a similar field (STEM)
- Personal statement
- Online interview
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
- GRE NOT REQUIRED
*Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission — please contact online@uri.edu before applying to discuss the GPA requirement.
Fall 2025 Dates
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Career Opportunities
Advance your career with URI Online.
The Ocean Science Graduate Certificate program opens doors to diverse career opportunities in marine conservation, environmental consulting, and oceanographic research. Students gain specialized skills that are highly valued by governmental agencies, non-profits, and private sector firms dedicated to sustainable ocean management.
Environmental Consultant
Provides expertise to organizations on marine environmental impacts, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices.
Ship Technician
Responsibilities include equipment maintenance and operation, data collection and analysis, safety and compliance, training and mentoring.
Marine Policy Advisor
Works with government agencies and NGOs to develop and implement policies for marine conservation and resource management.
