COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s program in Marine Education and Outreach is a multidisciplinary graduate degree designed to prepare students for careers in marine science communication, environmental education, coastal policy, and human dimensions of marine systems. The program emphasizes understanding both the ecological and social aspects of marine environments, equipping students to address complex challenges in marine sustainability through research, policy, education, and outreach. A key focus is placed on integrating natural science knowledge with social science methods to better understand human interactions with marine ecosystems. Students are required to complete a set of core courses covering topics such as human dimensions of marine ecosystems, marine and coastal law, marine and estuarine ecology with laboratory experience, environmental and natural resource economics, research methods in marine social science, data analysis and presentation, science communication, professional writing, and marine environmental education. These courses collectively build skills in scientific literacy, policy analysis, communication, and applied research. The program offers two pathways: a thesis track and a non-thesis track. Students on the thesis track complete 6 credits of original research through MPMA 6698 Thesis Research I and MPMA 6699 Thesis Research II over two academic terms under faculty supervision, focusing on independent scholarly work. Students on the non-thesis track complete a 3-credit capstone project along with an additional 3 credits selected from approved electives, culminating in a major paper guided by a faculty mentor. Elective options include independent study, practicum experiences, marine policy and management courses, environmental education training, resource management, fisheries policy, global change, human ecology of coastal systems, environmental justice, and GIS applications. Overall, the program prepares graduates to work at the intersection of science, policy, and education, enabling them to communicate marine science effectively, conduct applied research, and contribute to sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.