The Major
This week’s featured program is the Marine Affairs Major and Minor at the University of Rhode Island. From the website:
The world’s coasts and oceans are immensely important ecologically and economically, but they are particularly vulnerable to overuse and climate changes. Join a community of students and faculty working to ensure the sustainability of our coastal and ocean ecosystems.
Our curriculum focuses on solutions for today’s global challenges including fisheries management, marine protected areas, coastal hazards, coastal and marine spatial planning, and climate change. Through coursework, independent projects, and internship opportunities, you can develop the skills needed to influence the management of our ocean and coastal resources. Faculty engagement with a wide range of research issues and collaborators also provides you with access to real world Marine Affairs applications.
Students interested in majoring in Marine Affairs can select the B.A. degree:
The primary objective of the Marine Affairs B.A. major is to educate students in the interdisciplinary analysis needed for effective marine and coastal management. The Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes the roles of law and policy and to that end expects to develop an understanding of the socio-economic, political, and legal effects of decisions and their implications. Students gain familiarity with issues confronting the policymaker and manager at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. Students may shape their studies around topics such as fisheries, natural hazards, maritime transportation and ports, wind energy, coastal and ocean management, marine pollution, and tourism.
or the B.S. degree:
The primary objective of the Marine Affairs B.S. major is to educate students in the interdisciplinary analysis needed for effective marine and coastal management. The Bachelor of Science degree emphasizes contributions that the natural sciences make in the process by requiring that students complete additional courses in that area. Students gain familiarity with issues confronting the policymaker and manager at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. Students may shape their studies around topics such as fisheries, natural hazards, maritime transportation and ports, wind energy, coastal and ocean management, marine pollution, and tourism.
Two Interesting Courses
MAF312 – International Politics of the Ocean
Survey of ocean governance institutions and major international challenges related to ocean use. Special emphasis on the United Nations and contemporary ocean activities, interests, and problems.
MAF415 – Marine Pollution Policy
Introduction to management techniques for marine pollutants (biodegradable materials, nutrients, petroleum, metals, synthetic organics, radioactive materials, plastics, heat, and dredge spoils) with emphasis on strategies to limit environmental impacts.
Five Possible Complementary Majors/Minors at the University of Rhode Island
Unique Opportunities within the Major/Minor
The Department of Marine Affairs conducts research in 9 different areas: Conservation, Ocean Policy and Law, Climate Adaptation and Resilience, Energy Resources, Coastal Communities, Ocean/Coastal Justice, Ports and Shipping, Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems, and Spatial Planning and Management.
Students can apply to the Coastal and Environmental Fellowship program, which:
…provides URI undergraduate students with opportunities to participate in ongoing environmental research, education, or public outreach programs designed to address current environmental and/or societal issues.
Much of the research and outreach taking place today is at the cutting edge of the application of science to the improvement of the world’s health, agricultural and natural resource systems. Typically, this research happens in specialized laboratory, professional, and field settings that are removed from undergraduate classroom teaching.
Environmental and societal issues are complex. They demand expert problem solvers, adept at addressing emerging problems and implementing programs that draw on a range of disciplines and technologies. This requires skills acquired through both classroom/lab and research experience. The Coastal and Environmental Fellowship Program bridges these two worlds to maximize opportunities for students by better preparing them to enter the job market with the industry training and professional skills needed to succeed.
Sample Similar Programs
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- California State University Maritime Academy: Global Studies and Maritime Affairs Major and Minor
- Oregon State University: Marine Studies Major
- University of Miami: Marine Affairs Major and Marine Policy Minor