Overview

The Master of Professional Science (M.P.S) in Marine Ecosystems and Society (MES) program offers six tracks: Aquaculture, Coastal Zone Management, Exploration Science, Fisheries Management and Conservation, Marine Conservation, and Underwater Archaeology.

Aquaculture Track

The Aquaculture track focuses on the scientific, technological, environmental, social, economic, legal, political, management, and business aspects of sustainable aquaculture. The program covers all stages of planning and development, from site and species selection to feasibility studies, resource evaluation, hatchery and grow-out technology, and commercialization. The Aquaculture track is supported by an innovative and progressive research and development program in sustainable aquaculture focusing on emerging technologies. Research and development priority topics are innovative hatchery technology and environmentally responsible grow-out methods, such as offshore aquaculture and recirculating aquaculture systems.

Coastal Zone Management Track

The Coastal Zone Management (CZM) track introduces students to the legal and governance frameworks on topics such as coastal fisheries management, marine protected areas, coastal and environmental law, coastal culture, environmental impact assessment, and coastal development.

Exploration Science Track

The Exploration Science (ESC) track is a multi-disciplinary approach for better understanding our planet and the challenges we collectively face. This track encourages field-based experiences and the application of skills within a context acknowledging the cultural and ethical implications of exploration. Exploration Science encourages creative thinking and problem-solving to find solutions across the natural sciences and humanities. This track includes curriculum in areas of citizen science, media production, and skills such as scientific diving, small boat handling, and expedition planning.

Students in this track have completed internships and been hired in areas of environmental education, surveying, the diving industry, resource management, citizen science, conservation, media production, government agencies, museums, and ecotourism companies. 

Fisheries Management and Conservation Track

The Fisheries Management and Conservation (FMC) track allows students to develop the professional skills required to be a fisheries scientist with curriculum options in various relevant areas of interest, such as fisheries dynamics, fisheries management, fisheries surveys, and quantitative fisheries.

Marine Conservation Track

The Marine Conservation (MCO) track provides students with flexible, rigorous training in interdisciplinary marine science and conservation, from mastering theoretical and analytical techniques to learning essential skills for marine fieldwork. Students design a personalized curriculum that emphasizes their interests and professional goals while building the experience to work effectively in a variety of conservation-relevant fields.

Underwater Archaeology Track

The Underwater Archaeology track (UARCH) is, minimally, a two-year program that focuses on the theory, underwater cultural heritage management, and data collection techniques necessary to work within the field of archaeology and the broader general field of marine sciences.

Coursework integrates topics such as archaeological epistemology, site mapping and modeling, interpretation of shipwrecks and submerged sites, best management practices, marine protected areas, and marine geophysical technology and survey. UARCH students receive training as AAUS Science Divers during their first semester. Students will have opportunities to work side-by-side with professional archaeologists through internships and field projects with private, public, or non-governmental agencies, both nationally and internationally, and conduct relevant fieldwork.

Admission Requirements

General Prerequisites:
  1. Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) 

Note to students: Deficiencies in required coursework may be considered on a case-by-case basis for otherwise highly qualified students or those demonstrating experience with these skills.

All application requirements are available here.

Exploration Science Track 

Additional Prerequisites: 
  • Completed undergraduate courses in biology, ecology, and chemistry are helpful, but not required, for pursuing graduate work in this program

Underwater Archaeology Track

Additional Prerequisites:
  • B.A./B.S. in Anthropology, History, or related field
  • Meet minimum Rosenstiel diving standards as outlined by the Rosenstiel Dive Office:
    • Minimum open water scuba certification from a nationally accredited dive training agency
    • Certified divers with more than 50 logged dives, especially those with prior scientific diving training, may qualify for the Experienced Diver Checkout and not be required to take RSM 600
Recommended:
  • Participation in an archaeological field school prior to commencing the UARCH program
  • Volunteer for terrestrial archaeological projects
  • Ability to write professionally

Curriculum Requirements

Aquaculture Track

Core Courses (18 credits)
EVR 602Economics of Natural Resources3
or EVR 625 Fisheries Socioeconomics and Management
MBE 612Aquaculture I3
MBE 613Aquaculture II Lab3
MBE 617Aquaculture IV: Aquaculture Business, Regulatory, and Environmental Considerations3
MBE 619Aquaculture III3
MBE 628Seafood Market and Marketing3
Electives (6 credits)6
The remaining courses may be selected from the following list or other courses approved by the academic advisor. *
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory
Fish Physiology
Biology, Ecology, and Management of Mangrove Ecosystems
Internship 1
EVR 805MPS Internship2-6
Additional Requirements
RSM 700Research Ethics0
Total Credit Hours30
*

Refer to the list of additional elective options.

1

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Additional Elective Options

Students may substitute elective coursework for one or more of the above courses with the consent of their academic advisor. Below are a few examples of courses that past students in this program took as electives.

EVR 616Ocean Policy3
EVR 620Environmental Law and Policy3
EVR 671Marine Conservation Biology4
EVR 710International Ocean Law and Governance3
EVR 720Coastal Law and Policy3
MBE 614Tropical Marine Biology3
MBE 642Oceans and Human Health3
MBE 676Diseases of Marine Organisms3
RSM 612Statistics for Marine Scientists3
BIL 623Advanced Biology of Marine Invertebrates4
Business School electives are applicable, with approval from Academic Advisor

Curriculum Requirements

Coastal Zone Management Track

The Coastal Zone Management track requires the completion of one core course. The rest of the curriculum will be decided on a case-by-case basis during academic advising. However, students select from a variety of multidisciplinary courses across many departments and schools at Rosenstiel/UM, in a holistic effort to meet their personal and professional goals. A list of suggested electives is provided below. 

Core Course (3 credits)
Students must complete one of the following courses:
EVR 618Coastal Zone Management3
or EVR 720 Coastal Law and Policy
Electives (21 credits)21
The remaining courses may be selected from the following list or other courses approved by the academic advisor. *
Internship 1
EVR 805MPS Internship2-6
Additional Requirements
RSM 700Research Ethics0
Total Credit Hours30
*

Refer to the list of additional elective options.

1

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Additional Elective Options

Students may substitute elective coursework for one or more of the above courses with the consent of their academic advisor. Below are a few examples of courses that past students in this program took as electives.

EVR 601Political Ecology of Marine Management3
EVR 602Economics of Natural Resources3
EVR 604Fieldwork in Coastal Management: Tourism, Conservation, and Development3
EVR 610Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement3
EVR 616Ocean Policy3
EVR 620Environmental Law and Policy3
EVR 624Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy3
EVR 625Fisheries Socioeconomics and Management3
EVR 626Submerged Cultural Resource Management3
EVR 630Port Operations and Policy3
EVR 631Marine and Coastal Protected Area Theory, Planning, Management, and Issues3
EVR 660
EVR 661
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory
3
EVR 662Intermediate Spatial Analysis3
EVR 664Citizen and Participatory Science3
EVR 670Conservation and Management of Marine Mammals3
EVR 671Marine Conservation Biology4
EVR 673Marine Conservation Outreach3
EVR 677Management and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems3
EVR 710International Ocean Law and Governance3
MBE 612Aquaculture I3
MBE 613Aquaculture II Lab3
MBE 615Tropical Marine Ecology3
MBE 617Aquaculture IV: Aquaculture Business, Regulatory, and Environmental Considerations3
MBE 618Reef Coral Biology, Ecology, and Conservation3
MBE 619Aquaculture III3
MBE 621Field Techniques and Instrumentation in Tropical Marine Ecology3
RSM 600Introduction to Research Diving Techniques3
RSM 612Statistics for Marine Scientists3
RSM 620Climate and Society3
RSM 664Scientific Small Boating2
RSM 667Motorboat Operator Certification Course1

Curriculum Requirements

Exploration Science Track

Core Courses (13 credits)
EVR 664Citizen and Participatory Science3
EVR 665Science and Natural History Media Production3
EVR 674Theoretical Practical Issues in Exploration Science3
RSM 600Introduction to Research Diving Techniques3
RSM 667Motorboat Operator Certification Course 11
Electives (12 credits)12
The remaining courses may be selected from the following list or other courses approved by the academic advisor. *
Exploration Science Field Studies
Intermediate Spatial Analysis
Marine Conservation Biology 2
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory
Field Techniques and Instrumentation in Tropical Marine Ecology
Internship 3
EVR 805MPS Internship2-6
Additional Requirements
RSM 700Research Ethics0
Total Credit Hours30
*

Refer to the list of additional elective options.

1

Scientific Small Boating (RSM 664) may substitute for RSM 667

2

EVR 671 (and/or other Elective) is optional if the student needs to meet 30 credits for graduation.

3

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Additional Elective Options

Students may substitute elective coursework for one or more of the above courses with the consent of their academic advisor. Below are a few examples of courses that past students in this program took as electives.

EVR 601Political Ecology of Marine Management3
EVR 604Fieldwork in Coastal Management: Tourism, Conservation, and Development3
EVR 611The Science of Actionable Knowledge3
EVR 614Underwater Site Mapping and Visualization Techniques3
EVR 618Coastal Zone Management3
EVR 620Environmental Law and Policy3
EVR 625Fisheries Socioeconomics and Management3
EVR 635Oceans of Thought: Exploring Marine and Environmental Literature3
EVR 720Coastal Law and Policy3
MBE 604Biology of Marine Mammals3
MBE 612Aquaculture I3
MBE 615Tropical Marine Ecology3
MBE 642Oceans and Human Health3
RSM 612Statistics for Marine Scientists3
RSM 620Climate and Society3

Curriculum Requirements

Fisheries Management and Conservation Track

Core Courses
EVR 660
EVR 661
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory
3
EVR 677Management and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems3
MBE 621Field Techniques and Instrumentation in Tropical Marine Ecology3
or EVR 622 Principles and Practices of Marine Social Science Research
MBE 713Marine Population Dynamics3
MBE 746Marine Population Biology: Processes and Modeling3
RSM 612Statistics for Marine Scientists3
or EVR 624 Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy
Electives6
The remaining courses may be selected from the following list or other courses approved by the academic advisor. *
Fisheries Socioeconomics and Management
International Ocean Law and Governance
Internship 1
EVR 805MPS Internship2-6
Additional Requirements
RSM 700Research Ethics0
Total Credit Hours30
*

Refer to the list of additional elective options.

1

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Additional Elective Options

Students may substitute elective coursework for one or more of the above courses with the consent of their academic advisor. Below are a few examples of courses that past students in this program took as electives.

EVR 601Political Ecology of Marine Management3
EVR 602Economics of Natural Resources3
EVR 616Ocean Policy3
EVR 618Coastal Zone Management3
EVR 620Environmental Law and Policy3
EVR 623Applied Environmental Economics3
EVR 710International Ocean Law and Governance3
EVR 714Population Modeling, Risk Assessment and Management3
EVR 715Machine Learning Predictive Analytics in Marine Science3
EVR 720Coastal Law and Policy3
MBE 615Tropical Marine Ecology3
MBE 635Practical Computing for Biologists3
MBE 636Object-Oriented Programming and Agent-Based Modelling3
MBE 676Diseases of Marine Organisms3
MBE 678Evolutionary Genetics3
MBE 716Bayesian Statistics for Marine Scientists3
MBE 787Biology and Systematics of Fishes3
RSM 600Introduction to Research Diving Techniques3
RSM 664Scientific Small Boating2
RSM 667Motorboat Operator Certification Course1
RSM 710The Physical Environment of Marine Organisms3
BIL 623Advanced Biology of Marine Invertebrates4
MAS 647Computer Simulation Systems3
POL 631Global Environment Politics3

Curriculum Requirements

Marine Conservation Track

Core Courses
Biology Requirement (4 credits) 1
EVR 671Marine Conservation Biology4
Policy Requirement (3 credits)
EVR 616Ocean Policy3
or EVR 618 Coastal Zone Management
or EVR 620 Environmental Law and Policy
or EVR 631 Marine and Coastal Protected Area Theory, Planning, Management, and Issues
or EVR 710 International Ocean Law and Governance
or EVR 720 Coastal Law and Policy
Technical Skills Requirement 26
Choose two (2) courses from the following:
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory
Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement
Principles and Practices of Marine Social Science Research
Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy
Statistics for Marine Scientists
Introduction to Research Diving Techniques
Scientific Small Boating
Motorboat Operator Certification Course
Science Communication Requirement (1-3 Credits)
RSM 645Science Communication: Professional Writing1-3
or EVR 664 Citizen and Participatory Science
or EVR 665 Science and Natural History Media Production
or EVR 673 Marine Conservation Outreach
or MBE 651 Engaging the Arts in Science Communication
or RSM 646 Presentation Boot Camp
Electives7-10
The remaining courses may be selected from the following list or other courses approved by the academic advisor. *
Internship (2-6 Credits) 3
EVR 805MPS Internship2-6
Additional Requirements
RSM 700Research Ethics0
Total Credit Hours30
1

Students can place out of EVR 671 on a case-by-case basis.

2

Students can take both RSM 600 and RSM 664 (or RSM 667), but only one of these courses will satisfy the Technical Skills Requirements.

*

Refer to the list of additional elective options.

3

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Additional Elective Options

Students may substitute elective coursework for one or more of the above courses with the consent of their academic advisor. Below are a few examples of courses that past students in this program took as electives.

EVR 602Economics of Natural Resources3
EVR 604Fieldwork in Coastal Management: Tourism, Conservation, and Development3
EVR 611The Science of Actionable Knowledge3
EVR 625Fisheries Socioeconomics and Management3
EVR 626Submerged Cultural Resource Management3
EVR 627Exploration Science Field Studies3
EVR 629Biology, Ecology, and Management of Mangrove Ecosystems3
EVR 634Shark Behavioral Ecology and Conservation3
EVR 635Oceans of Thought: Exploring Marine and Environmental Literature3
EVR 637Topics in Ocean Economics and Policy3
EVR 638Fisheries and Wildlife: Law and Policy3
EVR 662Intermediate Spatial Analysis3
MBE 614Tropical Marine Biology3
MBE 615Tropical Marine Ecology3
MBE 618Reef Coral Biology, Ecology, and Conservation3
MBE 621Field Techniques and Instrumentation in Tropical Marine Ecology3
MBE 642Oceans and Human Health3
RSM 601Scientific Freediving3
RSM 616Florida Topics in Environmental Law Policy3
RSM 620Climate and Society3
RSM 630Elasmobranch Field Research Skills3

Curriculum Requirements

Underwater Archaeology Track

Core Courses (28 credits)
EVR 614Underwater Site Mapping and Visualization Techniques3
EVR 615Marine Geophysical Survey and Technology3
EVR 626Submerged Cultural Resource Management3
EVR 632Theory and Method in Underwater and Maritime Archaeology3
EVR 660
EVR 661
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory
3
EVR 672The Archaeology of Seafaring3
EVR 691Maritime Archaeology Field Study3
EVR 692Archaeological Study of Submerged Pre-Contact Sites3
or EVR 693 Maritime Archaeology and the Conquest of Mexico
RSM 600Introduction to Research Diving Techniques3
RSM 667Motorboat Operator Certification Course 21
Internship 3
EVR 805MPS Internship2-6
Additional Requirements
RSM 700Research Ethics0
Total Credit Hours31
1

EVR 693 can substitute EVR 692 based on availability.

2

RSM 667 is preferred, but RSM 664 may substitute

3

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Additional Elective Options

Students may substitute elective coursework for one or more of the above courses with the consent of their academic advisor. Below are a few examples of courses that past students in this program took as electives.

EVR 610Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement3
EVR 616Ocean Policy3
EVR 618Coastal Zone Management3
EVR 635Oceans of Thought: Exploring Marine and Environmental Literature3
EVR 664Citizen and Participatory Science3
EVR 665Science and Natural History Media Production3
EVR 674Theoretical Practical Issues in Exploration Science3
EVR 710International Ocean Law and Governance3
EVR 720Coastal Law and Policy3
MBE 716Bayesian Statistics for Marine Scientists3
OCE 606Introduction to Ocean Remote Sensing3
OCE 707Advanced Ocean Remote Sensing3
RSM 646Presentation Boot Camp1

Suggested Plan of Study

Aquaculture Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
EVR 602 or 625 Economics of Natural Resources
or Fisheries Socioeconomics and Management
3
MBE 612 Aquaculture I 3
MBE 617 Aquaculture IV: Aquaculture Business, Regulatory, and Environmental Considerations 3
EVR 660
EVR 661
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory *
3
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
 Credit Hours12
Spring
MBE 613 Aquaculture II Lab 3
MBE 628 Seafood Market and Marketing 3
MBE 686 or EVR 629 Fish Physiology *
or Biology, Ecology, and Management of Mangrove Ecosystems
3
 Credit Hours9
Summer
MBE 619 Aquaculture III 3
EVR 805 MPS Internship 1 2-6
 Credit Hours9
 Total Credit Hours30
*

or other approved Elective

1

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Coastal Zone Management Track

The Coastal Zone Management (CZM) track requires the completion of one core course. The rest of the curriculum will be decided on a case-by-case basis during academic advising. However, students select from a variety of multidisciplinary courses across many departments and schools at Rosenstiel/UM, in a holistic effort to meet their personal and professional goals. 

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
EVR 618 or 720 Coastal Zone Management
or Coastal Law and Policy
3
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 3
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
 Credit Hours12
Spring
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 3
 Credit Hours12
Summer
EVR 805 MPS Internship 1 2-6
 Credit Hours6
 Total Credit Hours30
1

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits required during a student's time in MPS. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by MPS Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS.

Exploration Science Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
EVR 664 Citizen and Participatory Science 3
EVR 674 Theoretical Practical Issues in Exploration Science 3
RSM 600 Introduction to Research Diving Techniques 3
RSM 667 or 664 Motorboat Operator Certification Course 1
or Scientific Small Boating
1
EVR 660
EVR 661
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory * 1
3
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
 Credit Hours13
Spring
EVR 665 Science and Natural History Media Production 3
EVR 627 Exploration Science Field Studies * 3
EVR 662 Intermediate Spatial Analysis * 3
MBE 621 Field Techniques and Instrumentation in Tropical Marine Ecology * 3
 Credit Hours12
Summer
EVR 805 MPS Internship 2 2-6
 Credit Hours5
 Total Credit Hours30
*

Refer to the list of additional elective options.

1

Can be taken in Fall or Spring

2

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Fisheries Management and Conservation Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
EVR 660
EVR 661
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory 1
3
MBE 713 Marine Population Dynamics 3
RSM 612 or EVR 624 Statistics for Marine Scientists
or Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy
3
EVR 625 Fisheries Socioeconomics and Management * 3
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
 Credit Hours12
Spring
EVR 677 Management and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems 3
MBE 621 or EVR 622 Field Techniques and Instrumentation in Tropical Marine Ecology
or Principles and Practices of Marine Social Science Research
3
MBE 746 Marine Population Biology: Processes and Modeling 3
EVR 710 International Ocean Law and Governance * 3
 Credit Hours12
Summer
EVR 805 MPS Internship 2 2-6
 Credit Hours6
 Total Credit Hours30
*

Refer to the list of additional elective options.

1

Can be taken in Fall or Spring

2

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Marine Conservation Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
EVR 671 Marine Conservation Biology 4
RSM 612, EVR 622,
Statistics for Marine Scientists 1
or Principles and Practices of Marine Social Science Research
or Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy
3
MBE 615 Tropical Marine Ecology * 3
EVR 620, 616,
Environmental Law and Policy 2
or Ocean Policy
or Coastal Law and Policy
3
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
 Credit Hours13
Spring
EVR 660
EVR 661
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory 1
3
RSM 645 Science Communication: Professional Writing 3 1
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 1
 Credit Hours11
Summer
EVR 805 MPS Internship 4 2-6
 Credit Hours6
 Total Credit Hours30
*

or other approved Elective

1

Or other approved course listed under Technical Skills Requirement (see track curriculum) 

2

Or other approved course listed under Policy Requirement (see track curriculum) 

3

Or other approved course listed under Science Communication Requirement (see track curriculum) 

4

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Underwater Archaeology Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
EVR 626 Submerged Cultural Resource Management 3
EVR 632 Theory and Method in Underwater and Maritime Archaeology 3
EVR 660
EVR 661
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory
3
RSM 600 Introduction to Research Diving Techniques 3
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
 Credit Hours12
Spring
EVR 614 Underwater Site Mapping and Visualization Techniques 3
EVR 615 Marine Geophysical Survey and Technology 3
EVR 672 The Archaeology of Seafaring 3
RSM 667 Motorboat Operator Certification Course 1
Approved Elective (optional)  
 Credit Hours10
Summer
EVR 691 Maritime Archaeology Field Study 3
Maritime Archaeology and the Conquest of Mexico 1  
EVR 805 MPS Internship 2 1
 Credit Hours4
Year Two
Fall
EVR 692 Archaeological Study of Submerged Pre-Contact Sites 3
EVR 805 MPS Internship 2 1
Approved Elective (Optional)  
 Credit Hours4
Spring
EVR 805 MPS Internship 2 1
Approved Elective (Optional)  
 Credit Hours1
 Total Credit Hours31
1

Based upon availability

2

Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the M.P.S. degree program. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by M.P.S. Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of M.P.S.

Mission

Aquaculture Track

The mission of the Aquaculture (AQU) track is to provide students with an interdisciplinary study of sustainable aquaculture and related industries, as well as advanced training on environmental, technological, social, economic, legal, and political aspects of marine aquaculture. Emphasis is placed on the environmental sustainability of commercially important marine fish species, as well as shrimp and mollusks. The program combines classroom lessons with experiential learning at the University of Miami Experimental Hatchery (UMEH) to prepare students for careers in marine aquaculture.

Coastal Zone Management Track

The mission of the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) track is to provide students with interdisciplinary training in the theoretical aspects of marine science and conservation, as well as advanced knowledge of the legal and governance frameworks for careers in environmental consulting, marine spatial planning, and assessment and management of the coastal ecosystem, resources, and related industries.

Exploration Science Track

The mission of the Exploration Science (ESC) track is to prepare the next generation of explorers to address problems and questions related to the environment and society.

The ESC track fosters scientific inquiry and the application of skills within a context that acknowledges the cultural and ethical implications of exploration. This track exposes students to citizen science project design, exploration technology applications, and field-based skills training while receiving essential background information on the history, ethics, and risks related to exploration. This program offers a flexible curriculum allowing students to focus on courses and subjects that best fit their interests and goals for careers in environmental education, surveying, resource management, citizen science, conservation, media production, government agencies, museums, and ecotourism companies, among others. This curriculum provides a foundation for building a career focused on exploration, inquiry, and problem-solving to make a positive difference in the world.

Fisheries Management and Conservation Track

The Fisheries Management and Conservation (FMC) track supports the management of marine resources by providing society with knowledge and assessments of the natural and anthropogenic processes that regulate the dynamics and functioning of fishery ecosystems and by providing predictions on the future state of such systems. The FMC track is a unique, academic program that allows students to develop the professional skills required to be a fishery scientist. This program fosters critical thinking and quantitative skills and provides a comprehensive study of the science and skills needed for employment in government agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, state agencies, Fishery Councils, regional NOAA laboratories, as well as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO).

Marine Conservation Track

The mission of the Marine Conservation (MCO) track is to provide students with interdisciplinary training in marine science and conservation, offering opportunities to learn scientific techniques, develop and implement science communication, outreach and community engagement projects, and better understand the policy and management process. A flexible curriculum allows students to concentrate on subjects and skill sets most relevant to their future careers in marine conservation.

Underwater Archaeology Track

Underwater archaeology is the study of the remains of past human activity through the exploration, documentation, and study of a variety of submerged sites, from shipwrecks to caves and springs to lakes and rivers. The Underwater Archaeology (UARCH) track helps students understand how archaeological sites and artifacts can play a large role in education, community cohesion, national identity, economic development, sustainable tourism, conservation, and, of course, entertainment, among others. This program focuses on the theory, field techniques, and management practices necessary to work within the field of archaeology and the broader general field of marine sciences. This program provides training in the areas of mapping and documentation, interpretation of shipwrecks and submerged sites, best management practices, marine protected areas, and marine survey technology.

Student Learning Outcomes

Aquaculture Track

  • Students will be able to effectively plan and execute an aquaculture operation, including all related aspects of rearing, harvest, storage, shipping, and marketing.
  • Students will demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of field and lab work during their internships.
  • Students will submit a written final report and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.

Coastal Zone Management Track

  • Students will be able to understand the legal and governance frameworks related to coastal fisheries and other marine resource management, coastal tourism development, environmental impact assessment, and marine spatial planning for the development and application of comprehensive marine conservation strategies and policies.
  • Students will demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of field and lab work during their internships.
  • Students will submit a written final report and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.

Exploration Science Track

  • Students will develop a working understanding of expeditions, risk management, and planning.
  • Students will become familiar with major aspects of citizen science, media production, and fieldwork as it relates to exploration.
  • Students will develop a professional approach to exploration incorporating ethical and inclusive practices.
  • Students will demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of field and lab work during their internships.
  • Students will submit a written final report and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.

Fisheries Management and Conservation Track

  • Students will be able to understand the processes influencing fisheries management and the development of fisheries policy alternatives, develop knowledge about the statistical design and implementation of fishery surveys and monitoring programs, and apply advanced statistical and mathematical modeling tools in support of assessments of fishery stocks and protected species.
  • Students will demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of field and lab work during their internships.
  • Students will submit a written final report and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.

Marine Conservation Track

  • Students will be able to formulate and understand the complexity of conservation plans for marine organisms and ecosystems, including planning, implementation, assessment, and incorporation of outreach and stakeholder engagement.
  • Students will demonstrate professionalism and build relevant conservation career skills during their internships.
  • Students will submit a written final report and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.

Underwater Archaeology Track

  • Students will learn site mapping and documentation, interpretation of shipwrecks and submerged sites, best management practices, marine protected areas, and marine survey technology to effectively apply these skills and knowledge to submerged fresh and saltwater sites.
  • Students will demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of field and lab work during their internships.
  • Students will submit a final, written study (between 65 – 120 pages) and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.