Marine Affairs

Type of degree: M.A.

Brief overview of program: The Division of Marine Affairs and Policy undertakes basic and applied research and training activities that contribute to policy development and management of marine resources. The Marine Affairs and Policy (MAF) academic program offers a broad curriculum that links core areas of Marine Affairs (natural resource economics, political ecology and marine anthropology, underwater archaeology, ocean and coastal law and policy) with the marine sciences. MAF also offers academic tracks in aquaculture management and underwater marine cultural resources. Marine Affairs and Policy students tailor their course selections to match their individual career objectives. MAF offers the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees. The MA degree requires completion of 27 course credits and 3 internship credits. The MS degree requires completion of 30 course credits and 6 thesis credits. The Master degree programs are for those wishing to pursue careers in marine policy and management. The M.A. can also lead into Ph.D. specialization in marine policy, environmental law, maritime business, economics, anthropology, or environmental education. The M.S. can lead into Ph.D. in pure sciences. The University of Miami School of Law and the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science offer a Joint degree program in law and marine affairs and policy. Upon completion of this program, a student earns a Juris Doctor degree from the School of Law and the Master of Arts degree in Marine Affairs and Policy from Rosenstiel. A student may complete requirements of both degrees within three and one-half years in an intensive program of six semesters and two full summers. This program is geared toward students who want a career in the field of law with a specialization in marine and environmental issues. Applicants to the M.A. program must possess a B.S. or B.A. in any relevant academic field. Those who apply for the M.S. program must possess a B.S. in natural and physicial sciences. Applicants for the MA must take the GRE. For MS applicants, in addition to GRE, the required subject GRE should also be taken. Those whose first language is not English must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550.

Website: Click here for program website

Description of Facilities: The Division of Marine Affairs manages an underwater archeological and ecological preserve at Little Salt Spring, in North Port, a site located in southern Sarasota County, Florida about 5 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Donated to the University in 1982, the spring (left) is surrounded by undisturbed native hardwood hammock containing several rare and endangered plant and animal species. RSMAS has a strong and well-funded academic and R&D program in sustainable aquaculture. The Aquaculture Program within the Division of Marine Affairs has developed a solid, widely recognized and popular academic track supported by an innovative research and development program at the leading edge of sustainable aquaculture science, technology, management and environmental issues. A state-of-the-art hatchery and laboratory infrastructure support aquaculture courses and engages students in ongoing research projects. Limited funding is available for students who want to pursue a career in aquaculture. The Boating Research Center is a research arm of the Division of Marine Affairs and Policy at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. It primarily conducts research that deals with boating and boating related activities in South Florida, its environmental, economic, and social impacts to the South Florida communities. In addition, division personnel have ready access to the NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratories (AOML), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Fisheries Center (SEFC), the relatively nearby National Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, and the various associated research disciplines within the University of Miami.

Student Support: A number of fellowships and assistantships are available to MAF students. Please contact Maria Villanueva (mvillanueva@rsmas.miami.edu) for more information.

Program Point of Contact: Maria Luisa E. Villanueva

Email: maf@rsmas.miami.edu

Institution address: 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
                             Miami,FL 33149-1098