Master of Arts In Marine Policy and Management

Our program prepares you to work in the interdisciplinary areas relating to marine and coastal resource sustainability. Our innovative curriculum gives you the skills to become a critical part of the decision-making process to safeguard our marine ecosystems.

Safeguard the Future of Our Marine and Coastal Resources

Human uses of the marine environment, including fishing, aquaculture, energy development, and tourism, have increased significantly in the past two decades. Coastal areas are highly productive and resource-rich ecosystems and also account for some of the most sought-after real estate in the world. Multiple uses, potentially conflicting interests, and economic and social dependency create ever more complex issues of sustainability, environmental law and policy, and resource management.

With our M.A. in Marine Policy and Management, you will gain the higher-level skills, practical experience, and interdisciplinary knowledge that enable you to thrive in this environment and in the related fields that feed into it.

Fathom the Depths of Human-Marine Dynamics

Through the University of New Haven’s Master of Arts in Marine Policy and Management program, you will acquire a deeper understanding of the complex forces at play in marine-linked human and natural systems. The competencies that you gain in the program — developing and implementing policy and management plans, strategizing for effective public outreach and communication, and highly refined research skills — will make you a vital part of the decision making process on issues of marine natural resource management, policy, and sustainability.

In addition:

  • The interdisciplinary nature of the program creates multiple opportunities for collaborative efforts across programs, departments, and colleges within the university.
  • You will focus your career path by choosing one of two concentrations: Marine Resource Sustainability or Marine Education and Outreach.
  • We offer both a thesis and non-thesis option. The non-thesis option can also be completed in an accelerated one-year format instead of the traditional two years.
  • You will benefit from the strong professional connections that the University maintains with other educational, governmental, international, and professional organizations. This first-class network includes Gather New Haven, the Bureau of Aquaculture in Milford, the Northeast and Southeast NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, and academic and government connections in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Gerace Research Center in the Bahamas. Through these organizations, you will have opportunities for matchless hands-on experience and entrées to possible full-time employment.
Where You Can Go With This Degree

This degree is a career-blazer for a wide diversity of students of various backgrounds and undergraduate degrees. Many subjects in the natural and social sciences, humanities, business, and engineering will dovetail beautifully with a graduate education in how to navigate the practical realities of conserving our marine and coastal resources.

With our M.A. in Marine Policy and Management degree in hand, the fields of marine policy, marine management, marine environmental justice, marine environmental education and outreach, and marine law are all open to you. You could work in government agencies, environmental nonprofit and non-governmental organizations — including those focused on outreach communication, and advocacy — and educational institutions.

Jobs that you could pursue with this degree include:

  • Coastal Management Specialist
  • Fisheries Manager
  • Coastal Resilience Coordinator
  • Marine Management and Policy Specialist
  • Marine Environmental Planner
  • Outreach Manager
  • Communication Director
  • Marine Social Scientist
  • Marine Science/Environmental Educator

 

You can even go solo and become a Marine Environmental Consultant.

What’s more, because of the interdisciplinary nature of this program and the high level of collaboration with other departments and programs — including Legal Studies, Political Science, Communications, Economics, and English — you will be able to expand your range of employment possibilities beyond the marine-focused fields.

The sophisticated skills in policy analysis that you acquire in this program transfer well to other fields and make you a valuable asset in any area that requires a flair for analysis and critical thinking. Look at the interdisciplinary collaborations mentioned above. Politics, communications, anything to do with economics, and writing (especially the technical type) are all fields in which you can succeed.

Envision Your Future

The information below is designed to show the many possible careers you could pursue with your major. The research is provided by Encoura, the leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on higher education. It includes median national salaries and industry growth projections over the next decade. Click here to view the full report.

$138K

Natural Science Managers

4% Growth 2021-2030

$118K

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

11% Growth 2021-2030

$92K

Environmental Engineers

3% Growth 2021-2030

Selected Courses and Programs
  • This course explores the different ways in which the marine natural environment supports human community well-being and resilience.

  • This course provides an introduction to the laws regulating natural resources management and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems, with a focus on U.S. legislation.

  • This course is an advanced study of ecological processes of estuaries and marine habitats and how human activities modify the structure and dynamics of these systems.

  • In this course, you’ll study the theory and practice of research methods typically employed to inform policy and management decisions to advance marine and coastal ecosystem sustainability from a human dimensions perspective.

  • This course provides an introduction to teaching and learning the central themes of environmental education, its role in our society, and its diversity.

  • In this course, you’ll examine human uses and transformations of natural marine coastal resources and current policy and management strategies to safeguard the sustainability of these resources and the well-being of natural resource dependent communities.

  • The University of New Haven offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a M.S. in Marine Policy and Management, check out the Academic Catalog:

Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.

Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

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Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development

All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.

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  • An advanced degree from the University of New Haven will help you take your career to the next level. Each program offers convenient scheduling, personalized attention, and state-of-the-art facilities.

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  • The University of New Haven Graduate School is an excellent value with reasonable tuition. Of course, you will still have bills to pay and the Financial Aid office can help.

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