Marine Policy (MMP)

The objective of the degree is to train policy analysts with a practical orientation and an ability to provide information useful in the marine policy-making process. Students that complete the Marine Policy MMP will be able to:

Demonstrate a background in the law and institutions governing marine policy
Understand public policy, the policy process, and policy analysis
Understand marine issues in the context of policy analysis
Structure problems, understand context and explore alternative solutions
Critically evaluate and interpret literature
Develop professional oral and written communication skills
Develop group management and task management skills

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Requirements for the Degree

All students in the master of marine policy program are required to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits. A course outside of the Marine Policy Program and the student’s area of concentration is also required. Students pursuing this degree must write an analytical paper. Students may bypass the master’s degree and work directly toward the PhD upon petition. Requirements for the PhD degree are similar to those for the master’s degree, but are more intensive. Students in the PhD in Marine Studies with a concentration in Marine Policy are required to complete a minimum of 39 graduate credits. Written and oral qualifying examinations are required before students are admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree. A written dissertation and oral defense of it are also required for the PhD.

Required courses:

Law and Institutions

Students must take the following three credit course in the area of “Law and Institutions”:

MAST 660 - International and National Ocean Policies Credit(s): 3

Decision Analytics

Students must take the following three credit course in the area of “Decision Analytics”:

MAST 663 - Decision Tools for Policy Analysis Credit(s): 3

Economics

Students must take one of the following three credit courses in the area of “Economics”:

MAST 675 - Economics of Natural Resources Credit(s): 3
MAST 676 - Environmental Economics Credit(s): 3

Research Methods

One (3 credit) course in a research method such as statistics, survey research, and/or case study methods. Courses must be approved by the advisor and the Graduate Committee.

Science elective:

Must take one 3 credit course. Typically a course from one of the other three degree program areas in SMSP satisfies the science requirement but it may also be taken from outside SMSP if approved. Science elective must be approved by the advisor and Graduate Committee.

Elective Credits:

Must take four or more courses (12 credits) as Policy/Science/Economics/Law (PSEL) Electives. Courses must be approved by the advisor and the Graduate Committee. Courses form a coherent course of study across or focusing in the areas of policy, science, economics, or law.

Analytical Paper

MAST 865 - Analytical Paper Credit(s): 3