Students in the program develop a solid scientific understanding of the world’s oceans, organisms, and processes that affect them. To be truly effective in the field of Marine Affairs, however, requires more than just scientific knowledge about the oceans. It also requires a solid background in social sciences and humanities. To this end, students in the Marine Affairs program are required to complete a minor in one of the following disciplines: communications, English, art, photography, museum studies, economics, business management, political science, criminal justice, event and tourism management, global studies, history, hotel and resort management, legal studies, modern languages, philosophy, psychology, public service, or sociology, depending on the student’s career objectives. This program is designed specifically for students who wish to pursue careers in marine policy, marine law, marine economics, marine journalism, marine resource management, marine media relations, marine law enforcement, international marine studies, marine-related business ventures, and coastal conservation and development. This program also prepares students to undertake graduate work in any of these fields as the level of experience required for an individual to contribute significantly in these fields may not be adequately satisfied by an undergraduate degree alone.

This program is designed specifically for students who wish to pursue careers in marine policy, marine law, marine economics, marine journalism, marine resource management, marine media relations, marine law enforcement, international marine studies, marine-related business ventures, and coastal conservation and development.