The Division of Marine Affairs and Policy (MAF) accepts highly-qualified students who wish to pursue an academic degree program that combines a basic curriculum in marine science with a complementary program in a non-marine science discipline. Student programs are individually designed. The M.A. curriculum requires participation in the intern program and the M.S. curriculum requires a thesis. The JD/MAF program allows a student to earn a Juris Degree from the School of Law and an M.A. in MAF from Rosenstiel. The five-year BA/MA program enables qualified students from the undergraduate Marine Affairs programthe opportunity to earn a B.A and an M.A. in MAF in five years. The programs are intended to provide the student with a broadened perspective of marine issues and problem-solving abilities.

Current Division research and teaching focus on marine resource economics, marine anthropology, marine archaeology, political ecology, law and policy studies, fisheries and aquaculture management, extended jurisdiction, coastal habitat management and marine business development. The Division¹s Boating Research Center conducts research on recreational boating, from marina development to hurricane preparedness and manatee protection.

THE M.A./M.S. PROGRAM IN MARINE AFFAIRS

The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmosphere Science at the University of Miami offers a Master of Arts and Master of Science Program in Marine Affairs & Policy. The M.A. program is designed for students that wish to obtain a Masters degree in a fixed period of time (one year plus a summer). 

The Master of Arts degree offers an advanced training program in marine science applicable to topics such as the coastal zone and the development of marine resources. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or University. This program is for students with interest in the areas of administration management and the conservation of marine resources. The program will also be useful to high school science teachers who want to upgrade their credentials and bring marine science to the classroom. The M.A. degree is primarily for those students who do not intend to obtain a Ph.D. in science.

The Master of Science degree is an integrated track in marine science and policy and gives students with strong science background opportunities to build careers in marine resource management. The M.S. offers an academic curriculum for students interested in the application of science and technology to management issues. The M.S. may be completed in two and one half years in an intensive program of five semesters. 

THE M.A. PROGRAM

Credit Requirements

The Master of Arts requires the completion of 27 course credits and 3 internship credits.  A committee of three is required with one chair from MAF, one committee  member from MAF, and another committee member from the faculty outside of MAF. An internship report is required for the M.A. degree. A grade point average of 3.0 or better must be maintained.

Comprehensive Examination 

A comprehensive examination is required of all students. Each division determines the content and form of the examination and establishes a test date for its students according to general School guidelines. In the event of a failure, a student may be reexamined once, upon the advice of the students committee and at the discretion of the faculty of the Division. If granted, the reexamination must be given before the end of the following semester. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive examination and completion of all requirements except the internship report, the student may be admitted to candidacy for the degree.

Internship Report 


THE M.S. PROGRAM

The Master of Science requires the completion of 30 course credits and six master¹s thesis credits. A committee of three is required with two co-advisors (one MAF and one from the science division) and one other faculty member from MAF. A thesis is required for the M.S. degree and a public oral defense of the thesis must take place. A grade point average of 3.0 or better must be maintained.
 

Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive examination is required of all students. Each division determines the content and form of the examination and establishes a test date for its students according to general School guidelines. In the event of a failure, a student may be reexamined once, upon the advice of the students committee and at the discretion of the faculty of the Division. If granted, the reexamination must be given before the end of the following semester. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive examination and completion of all requirements except the thesis, the student may be admitted to candidacy for the degree. 

Thesis 

A thesis is normally required for the Master of Science degree in marine and atmospheric science. Under certain conditions, the requirement of a thesis may be waived. A paper accepted for publication can be substituted for the thesis, or the M.S. degree can be by-passed. Both of these exceptions must be approved by the student¹s committee, the faculty of the pertinent division, and the School Academic Committee. If a thesis is required, a public oral defense of the thesis must take place. The thesis committee must consist of at least three members, one of whom is a regular member of the Graduate Faculty of the University; one member must be from outside the division.
 

THE J.D/M.A. PROGRAM

The Division of Marine Affairs and Policy at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the University of Miami School of Law offer a Joint degree program in Law and MAF. A student must apply and be accepted separately by both the School of Law and the Rosenstiel School. Upon completion of this program, a student earns a Juris Doctor degree from the School of Law and the M.A. in MAF from Rosenstiel. A student may complete requirements of both degrees with in 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.
 

THE FIVE YEAR B.A/M.A. PROGRAM

MAF, in cooperation with the Undergraduate Marine Science Program, also offers a five-year BA/MA Program in Marine Affairs. This program enables qualified students to earn a B.A. in MAF in four years with the opportunity to earn an M.A. in MAF at Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science with only one additional year. Conditional acceptance to M.A. in MAF is based on the students¹ GPA at the end of their sophomore year. Students then take GRE exams and apply for acceptance to the Graduate School at Rosenstiel during their junior year. 

 


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