Marine Policy

Concentration in Marine Policy

Students within this concentration receive training in the human dimensions of marine conservation and management. The Master of Science degree in Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Policy is designed to take advantage of the strong interdisciplinary nature of the School of Marine Sciences (SMS) and the University more broadly. SMS faculty include biologists, oceanographers, and social scientists. Many are interdisciplinary teacher-scholars, engaged in research and student mentoring that weave together multiple fields.

Degree requirements

A total of 30 credit hours, consisting of at least 24 course credit hours (including the one-credit SMS 691) and 6 thesis credit hours (SMS 699 – Graduate Thesis), are required to complete the M.S. in Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Policy. Each student has an advisory committee of three faculty members, who approve the program of study, thesis proposal, and ultimately, the thesis.  A student’s program of study is developed in collaboration with the student’s advisory committee in response to their research interests, academic and personal experiences, and professional goals. 

Doctoral Training

Prospective students interested in an interdisciplinary or social science focused PhD related to the marine sciences are encouraged to consider two other degree programs for which SMS faculty typically advise PhD students: the Graduate Program in Ecology and Environmental Sciences and the Interdisciplinary PhD program.

For more information, please contact the Marine Policy Graduate Concentration Coordinator:

Heather Leslie
Professor
heather.leslie@maine.edu
207.563.8115
UMaine Darling Marine Center, 193 Clarks Cove Rd. Walpole, ME 04573