Marine Conservation Degree Track

Marine Conservation Marine Conservation
Master of Professional Science

Marine Conservation advances environmental preservation efforts within the marine realm. It encompasses scientific research methods and fieldwork, public outreach and education, GIS and remote sensing, environmental impacts, coastal law, environmental management statistics, as well as scientific literacy and communication.

The Marine Conservation MPS track provides students with advanced training in these theoretical and practical aspects of marine science and conservation. It offers unique flexibility to design a program of study that will prepare students for a wide variety of professional science careers, in fields such as marine biology, ecosystem science, management, media, and education.

Prerequisites:

Bachelor’s degree in any field

Course topics:

marine conservation biology, field techniques, GIS, statistics, environmental impact statements, coastal law, science communication and outreach

Example job titles:

  • Director of Education
  • Communications and Engagement Manager
  • Aquarist
  • Coastal Resource Management Specialist
  • Coastal Crab Biologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Coral Reef Conservation Program Coordinator

FAQ's

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  • Why this track is important?

    Conservation of marine environments happens at the intersection of biology, ecology, and policy and requires professionals able to work across disciplines towards a shared goal. Within the track, students are trained in a range of skillsets, including topics from biological and ecological fieldwork and data analysis to science communication skills to law and policy courses. The track provides opportunities for students to learn the skills they need to make a difference in protecting ocean habitats and species.  

  • Why Miami?

    Miami includes some of the world’s most highly urbanized marine environments, making it an incredible place to learn about conservation biology, strategy, management, and community-led action. Students have the opportunity to volunteer with and connect to people and organizations fighting to protect marine ecosystems, and can seek out internships that make a difference and build the professional skills and networks that will serve their future careers. The University of Miami is home to outstanding faculty and relevant programs and centers including the Johnson Marine Conservation Center and the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy as well as taxa-focused programs like the Shark Research and Conservation Program and Rescue a Reef. 

  • What can students do with this degree?

    An MPS degree in Marine Conservation prepares students to work professionally in marine conservation science, education, or policy. Former students go on to work in conservation communications, education in formal and informal settings, as lab or field technicians in conservation science, and for non-profit organizations, including in law or policy. Our former students are teaching at multiple levels from high school to University; working in education or outreach in nature centers, national parks, and aquariums, working in the field to collect conservation and management-relevant data, or working for policy-makers or advocacy organizations:

  • What makes this track unique?

    The Marine Conservation track is uniquely flexible to create opportunities for students to pursue the skillsets they need to achieve their career goals. Every career working to conserve marine environments looks different, and our students can work with faculty to identify the key courses they need to prepare them for the work they plan to do. Training will bridge science, policy, and conservation practice, with opportunities to build skills in education and communication.

Degree Track

Evan D'Alessandro

Marine Conservation Track

edalessandro@miami.edu

(305) 421-4848
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Publication Shulzitski, K., Sponaugle, S., Hauff, M., Walter, K., D'Alessandro, E.K., Cowen, R.K. (2015) Close encounters with eddies: oceanographic features increase growth of larval reef fishes during their journey to the reef. Bio. Letters 11(1) DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0746
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Catherine Macdonald

Marine Conservation Track

c.macdonald1@umiami.edu

(305) 284-2721
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Dr. Catherine Macdonald is an interdisciplinary environmental scientist and Research Assistant Professor at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science at the University of Miami. She is the Track Coordinator for the Marine Conservation track of the Masters of Professional Science Program, and teaches courses in Marine Conservation Biology, Shark Ecology and Conservation, and marine field research skills. Her interdisciplinary research encompasses science-based conservation of marine environments and species, especially in highly human-impacted habitats. She is the Director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program (SRC), which focuses on shark research and public science engagement and education...
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Plan Of Study Grid

Fall Course Title Credit Hours
EVR 671 Marine Conservation Biology 4
MBE 615 Tropical Marine Ecology * 3
RSM 612, EVR 622, or EVR 624

Statistics for Marine Scientists 1
or Principles and Practices of Marine Social Science Research or Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science & Policy

 3
EVR 620, 720,
or 616		 Environmental Law and Policy 2
or Coastal Law and Policy
or Ocean Policy 		 3
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
Credit Hours 13
Spring Course Title Credit Hours
RSM 645 Science Communication: Professional Writing 3 1
EVR 660
& EVR 661		 Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory 1		 3
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 1
Credit Hours 11
Summer Course Title Credit Hours
EVR 805 MPS Internship 4 2-6
Credit Hours 6
Total Credit Hours 30

*  or Elective

1 Or other approved course listed under Technical Skills Requirement (see track curriculum)

2 Or other approved course listed under Policy Requirement (see track curriculum)

3 Or other approved course listed under Science Communication Requirement (see track curriculum)

4 Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits required during a student's time in MPS. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by MPS Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS.

Elective Options

Students may request elective courses with the consent of their Academic Advisor. Refer to the course schedules for a list of classes available on the Rosenstiel School campus. The course offerings may vary from semester to semester. For more details, visit the UM Academic Bulletin.

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