Marine Conservation Degree Track

Marine Conservation Marine Conservation
Master of Professional Science

The Professional Master Degree in Marine Conservation provides students with advanced training in both the theoretical aspects of marine science and conservation, as well as the practical aspects required to begin a career in this field. This degree track is unique in that students design a curriculum that emphasizes their personal goals and interests, while focusing on innovative solutions to current marine ecosystem and organism threats. The goal of the track is to advance conservation efforts, scientific literacy and communication, public outreach and integration, and education within the marine realm. Practical aspects of the program will vary between individuals but may include exposure to field methods and techniques, GIS and remote sensing of shallow water marine environments, the development of environmental impact statements, coastal law, the development of social media, scientific communication, and statistics for environmental management.

This program includes two semesters of coursework and a 3–6 month internship at one of a number of local federal agencies, institutions, and NGO’s, in which students apply both the theory and practical aspects of their training to real-world projects. University of Miami students from several disciplines, including science, communication, law, education and engineering, will have the opportunity to participate in exciting hands-on field and virtual learning experiences. This degree provides excellent preparation for employment in areas of marine conservation, management, media, education, and ecosystem science.

Marine Conservation (MCO)

The goal of the track is to advance conservation efforts, scientific literacy and communication, public outreach and integration, and education within the marine realm. Practical aspects of the program will vary between individuals but may include exposure to field methods and techniques, GIS and remote sensing of shallow water marine environments, the development of environmental impact statements, coastal law, the development of social media, scientific communication, and statistics for environmental management.

Program Requirements

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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Manoj Shivlani

Marine Conservation Track

mshivlani@miami.edu

(305) 284-8259
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Dr. Manoj Shivlani is an environmental scientist and senior lecturer specializing in the social and policy dimensions of coastal and marine resource management. His focus areas include stakeholder theory, socio-ecological systems, fisheries socioeconomics, and international ocean management. His recent research has evaluated the effects of extreme events on fishing communities, the medium-term impacts of COVID-19 on small-scale fisheries, the determination of limits of acceptable change in marine managed areas, and the development of marine preserve management plans....
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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 or EVR 624 Statistics for Marine Scientists
or Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science & Policy		 3
EVR 620, 720,
or 616		 Environmental Law and Policy
or Coastal Law and Policy
or Ocean Policy 		 3
Credit Hours 13
Spring Course Title Credit Hours
RSM 671 Special Topics (Science Communication: Professional Writing) * 3
EVR 710 or 618 International Ocean Law And Governance
or Coastal Zone Management		 3
EVR 673 Marine Conservation Outreach 3
EVR 660
& EVR 661		 Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory 		 3
Credit Hours 12
Summer Course Title Credit Hours
EVR 805 MPS Internship 1 5
Credit Hours 5
Total Credit Hours 30

*  or Elective

1  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.