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.  

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. 

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:

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.