Studying and pursuing a career in marine mammal science carries significant importance as marine mammals serve as sentinel species that provide indication of overall ocean and human health. Since marine mammals are protected species who face many natural and anthropogenic threats, it is critical to learn how to study these organisms to develop and implement effective conservation and management strategies. Additionally, marine mammals often capture human interest, and thus they play a pivotal role in raising awareness around various conservation issues.

Thus, the Marine Mammal Science track is a specialized track that will equip students with the strong background knowledge and applicable skills needed to pursue a career in this field. Students will learn about the biology, physiology, and ecology of all marine mammal taxa and learn about how they are studied, conserved, and managed. Students will also get the opportunity to learn and practice science communication, community engagement, and education. Coursework will integrate topics such as management, marine mammal medicine and pathology, health assessments, population assessments, state and federal regulations, applied ocean acoustics, research methodologies, and applied behavior analysis. Students will also be able to tailor their coursework and internship projects to match their specific interests within the field.

Located between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Rosenstiel campus offers a great location for studying local marine mammals in their natural environment. Beyond the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of experts and fields of study at the Rosenstiel School, we are also located near key marine mammal institutions such as the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center, local stranding organizations, and facilities dedicated to marine mammal research, rescue, and rehabilitation. With all these local resources, students will get practical, hands-on experience with marine mammals in strandings, necropsies, training, observation, and research.

An MPS degree in Marine Mammal Science will allow students to gain the transferable and applicable skills necessary to finding jobs in a variety of marine mammal fields. Many students will find employment opportunities with local and federal government agencies, non-profits, rescue and rehabilitation organizations, managed-care facilities, and research organizations. Additionally, some students may continue on a research path towards a PhD or those interested in aquatic veterinary science may attend veterinary school after the MPS program. Some example careers include stranding biologists at state and non-profit organizations, veterinary assistant and technicians, education and outreach specialists, science communication, field biologists at research institutions, marine mammal observers, and conservation and management policy positions with federal government organizations.

This track is unique because it is highly specialized and is one of the select programs in the nation designed specifically to prepare students for employment in a variety of marine mammal science fields. The goal of this track is to not only provide strong foundational knowledge, but also provide students with transferable and applicable skills needed to succeed in this field. As part of this practical training incorporated into the curriculum, students will directly interact and network with experts around the world as well as gain experience in scientific writing and communication, community engagement and outreach, acoustic analysis, behavioral analysis and ethograms, statistical analyses, necropsies, and analysis of stock assessments. Students may also get the opportunity to participate in strandings and rescue, wild health assessments, photo ID, clinical care and diagnostics, and regional and national conferences. Students will apply the knowledge and skills gained from their courses as they conduct their MPS internship at a variety of national or international managed care, rescue, rehabilitation, or research organizations. As a smaller track, students will receive personalized mentoring and training throughout the program and during the formation of their MPS project, proposal, and final report.