The Master of Professional Science (MPS) degree prepares students for science careers in industry, government, and non-profit organizations, where employment demands are growing. MPS degrees were developed and implemented nationally in response to employer demands for well-rounded, highly trained employees with a breadth of knowledge and practical skills to address emerging environmental issues and improve the management of natural and cultural resources. The curriculum is structured to allow students to complete their degree in as little as 12 months (for select tracks), with the training and real-world experience necessary to prepare them for careers in today's professional science job market.
Over half of the world's population resides in growing coastal areas. These areas are major economic engines, supporting port and shipping, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and oil and gas mining activities. The coastal zone comprised of nearshore waters and lands represents some of the most fragile habitats on the planet. Balancing economic activities with sensitive habitats and high population density is a major challenge that resource managers face in the 21st Century. Similarly, adaptation to climate change, sea level rise, coastal erosion, and hurricanes pose additional challenges for coastal managers. The track in Coastal Zone Management will introduce participants to the legal and governance frameworks in this increasingly important discipline. Coursework will integrate topics such as coastal fisheries management, marine protected areas, port management, tourism development, environmental impact assessment, and oil exploration. Students will have opportunities to engage in internships with private, public or non-governmental agencies (NGO's) and conduct relevant fieldwork. Additional internship possibilities also exist with environmental advocacy groups and consulting firms. This track is part of the Environmental Science and Policy Department at Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, which has long-established links and study sites in Panam (among other countries), where students receive hands-on experience and work directly on coastal zone management issues.
