Marine Affairs Graduate Student Handbook

Programs of Study in Marine Affairs

• Master of Marine Affairs (M.M.A.)
• Master of Arts in Marine Affairs (M.A.M.A.)
• M.M.A./J.D. Joint Program
• Ph.D. Program

The Graduate Program in Marine Affairs was established in 1969 for the interdisciplinary study of coastal and ocean management and policy. The study focuses on the use, management, policy, and law relating to ocean space and its resources, and the ocean's interplay with coastal areas. The specialty areas of marine affairs include: fisheries law and management, coastal management and use of resources, ports and maritime transportation, and national and international marine policy and law.

The primary objective of the Marine Affairs Program is to train professionals in the interdisciplinary analysis needed for effective ocean and coastal management. Students will gain familiarity with issues confronting the policy maker and manager at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. In addition, students develop skills in the areas of research design, non-quantitative and quantitative research techniques, as well as an understanding of the socioeconomic, political, and legal effects of policy or management decisions and their implementation. The department focuses on the governance of coastal and ocean uses, the need for and development of integrated approaches to governance, and the potential for governance systems and mechanisms to incorporate consideration of relevant ecosystems and their dynamics.

The Graduate Program in Marine Affairs is quite different from a program of study taken as an undergraduate. The graduate program allows the student to delve more deeply into the field and can be more personalized than an undergraduate program. It requires substantially more individual initiative on the part of the student. There are a variety of possible combinations of course work (both within and outside the department), resource areas, internships, and directed research options. It is essential for a student to establish a dialogue with a faculty advisor as soon as possible. One cannot simply read the graduate catalog and expect to understand all of the possibilities available to the student.

This handbook has been compiled to assist graduate students in Marine Affairs. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within it, the student should note that the University of Rhode Island Catalog is the authoritative guide to student requirements, and its provisions take precedence in any conflicts with information contained in this handbook.

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Master of Marine Affairs (M.M.A.) Applicants for this program must have either a graduate degree in a field useful in coastal and ocean management, such as the behavioral sciences, ocean science or engineering, resource economics, law, political science or public administration, or have at least five years of experience in some ocean-related activity. In this program, students acquire knowledge and analytical skills through required and elective courses.

The core courses are: Ocean Uses and Marine Science, Economics of Marine Resources, International Ocean Law, and the Marine Affairs Seminar. The fall Seminar is the focus of interdisciplinary exchange. It relies heavily on outside speakers and resident faculty members and requires student presentations on specific selected problems.

Students also take 15 credit hours of electives in Marine Affairs and in other fields, such as community planning, fisheries technology, geology, oceanography, political science, and resource economics. An additional three credits are earned with the preparation of a major research paper, the subject of which is determined by the student with the approval of the student's major professor. Substantial independent effort is required in research projects and written work. The 30 non-thesis credits required for the degree may be earned in nine months of intensive, full-time resident study. The major paper is submitted toward the end of the spring semester.

The Master of Marine Affairs degree (M.M.A.) program does not offer an intensive concentration but, rather, fills in the gaps left by narrow specialization.

The M.M.A. program is available to those who already hold a graduate degree related to some aspect of marine affairs or have at least five years professional experience in some ocean/coastal-related activity. Thirty non-thesis credits are required for the degree, 15 of which are earned in the following required courses in Marine Affairs (MAF) and Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (ENRE):

• MAF 511 Ocean Uses and Marine Science
• MAF 577 International Ocean Law
• MAF 589 Master's Project Research
• MAF 651 Marine Affairs Seminar (I)
• REN 514 Economics of Marine Resources

The remaining 15 credits may be selected from elective courses in Marine Affairs or from fields such as biology, community planning, fisheries technology, organizational management, geology, oceanography, ocean engineering, political science, and environmental and natural resource economics. The degree may be earned in nine months of intensive, full-time resident study. A major research paper is done in the spring semester (MAF 589, Master's Project Research). The M.M.A. degree does not offer intensified specialization and is intended primarily for those who already work within the broad area of marine affairs or for those who contemplate a career change in the marine affairs field.

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Potential applicants who do not have a prior graduate degree or the requisite marine experience to qualify for study toward the M.M.A. degree may make application for the degree of Master of Arts in Marine Affairs. This academic degree counterpart to the professional M.M.A. degree is a two-year, 45-credit thesis program. Candidates for the M.A. in Marine Affairs take 18 required course credits (six courses). Additionally, a minimum of 21 credits (seven courses) is earned in elective courses. This program of study enables a student to specialize in a given area and still receive the multidisciplinary influence of the M.M.A. program. A six-credit master's thesis of an inter-disciplinary nature completes the program of study.

The M.A.M.A. program is an academic program designed for those students who have an undergraduate degree and desire a career in some field of Marine Affairs. This degree is earned in a two-year, 45-credit thesis program. Candidates for the M.A. in Marine Affairs take the following 18 required course credits. Fifteen credits are earned in Marine Affairs courses, and three in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics:

• MAF 482 Quantitative Methods in Marine Affairs
• MAF 502 Research Methods in Marine Affairs
• MAF 511 Ocean Uses and Marine Science
• MAF 577 International Ocean Law
• MAF 651 Marine Affairs Seminar (I)
• REN 514 Economics of Marine Resources

An additional 21 elective credits, together with an interdisciplinary master's thesis, for which 6 credits is earned, complete this program.

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M.M.A./J.D. Joint Program between URI and Roger Williams University Law School. Students will have to apply and be accepted into each program under the separate admission requirements currently in effect at each university.

Students already enrolled as J.D. candidates at RWU School of Law must submit their COMPLETED application for the URI M.M.A. degree by close of business (5 P.M.) on January 20th. Applications are available online on the URI Graduate School website: www.uri.edu/gsadmis. Submissions may be delivered in person or mailed to: Prof. Kristen Fletcher, Director Marine Affairs Institute Roger Williams University School of Law 10 Metacom Avenue Bristol, RI 02809-5171

The Roger Williams University J.D. program requires 90 credits that can be completed on a full-time basis in three years. The M.M.A. degree at URI requires 30 credits that can be completed on a full-time basis in one year. A student matriculated in the joint program will take some credits in one program that will also help satisfy the overall credit requirements of the other degree program. The effect of these credit transfers generally reduces the total time needed to complete both degrees from four to three and one-half years. Students in the joint program must complete MAF 511, 577, 589, 651 and REN 514 or their equivalent as part of their 24-credit requirement at URI in addition to six credits at Roger Williams University School of Law. The Department of Marine Affairsvery strongly recommends that students take Ocean Uses &Marine Sciences (MAF 511), International Ocean Law (MAF 577), and the Marine Affairs Seminar (MAF 651) in their starting fall semester and Economics of Marine Resources (REN 514) in the following spring semester. Roger Williams School of Law students must complete the required law school curriculum and may apply nine Marine Affairs' credits toward the J.D. Students should note that, as is the case with all students in the M.M.A. Program, students in the Joint Program also take the written comprehensive examination for the M.M.A. degree.

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1. Students must complete the following required courses or their equivalents (18 credits):

• MAF 482 - Quantitative Methods in Marine Affairs

• MAF 502 - Research Methods in Marine Affairs

• MAF 511 - Marine Science and Ocean Uses

• MAF 577 - International Ocean Law

• MAF 651 - Marine Affairs Seminar

• REN 514 - Economics of Marine Resources

2. Students will complete a minimum of an additional 24 credits of course work. Courses will be selected by the student with the approval of the student's Ph.D. committee from among relevant 500 and 600 level courses.

3. Students will have to demonstrate proficiency in research tools such as computer science, foreign language(s), or in statistics as appropriate for the proposed course of study and dissertation. The required capabilities will be determined by the Ph.D. committee.

4. Upon completion of course work students will have to pass written comprehensive and oral examinations in major and minor fields of marine affairs.

5. Each student is to write and successfully defend a dissertation of high quality, representing original and meaningful research which makes a contribution to the literature in the field of marine affairs. Successful defense of the dissertation will result in the award of 24 credits toward the minimum required total of 48 credits, beyond the 18 credits listed in (1) above.

Requirements for Admission to the Ph.D. Program

Applicants for the Ph.D. program are expected to have in hand a masters degree. Students applying to the Ph.D. program will be evaluated using the following considerations:

• past academic performance as demonstrated through academic transcripts

• graduate record examination scores

• letters of recommendation

• writing samples, including master's thesis or major research paper, and articles

• statement of purpose

• personal interview

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Initially, Prof. Richard Burroughs, the Coordinator of the Graduate Program, will advise you upon your arrival at URI and serve as your academic adviser to help you plan your academic program. As soon as possible, but no later than the start of your second semester, you will select a major professor to guide your thesis or major paper. The determination of who will serve as your major professor is made on the basis of the expertise of the individual faculty member in relation to the thesis or major paper subject. Once the decision of major professor is made, that individual then becomes your academic adviser.

You will have an opportunity to meet the entire MAF faculty at the department's orientation program on the first Friday after classes begin in the fall. This annual program provides an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow students, faculty, and to learn how the program operates and what is expected of you. You are very strongly urged to attend this program.

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Each student must complete a program of study, a copy of which is available outside the Marine Affairs office (310 Washburn) or the Graduate School (Quinn Hall). The program of study provides a listing of the courses which the student will take to complete his or her program. That list contains both the required courses and the elective courses. When it comes time to certify the student for receipt of degree, the Graduate School will determine if the contracted and approved program of study has been fulfilled. Failure to provide a program of study or failure to complete the work indicated on that program of study will prevent the student from graduating.

The program of study is prepared by the student with his or her major professor. It is signed by the student, by his or her major professor, by the appropriate program coordinator in the Department of Marine Affairs, and by the Dean of the Graduate School. Students are expected to complete this form by the beginning of the second semester in the program. It is, indeed, possible to make changes in the program of study but this must be done with the approval of the major professor, department chair, and Dean of the Graduate School on the appropriate form, which is available outside the Marine Affairs office or at the Graduate School.

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The typical course load for a graduate student during the fall and spring semesters ranges from 9 to 15 hours and should take into consideration needs for employment, research time, and outside commitments. It should be noted, too, that for an M.M.A. student to graduate within one year he or she must take 15 credits per semester. The successful completion of the M.A. degree within two years requires the student to complete a minimum of 45 credits in that period. If you are on an assistantship you should consult with your adviser to determine a realistic course schedule given your other responsibilities. Note that students receiving an assistantship must be registered for a minimum of 6 credits for that semester.

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As part of their graduate studies, all students prepare either a thesis or a major paper. The thesis is a requirement for the M.A. degree while the major paper is required of students in the M.M.A. program. Both pieces of work require substantial efforts by the student in terms of identifying and scoping out an appropriate study and then executing it. The thesis or major paper provides the student the opportunity to develop detailed expertise in some selected area and provides a tangible example of the student's knowledge, understanding, writing, research, and professional capabilities. Both should represent the culmination of your work toward your degree, allowing you to incorporate and build upon the expertise and insights which you have gained through your work in the Marine Affairs Program.

The Graduate School has developed a brochure for the thesis, a copy of which is available at the Graduate School. It should serve as a guide in your efforts though M.M.A. students should take note of the differences between a major paper and a thesis which are addressed below. A list of past theses and major papers completed in this department is available in the MAF library. The actual theses and major papers are also available to you for review upon request.

Students in the M.A. program take MAF 502, Research Methods, in the spring of their first year and in that course work to develop a thesis proposal. M.A. students receive six credits for the thesis with credit being given in the context of MAF 599, Master's Thesis Research. M.M.A. students receive three credits for their major paper through successful completion of MAF 589, Master's Project Research.

There are certain differences between theses and major papers. Theses involve not only a major professor but a thesis committee of typically three professors, one of whom is drawn from outside of the Department of Marine Affairs. The composition of this committee is a matter for discussion between the student and his major professor, followed by approval of the Department Chair and the Dean of the Graduate School. When the thesis is deemed ready for defense, the student meets with his or her thesis committee and a defense chair selected from outside the department to "defend" the thesis. The defense is open to graduate students as observers and graduate students are encouraged to attend. When a defense is scheduled a notice of time, place, and subject will be posted on the graduate bulletin board outside the Marine Affairs Library. The major paper does not involve a thesis committee but the student works with a major professor. The major paper is not subject to a defense as is the thesis.

Meaningful interaction between the student and his or her major professor is an essential part of the process leading toward completion of a thesis or major paper. Timely and periodic consultation is very important as is the need to provide the major professor sufficient and realistic "turn around" time for comments on initial work drafts. Be aware that, frequently, faculty are not available during the summer months. It is imperative that in planning for completion of the thesis or major paper the student take into account the time constraints and multiplicity of professional responsibilities of faculty; it is not reasonable to expect faculty to drop all other responsibilities to provide an immediate reading and commentary of your work, particularly toward the end of semesters as graduation deadlines approach. Note, too, that the Graduate School requires that the defense text must be submitted to the Graduate School a minimum of 20 days in advance of the defense date.

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For students in the M.M.A. program and those in the joint M.M.A/J.D. program, a written comprehensive examination will be administered toward the end of the student's last semester. The exam will focus on the material in the required courses and the particular area of emphasis in the student's program.

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Half-time graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis for students working toward the master's degree in this department. Graduate assistants work with faculty members for ten hours a week in return for one half tuition remission plus a stipend. Application for these positions is made to Prof. Burroughs, Graduate Program Coordinator, and should include a letter expressing interest in an assistantship. The financial aid form is contained in the Graduate School catalog.

Some full time (20 hours/week) assistantships are available for students during the first two years of work toward the Ph.D. degree. It is expected that after the two year period, with the conclusion of course work, students will be able to generate needed funding or be involved in research projects conducted by Marine Affairs and associated faculty.

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Internships can provide a significant complement to your academic program, allowing you to obtain professional work experience once you have completed basic course work in the relevant topic area. Internships may be particularly important for students in the M.A. program who have not yet worked in the field.

Students should also take note of special programs for which they may be qualified. In particular, you should be aware of the very competitive, national Dean John Knauss Sea Grant Fellowship Program which allow graduate students to work in Washington, D.C. with a relevant executive agency or congressional committee for a one year period. Since the inception of this program, one or two graduate students in this department have been the recipients of a John Knauss Fellowship each year. This paid internship is extremely worthwhile in terms of building a strong record of professional experience, exposing the recipient to how marine policy is made at the national level, and making contacts which are important in career development. Another program to consider is the Presidential Management Intern Program, the scope of which is not limited to marine affairs areas, but particular positions may have a marine affairs focus.

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Directed Study, MAF 591 or 592, provides a student with the option to earn three credits for a particular study or project that does not fit into the context of some existing course. Registration is possible with the prior consent of a faculty sponsor who is to receive and approve a written project proposal in advance of the semester in which the Directed Study will be taken. You must speak with the faculty sponsor to obtain an override form to participate in directed study.

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At the beginning of the semester a student expects to graduate, it is the student's responsibility to contact Prof. Burroughs to be nominated officially for graduation. Failure to do so may delay graduation for a semester and require the payment of additional continuing registration fees.

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As much as possible the faculty assists students in securing professional employment by informing them of placement opportunities. Through our extensive alumni and "friend of the program" contacts we try to keep posted on appropriate position openings. Most importantly, we are pleased to provide references but the department has taken the position that references will be given only after the first draft of a major paper or thesis is in the hands of a major professor. We want you to find the position you desire but our first mission is to make sure that you successfully complete the requirements for your degree. Based on our experience this emphasis clearly best serves the long term interest of the student who will need the graduate degree for career advancement.

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The Department maintains a listserv for the exchange of information on current developments in the field, professional position and internships, meetings and conferences, and input from faculty, students, and alumni. The list is closed and limited to our students, graduates, and alumni and has proven to be very useful. It should be noted that all items are archived for reference. Graduate students should make sure that they are signed up on this listserv, a matter which will be brought to student attention at the MAF orientation meeting in September.

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The department has a computer laboratory in Room 313 of Washburn Hall available for use by its graduate students. There are numerous computers with ethernet connections and a variety of software to be used for class assignments and research. While virus protection is provided on the machines, students are asked to be careful about what they download and to ensure that the disks they use are clean. Food and drinks should not be brought into this room and the laboratory is to be a quiet working space for the many students who will use it.

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The department has a small library located in Washburn 328 that is available for student use. The library has a collection of journals, magazines, and newsletters which will allow the student to keep up to date with developments in the field. Reserve readings for graduate courses are also kept in this library as are notices of employment opportunities. Food and drinks are allowed here but students are asked to clean up after themselves and help us avoid a situation of "the tragedy of the commons." The Department does not have the services of a librarian; accordingly, your assistance and integrity are absolutely essential to the maintenance of this collection. We want to insure the greatest degree of availability of material for all our students. The library is for your use but please note the following simple rules: -- periodicals and reserved readings are to be taken out only for photocopying and for no longer than one hour; when taken out they must be signed out by you. -- after using library materials please return them to the proper shelf; do not leave them on the library table. -- if you are making a copy of a job announcement, please replace the announcement afterward.

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