Master's Degree Programs

Established in 1969, the Graduate Program in Marine Affairs offers two Master's degree programs and a Joint M.M.A./J.D. program for those interested in the study of the complex issues of coastal and ocean management. Improved understanding of the natural environment and changes in human values have resulted in the need for governance systems that incorporate consideration of ecosystems. This new approach has contributed to a restructuring of policy and management in fisheries, the coastal zone, ports and shipping and, generally, to national and inter-national regimes for ocean/coastal areas.

In the Marine Affairs Program, policy problems are examined at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. Subjects studied have included management of living and non-living resources in the exclusive economic zone, environmental protection in the coastal zone, the interplay of marine science and public policy in areas such as ocean pollution and fisheries management, developments in international ocean law, and the role of governments and inter-national organizations in Marine Affairs. To date, students have been attracted to the program from all over the United States and from 35 other countries.

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.

Master of Arts in Marine Affairs (M.A.M.A.)

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.

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 admissions 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 15th. Applications are available online on the URI Graduate School website: www.uri.edu/gsadmis. Submissions are required to be made online to the URI Graduate School.

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 Affairs very strongly recommends that students take Ocean Uses and 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.

• For the University of Rhode Island Catalog go to www.uri.edu/catalog


• For an application go to www.uri.edu/gsadmis


• Note: The department begins reviewing applications for admission to the M.A.M.A., M.M.A., and M.M.A./J.D. programs each year in February. Completed applications must be received by no later than April 7 for students seeking to enter with the incoming class in September. International students and students who want to be considered for financial aid should submit completed applications by February 1.

Questions may be addressed to:

Prof. Richard Burroughs,
Department of Marine Affairs
Washburn Hall
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI 02881
Email: rburroughs@uri.edu
Phone: (401)874-2596
Fax: (401)874-2156