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College of the Environment

School of Marine and Environmental Affairs

Marine Studies Building
206-543-7004
Website
Faculty Website
uwsmea@uw.edu

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs offers an interdisciplinary program of study leading to the Master of Marine Affairs degree. Marine affairs concerns management and policy questions on the uses of the coastal and offshore regions of the ocean and their resources. The core curriculum includes courses in marine affairs, economics, law, marine sciences, and public affairs, with emphasis on human dimensions of the environment.

 Graduate Program


School of Marine and Environmental Affairs


 Program of Study: Master Of Marine Affairs


Program Overview

Students learn creative approaches to resolving marine problems and conflicts, charting rational use of living and non-living marine resources, and managing human activities on the coasts, at sea, and in estuaries, wetlands, and large inland bodies of water. The program prepares students for professional careers in policy making, management, teaching, and research. Students gain familiarity with relevant aspects of the social, technological, and environmental sciences. Completion of the MMA program normally requires two academic years. In the first year, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the marine affairs field and acquire analytic skills. In the second year, students develop competence in a topical area of interest (e.g., ocean and coastal management, ports and marine transportation, marine environmental protection, marine resources management, ocean and coastal tourism and recreation), and prepare a thesis, complete a capstone project, or complete additional coursework for the courses-only option. Studies may be adjusted to accommodate prior experience and academic background.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Master Of Marine Affairs
Admission Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Master Of Marine Affairs


Completion Requirements

59 credits

Thesis Track

  1. Core Curriculum (32 credits depending on thesis or professional track)
    1. Introduction to Marine Affairs: SMEA 500 and SMEA 502
    2. Marine Law: SMEA 515
    3. Policy Analysis: SMEA 519
    4. Economics: SMEA 536. If SMEA 536 is waived, students must still take at least one economics course at the 400 or 500 level.
    5. Policy Processes: SMEA 507 or SMEA 521
    6. Environmental Equity and Justice (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
    7. Marine Science: SMEA 591. If SMEA 591 is waived, students must still take at least one 400- or 500-level science course
    8. Research Methods (6 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
    9. Marine and Environmental Affairs Advising: SMEA 600 (1 credit in winter and spring required the first year.
  2. Thesis and Thesis Presentation (15 credits minimum): SMEA 700
  3. Electives (to meet 59-credit total): To include at least 6 credits from a minimum two SMEA courses.

Professional Track

  1. Core Curriculum (29 credits):
    1. Introduction to Marine Affairs: SMEA 500 and SMEA 502
    2. Marine Law: SMEA 515
    3. Policy Analysis: SMEA 519
    4. Economics: SMEA 536. If SMEA 536 is waived, students must still take at least one economics course at the 400 or 500 level.
    5. Policy Processes: SMEA 507 or SMEA 521
    6. Environmental Equity and Justice (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
    7. Marine Science: SMEA 591. If SMEA 591 is waived, students must still take at least one 400- or 500-level science course
    8. Research Methods (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
    9. Marine and Environmental Affairs Advising: SMEA 600 (1 credit in winter and spring required the first year.
  2. Optional Capstone Credits and Presentation (9 credits): SMEA 650
  3. Electives (to meet 59-credit total): To include at least 6 credits from a minimum two SMEA courses.
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