URI starts new oceanography masters degree program

THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND'S Graduate School of Oceanography, based at the school's Bay Campus in Narragansett, has designed a new master of oceanography degree to more closely match students with employment opportunities in a number of marine-based industries. / COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND'S Graduate School of Oceanography, based at the school's Bay Campus in Narragansett, has designed a new master of oceanography degree to more closely match students with employment opportunities in a number of marine-based industries. / COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

NARRAGANSETT – The University of Rhode Island is offering a new, more flexible master of oceanography degree aimed at connecting students with career development opportunities in industries such as fisheries, environmental management, shipping, port operations and the military.

Bruce Corliss, dean of the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, said the program is designed to align “with the needs of employers,” according to a press release.

“We’re also working to make it logistically feasible for prospective students to enroll and complete the degree requirements while still working full or part time,” Corliss said.

The new degree program doesn’t require a thesis and its class requirements are “somewhat flexible,” meaning students can design a course of study that suits their specific needs or that of their employer, according to the release.

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The university worked with employers throughout southern New England to design the new program, which included a workforce development workshop held at URI in November. The workshop yielded representatives of more than 30 regional employers, according to the release.

The master program offers three specific tracks: fisheries, coastal systems, and ocean technology and data. Students can chose from one of the three tracks and participate in an internship or complete a capstone project relevant to their employment, according to the release. The school also offers to help arrange internships with companies, including Exxon Mobil, Raytheon, Army Corps of Engineers and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.

“We’re also designing the program to make it especially useful for those in the uniformed services, so we’re building relationships with the Coast Guard, Navy and the NOAA Corps to encourage their officers to enroll,” Corliss said.

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