Master of Professional Science
Marine Mammal Science
With growing access to marine mammals in the wild and at managed care facilities, the need for animal care and management staff is increasing. As the potential for employment grows, there is a greater focus on employees with strong educational and applied backgrounds. Advancements in the care and conservation of marine mammals have progressed dramatically over the last decade with the development of a greater understanding of marine mammal biology, behavior, and physiology, as well as improved diagnostic and assessment tools and techniques. Students in this degree track will be part of one of the select programs in the nation designed to prepare them for employment in marine mammal management (including associated ecosystems) and care. Coursework will integrate topics such as marine mammal medicine and pathology, medical diagnostics and laboratory analysis, population assessment and management, state and federal regulations, research, education, and applied behavior analysis. Students will have the opportunity to interact with medical, training, and research experts in our community, as well as conduct an internship at one of many marine mammal rehab, managed care, or research facilities. As part of the practical training incorporated into the Marine Mammal Science curriculum, most students will participate in mark-recapture surveys, public education, wild health assessments, behavior analysis and modification studies, learning field techniques, animal care, necropsies, and regional and national conferences.
Sample Curriculum
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| Biology of Marine Mammals (MBF 504) | Marine Mammal Disease and Medicine (MBF 505) |
| Research Diving (and Boat Handling) (RSM 500 and RSM 572) | Marine Mammal Conservation and Management (MAF 570) OR Marine Mammal Field Techniques (NEW) |
| Statistics for Environmental Management (RSM 512) OR Biometrics in Marine Science (MBF 508) | Introduction to Marine GIS (MAF 560) |
| Marine Mammal Behavior Analysis and Managed Care (MBF 507) | Scientific Communication (RSM 545) |
Other Electives:
Advanced Biometrics in Marine Science (MBF 615)
Advanced Underwater Acoustics (AMP 672)
Bayesian Statistics (MBF 672)
Biometrics in Marine Science (MBF 508)
Coastal Law and Policy (MAF 620)
Environmental Law (MAF 520)
Evolutionary Genetics (MBF 578)
Global Environment and Politics (POL 531)
International Ocean Law (MAF 610)
Introduction to Underwater Acoustics (AMP 535)
Marine Population Dynamics (MBF 690)
Ocean Policy, Development and Analysis (MAF 516)
Physical Environment of Marine Organisms (MBF 610)
Physiological and Biochemical Adaptations of Marine Organisms (MBF 633)
Political Ecology of Marine Management (MAF 501)
Population Modeling and Management (MBF 614)
