Marine Mammal Science Degree Track

Marine Mammal Science Marine Mammal Science
Master of Professional Science

Marine mammal conservation has advanced significantly in recent years due to greater understanding of marine mammal biology, behavior, and psychology, and improved diagnostic methods.

The Marine Mammal Science MPS track is one of the select programs in the nation that prepares students for employment in marine mammal management, population assessments, acoustics, and care. Students interact with medical, research, and training experts in our community, as well as conduct an internship at one of our many marine mammal rehabilitation, managed care, or research facilities. As part of the practical training of the curriculum, students have the opportunity to participate in mark-recapture surveys, public education, wild health assessments, behavior analysis and modification studies, clinical care and diagnostics, necropsies, and regional and national conferences.

Prerequisites:

Bachelor’s degree in any field; one year of general biology and labs, one year of general chemistry, at least one semester of calculus, and nine credits in natural science. Research in these fields may, in some cases, substitute for coursework

Course topics:

marine mammal medicine and pathology, medical diagnostics and laboratory analysis, population assessment and management, state and federal regulations, applied ocean acoustics, research education, and applied behavior analysis.

Job titles:

  • Director of Marine Science Education
  • Stranding Technician
  • Marine Mammal Trainer
  • Veterinary Technician
  • Animal Behavior and Welfare Consultant
  • Marine Mammal Biologist

FAQ's

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Track Leader


Dr. Maria C. Cartolano

Marine Mammal Science Track

m.cartolano@umiami.edu

(305) 284-6212
Maria Cartolano is a Lecturer of Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. She serves as the co-track coordinator for students in the Marine Mammal Science (MMS) track of the Masters of Professional Science (MPS) program. Her research interests include physiology, behavior, and toxicology and she is passionate about teaching and community outreach...

Plan Of Study Grid

Fall Course Title Credit Hours
MBE 604 Biology of Marine Mammals 3
RSM 612 or EVR 624

Statistics for Marine Scientists or Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy

3
EVR 670 Conservation and Management of Marine Mammals 3
EVR 660
& EVR 661

Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory

3
RSM 700

Research Ethics

0
Credit Hours 12
Spring Course Title Credit Hours
MBE 605 Marine Mammal Disease and Medicine 3
MBE 746
or EVR 645

Marine Population Biology: Processes and Modeling or Marine Population Assesment Surveys and Analysis

3
MBE 606

Procedures in Marine Mammal Health and Disease *

1
MBE 607 Marine Mammal Applied Behavior Analysis and Managed Care * 3
OCE 651 Applied Ocean Acoustics and Marine Mammals * 3
Credit Hours 13
Summer Course Title Credit Hours
MBE 632 Marine Mammal Research Techniques * 3
MBE 805 MPS Internship 1 2-6
Credit Hours 5
Total Credit Hours  30

*  or Elective

1  Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits required during a student's time in MPS. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by MPS Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS.

Elective Options

Students may request elective courses with the consent of their Academic Advisor. Refer to the course schedules for a list of classes available on the Rosenstiel School campus. The course offerings may vary from semester to semester. For more details, visit the UM Academic Bulletin.

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