Program Overview
The University of West Florida's Maritime Studies program offers a comprehensive understanding of the maritime environment through interdisciplinary studies in anthropology, environmental studies, history, government, and biology. Students can tailor their degree with hands-on experiences and electives, preparing them for careers in the maritime industry, including economic development, environmental consulting, and maritime law.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The University of West Florida offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Maritime Studies. This interdisciplinary program combines five primary fields of study: anthropology and archaeology, environmental studies, history, government, and biology. Students can tailor the degree to their interests by choosing from multiple hands-on experiences, including internships, practicums, or overseas field studies. Graduates will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the maritime industry, which is a major global employer.
Outline:
The Maritime Studies program at UWF is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the maritime environment. The program's curriculum includes courses in the following areas:
- Anthropology and Archaeology: These courses explore the human relationship with the maritime environment, including topics such as maritime archaeology, coastal zone management, and maritime heritage.
- Environmental Studies: These courses examine the physical and biological components of the marine environment, including topics such as marine ecology, oceanography, and coastal processes.
- History: These courses provide a historical perspective on the maritime environment, including topics such as maritime exploration, naval history, and the history of the maritime industry.
- Government: These courses examine the role of government in managing the maritime environment, including topics such as maritime law, maritime policy, and international relations.
- Biology: These courses provide a scientific understanding of the marine environment, including topics such as marine biology, fisheries science, and marine mammalogy. In addition to the core courses, students can also choose from a variety of elective courses in a wide range of disciplines, such as art history, literature, law, political science, and leisure.
Assessment:
Students in the Maritime Studies program are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, quizzes, papers, presentations, and projects. The program's faculty use a variety of assessment criteria to evaluate student learning, including knowledge of the subject matter, critical thinking skills, writing skills, and presentation skills.
Teaching:
The Maritime Studies program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research and scholarship. The program's faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group projects, and field trips. The program also offers a number of unique learning opportunities, such as the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations and marine research expeditions.
Careers:
Graduates of the Maritime Studies program are prepared for a variety of careers in the maritime industry, including:
- Economic Developer
- Environmental Consultant
- Marine Vessel Manager
- Maritime Attorney
- Tourism Developer
- Harbor Manager
- Maritime Historian
- Anthropologist
- Archaeologist
- Coast Guard Officer
