Coastal Policy (Graduate Certificate)

Program Overview

The UNH Graduate Certificate in Coastal Policy equips students with expertise in coastal policy processes, science-policy interfaces, and coastal governance. It offers a comprehensive curriculum with core courses, seminars, electives, and a practicum, preparing graduates for careers in coastal policy, management, and research. The program is flexible, allowing for part-time and hybrid pathways, and can be pursued as a stand-alone credential or in conjunction with another degree.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Overview

The UNH Graduate Certificate in Coastal Policy offers students the opportunity to develop competencies in the U.S. coastal policy process, the science-policy interface in coastal systems, and coastal institutions and governance. This certificate is appropriate for a wide range of students and professionals with interests in applied science, policy, and/or management in coastal systems. The certificate can be pursued as a stand-alone credential or in concert with another degree at UNH. Part-time and hybrid pathways through the certificate are available.

Objectives

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. coastal policy process and its application.
• To equip students with the skills to analyze coastal policy issues and develop and implement effective coastal policy solutions.
• To prepare students for careers in coastal policy, management, and research.

Description

The Coastal Policy Certificate requires a minimum of 12 credits made up of one required core class, a seminar requirement, at least six credits of electives, and one required practicum.

• Required core class: MARI805: Introduction to Coastal and Marine Policy: Understanding US Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Policy - 3 credits
• Seminar requirement: MARI801: Coastal Resource Management and Policy Seminar - 2 credits
• Electives: Select at least six credits from the following courses based on the Elective Tracks in Natural Science, Social Science, Engineering and Policy.
• Natural Sciences: CEE822, CEE833, CEE858, CEE907, ECON908, ECON909, ESCI871, ME817, MEFB825, MEFB847, MEFB872, NR803, NR843, NR947, OE854, OE857, OE858, PHP902.
• Social Sciences: DPP901, DPP911, GRAD844, NR820, NR824, PA800, PA804, POLT851, PPOL806, PPOL812, PPOL902, PPOL904, RAM911, RECO808, SOC825, SOC830, SOC901, SOC904
• Engineering: TBD
• Policy: BIOL950

Outline:

Program Content

The Coastal Policy Certificate program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Coastal policy process and legal frameworks
• Coastal science and engineering
• Coastal resource management
• Coastal hazards and resilience
• Coastal governance and stakeholder engagement

Structure

The program consists of 12 credits of coursework, including:

• Required courses (3 credits)
• Seminar (2 credits)
• Electives (6 credits)
• Practicum (1 credit)

Course Schedule

The program can be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. The following is a sample course schedule:

• Fall semester: MARI805 (3 credits), MARI801 (1 credit), elective (3 credits)
• Spring semester: MARI801 (1 credit), electives (6 credits)
However, students can choose electives from a wide range of courses offered by the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering and other UNH departments.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Class participation
• Written assignments
• Exams
• Presentations
• Practicum experience
The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific course or assignment. However, all assessment methods are designed to evaluate the student's knowledge of the course material and their ability to apply that knowledge to real-world problems.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of faculty members from the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering and other UNH departments. The faculty have a wealth of experience in coastal policy research and practice. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Guest speakers
• Field trips
• Case studies
The program also offers a unique experiential learning opportunity through the practicum requirement. The practicum allows students to work with coastal policy organizations and agencies to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Careers:

Graduates of the Coastal Policy Certificate program are prepared for a variety of careers in coastal policy, management, and research. Some of the potential career paths include:

• Coastal policy analyst
• Coastal resource manager
• Environmental planner
• Natural resource manager
• Research scientist
• Policy advisor
• Advocate