Online Master of Science in Coastal and Marine Science and Management

Are you passionate about sustaining healthy coastal and marine environments? Through Arizona State University’s online Master of Science in coastal and marine science and management program, you’ll deepen your understanding of these ecosystems, including their communities and complex interactions between people, resources and systems.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered

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Become a leader in coastal management and marine science

This program provides the knowledge and skills needed to ensure your place in the next generation of ocean scientists, resource managers, community leaders, policymakers, innovators, researchers and educators. Through a combination of foundational science, research and management studies, you’ll prepare to support resilient coastal and marine ecosystems of the future.

Throughout your courses, you’ll learn how to address environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable resource management. Topics you may explore range from sea level rise and coastal water quality management to coral reef restoration. You'll also gain skills in geospatial and statistical data analysis, multiple-audience communication and solutions-oriented research in the stewardship of coastal and marine resources.

How you’ll study coastal and marine science online

This program intentionally focuses on community. This includes offering an online degree that allows you to learn from anywhere while tailoring your learning to your interests and addressing challenges within your community and beyond. In your studies, you’ll complete the Ocean Futures Workshop. This course allows you to define an actionable project, scope resources and stakeholders, leverage partners and plan, test and adapt the implementation of a solution for a community-based, coastal and marine science and management issue.

Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to gain practical experience through optional course offerings at the ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and ASU’s Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai’i.

Who’s a good candidate for this master’s program?

If you have a passion for coastal and marine science with a focus on community impact, you can enter this program with a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. You may seek to advance in your current role, explore a new career path or work toward doctoral studies in research. Successful candidates can build upon their education and experiences in disciplines as diverse as:

  • Biological sciences.
  • Ecology.
  • Environmental sciences or studies.
  • Geography.
  • Marine biology.
  • Natural resource management.
  • Oceanography.
  • Sustainability.
  • Urban planning.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Coastal and marine science and management courses

Throughout your courses, you’ll enhance your ability to be a steward of coastal and marine areas, working closely with communities and stakeholders to impact these ecosystems positively. You’ll also have the option to conduct use-inspired research and work within communities and agencies on solutions-based projects focused on coastal and marine science and management.


The marine science and coastal management jobs you’ll be ready for

This program is designed to grow leaders in coastal and marine science who have the technical ability to understand scientific projects while also possessing the skills to facilitate natural resource management in their communities. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work for governmental and non-governmental agencies, private companies and educational organizations. Potential roles you can pursue include, but aren’t limited to:

Study with leading experts in coastal and marine science

The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions for the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Our faculty members prepare students to create long-lasting change and contribute to a positive future for people and the planet.

Study with leading experts in coastal and marine science

The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions for the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Our faculty members prepare students to create long-lasting change and contribute to a positive future for people and the planet.

How to apply

Applicants to the Master of Science in coastal and marine science and management program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.

Creating tomorrow’s solutions, today

The College of Global Futures is dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable future for the planet and society. These initiatives support ASU’s overarching commitment to innovation, research and delivering high-quality academic programs. ASU is recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.

#1


in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

#1


university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

#1


“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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