Program Overview

M.P.S. in Ocean Sciences

The Master of Professional Science (M.P.S.) in Ocean Sciences (OCE) program offers two tracks: Applied Remote Sensing and Natural Hazards and Catastrophes.

Overview

• The Applied Remote Sensing track provides theoretical knowledge and experiential learning for careers in the field of remote sensing in both public and private sectors.
• The Natural Hazards and Catastrophes track offers an educational opportunity for students seeking to fill positions offered by the private and civil sectors to assess risks and exposures associated with natural hazards.

Admission Requirements

• General Prerequisites:
  • Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.)
• Applied Remote Sensing Track:
  • Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Mathematics, Physics, Geosciences, Engineering, or an equivalent degree
  • Successful completion of the following (or equivalent) undergraduate courses: calculus, statistics, physics, computer programming (Matlab, IDL, C, or Fortran)
• Natural Hazards and Catastrophes Track:
  • At least one of the following: one semester of statistics or calculus or six (6) credits in geoscience

Curriculum Requirements

Applied Remote Sensing Track

• Core Courses:
  • OCE 606: Introduction to Ocean Remote Sensing (3 credits)
  • OCE 707: Advanced Ocean Remote Sensing (3 credits)
• Electives: 18 credits
  • The remaining courses may be selected from the following list or other courses approved by the academic advisor:
    • EVR 660 & EVR 661: Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory
    • OCE 603: Physical Oceanography
    • OCE 608: Introduction to Ocean Systems Engineering
    • OCE 637: Natural Hazards: Atmosphere and Ocean
    • OCE 676: Wave Propagation in the Ocean Environment
    • RSM 612: Statistics for Marine Scientists
• Internship: 2-6 credits
  • OCE 805: MPS Internship
• Additional Requirements:
  • RSM 700: Research Ethics

Natural Hazards and Catastrophes Track

• Core Courses:
  • EVR 633: Decision Analysis: Natural Hazards and Catastrophes (3 credits)
  • EVR 660 & EVR 661: Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory (3 credits)
  • MGS 634: Hydrological Hazards (3 credits)
  • MGS 635: Geological Hazards (3 credits)
  • OCE 637: Natural Hazards: Atmosphere and Ocean (3 credits)
  • RSM 612 or EVR 624: Statistics for Marine Scientists or Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy (3 credits)
• Electives: 6 credits
  • The remaining courses may be selected from the following list or other courses approved by the academic advisor:
    • EVR 620: Environmental Law and Policy
    • RSM 613: Statistical Modeling of Extreme and Rare Events
• Internship: 2-6 credits
  • OCE 805: MPS Internship
• Additional Requirements:
  • RSM 700: Research Ethics

Suggested Plan of Study

Applied Remote Sensing Track

• Year One:
  • Fall: EVR 660 & EVR 661, OCE 603, OCE 608, RSM 612, RSM 700 (12 credits)
  • Spring: OCE 606, OCE 637, OCE 676, OCE 707 (12 credits)
  • Summer: OCE 805 (2-6 credits)
• Total Credit Hours: 30

Natural Hazards and Catastrophes Track

• Year One:
  • Fall: EVR 620, EVR 633, MGS 635, RSM 612 or EVR 624, RSM 700 (12 credits)
  • Spring: EVR 660 & EVR 661, MGS 634, OCE 637, RSM 613 (12 credits)
  • Summer: OCE 805 (2-6 credits)
• Total Credit Hours: 30

Mission

• Applied Remote Sensing Track: The mission is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world experiences geared towards a successful career in the field of remote sensing in both public and private sectors.
• Natural Hazards and Catastrophes Track: The mission is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand earth system natural hazards and the data analytics tools required to assess the associated risks.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Applied Remote Sensing Track:
  • Students will learn theoretical knowledge and practical skills using a variety of remote sensing instruments to produce, measure, and interpret data from high-resolution satellite images for application to various end-users in the private and public sectors.
  • Students will demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of field and lab work during their internships.
  • Students will write up a final report and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.
• Natural Hazards and Catastrophes Track:
  • Students will understand earth system natural hazards and apply data analytics tools required to assess associated risks.
  • Students will develop project management skills, understand the legal and regulatory frameworks and regulations, and apply communication and media training to address earth system natural hazards.
  • Students will demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of field and lab work during their internships.
  • Students will write up a final report and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.