Program Overview

Introduction to the Coastal Science & Policy Program

The Coastal Science & Policy program offers a Master of Science degree. Important requirements for all applicants include transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Degrees

The program provides a Master of Science degree in Coastal Science & Policy.

Application Requirements

The following are specific requirements for the program:

• A résumé is required.
• A writing sample is required, consisting of two writing samples or excerpts between one and five pages in length.
  • If providing an excerpt from a longer document, a cover page may be included with the title of the longer work and the name of the author(s).
  • Collaborative work excerpts should demonstrate the applicant's writing capacity.
• A statement of purpose is required, with specific instructions:
  • Page 1: Describe the coastal science and policy issue the applicant most wants to address in their career and why it needs to be addressed.
    • Explain how the applicant could contribute to addressing this need through their capstone project.
  • Page 2: Outline how the applicant plans to use their education and capstone experience to become a leader in advancing real-world solutions in coastal sustainability.
    • Describe the applicant's vision for their leadership role and the type of impact they hope to have.
    • Explain why the applicant is specifically interested in this program and how it will help them further their career goals.

Personal History Statement

A personal history statement is also required, describing why the capstone focal issue(s) matter to the applicant personally and how their background and personal experiences will position them to be an effective leader.

Details of the Personal History Statement

• Summarize current academic and non-academic experience as it pertains to coastal science and policy.
• Describe any leadership roles taken in addressing challenges or opportunities in coastal science and policy.
• Explain how background, personal experience, and combined work experience have informed the decision to pursue a graduate degree in coastal science and policy.
• Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences relevant to contributing to social or cultural diversity within the field.

Statement of Financial Need

An optional statement of financial need is available to help determine eligibility for fellowship support. This statement should explain the applicant's need for financial assistance, address personal resources, and outline other fellowships or grant opportunities being pursued.

Letters of Reference

The Coastal Science & Policy Program has specific instructions for recommenders, which should be forwarded to the letter writer as they will not receive these instructions directly.

Program Overview

The Coastal Science and Policy program values diversity and inclusion of diverse perspectives in each cohort. The program aims to position students to be effective leaders in feasible solutions for coastal science and policy issues. The Master of Science degree is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address coastal science and policy challenges. The program includes a capstone project, which allows students to work closely with practitioner partners outside of academia to develop real-world solutions. The program also provides opportunities for students to seek external support for part or all of their program, with the expectation that each student will actively seek external support for their degree or capstone work.