M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.S. in Coastal & Ocean Policy
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The MCOP program at UNCW immerses students in a curriculum that combines advanced technical knowledge of coastal and ocean resources with a strong working understanding of policymaking. It is a non-thesis degree, allowing students to culminate their experience through a two-semester capstone project that addresses real-world policy challenges. Designed for diverse academic backgrounds, including natural, physical, and social sciences, as well as humanities, the program can be completed by full-time students in two years or part-time students over up to five years, with many courses offered in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate working professionals.
STEM Designated: The M.S. in Coastal & Ocean Policy at UNCW is a STEM-designated program. This is a crucial advantage for international students on an F-1 visa. It allows them to be eligible for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after their initial 12 months of post-completion OPT, providing a total of up to 36 months of work experience in the U.S. after graduation. This reflects the program's rigorous analytical and scientific foundation, preparing graduates for roles that require a strong understanding of quantitative data and scientific principles in policy contexts.
Curriculum: The MCOP curriculum follows a three-pronged approach. Core courses provide students with foundational knowledge in policy analysis, public budgeting, environmental economics, and relevant scientific concepts, such as biological, chemical, and physical oceanography, and marine geology. Elective courses in policy and advanced science allow students to develop expertise in concentrated areas of interest, drawing from diverse departments across UNCW. The program culminates in a two-semester capstone project (MCOP 598 and MCOP 599), where students apply their knowledge to address a specific coastal or ocean policy issue, often working with external partners. This hands-on project replaces a traditional thesis and emphasizes practical problem-solving.
Research Focus: While the MCOP is a non-thesis program, it integrates a strong applied research focus through its capstone project and coursework. Students are trained to critically analyze policy issues using scientific data and evidence, bridging the gap between scientific understanding and policy action. Faculty members in the Department of Public and International Affairs, as well as those affiliated with the Center for Marine Science, are actively engaged in research related to coastal processes, climate change impacts, marine resource management, and environmental policy. Students have opportunities to work with faculty on projects of mutual interest, contributing to scientifically sound solutions for coastal and ocean governance problems.
Industry Engagement: The UNCW MCOP program emphasizes robust industry and agency engagement, preparing graduates for impactful careers at the nexus of science and policy. The capstone project often involves collaboration with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, or industry stakeholders, providing invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities. Graduates are prepared to work for agencies responsible for environmental regulatory processes, non-profit organizations promoting coastal stewardship, and various levels of coastal government planning. The program's connections with local and national organizations ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to the needs of the "blue economy" and coastal communities. Alumni are found in diverse roles in both public and private sectors.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Coastal & Ocean Policy at UNCW inherently integrates a strong global perspective, recognizing that coastal and ocean issues like climate change, sea-level rise, transboundary pollution, and fisheries management are fundamentally global in nature. The curriculum addresses international policy frameworks, environmental agreements, and the complexities of multinational governance of shared ocean resources. Faculty research often examines global implications of marine and coastal challenges. This comprehensive global exposure cultivates professionals who are not only well-versed in U.S. policy but also understand diverse international contexts and are prepared to contribute to global solutions for sustainable coastal and ocean management.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26077
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Coastal & Ocean Policy (MCOP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) provides a unique and vital skill set at the intersection of environmental science, public administration, and policy. This STEM-designated program, designed to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and effective governance of coastal and ocean resources, prepares graduates for impactful careers in an era of increasing environmental challenges. The program's non-thesis, capstone-focused approach ensures practical experience in real-world policy problem-solving.
Coastal Zone Manager/Planner: These professionals work for local, state, or federal government agencies (e.g., state coastal management programs, county planning departments). They develop and implement plans and policies related to land use, development, erosion control, and resource protection in coastal areas.
Environmental Policy Analyst: Graduates work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or consulting firms, analyzing existing environmental policies, evaluating their effectiveness, and proposing new policies related to coastal ecosystems, marine resources, and climate change adaptation.
Marine Conservation Policy Specialist: Focusing on the protection of marine biodiversity, these roles involve advocating for and implementing policies related to protected areas, fisheries management, pollution control, and endangered species conservation, often for non-profit organizations or international bodies.
Natural Resource Manager: Working for state or federal agencies (e.g., wildlife agencies, national parks), graduates manage specific coastal and marine natural resources, balancing conservation efforts with recreational and economic uses, and ensuring sustainable practices.
Climate Change Adaptation/Resilience Specialist: With a deep understanding of coastal hazards and sea-level rise, graduates help communities and governments develop strategies and policies to adapt to the impacts of climate change, including planning for resilient infrastructure and land use.
Science Communicator/Outreach Specialist (Coastal & Ocean): Graduates with the ability to translate complex scientific information into understandable language are highly valued. They work for government agencies, aquariums, museums, or non-profits, educating the public, policymakers, and stakeholders about coastal and ocean issues.
Environmental Regulatory Specialist: These professionals ensure that organizations and projects comply with environmental laws and regulations related to coastal and ocean activities. They might work for regulatory agencies, consulting firms, or within industries (e.g., energy, shipping).
Grant Writer/Program Officer (Environmental Non-profit): Graduates leverage their knowledge of environmental issues and policy to secure funding for coastal and ocean conservation initiatives, working for non-profit organizations to develop and manage programs.
Disaster Preparedness & Response Planner (Coastal): Focusing on coastal communities, these roles involve developing plans and policies for preparing for and responding to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and tsunamis, often for emergency management agencies.
Doctoral Studies in Public Policy or Environmental Science: The MCOP program provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation for those wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in related fields, preparing them for careers in academia or advanced research focused on environmental policy and governance.
