Coastal Zone Management, MS/PSM Certificate Program Handbook

Program Description

In much of the world, population growth in the coastal zone is increasing, stressing the natural resources and those that depend on them due to over-development, pollution and over-exploitation of resources. At the same time, global climate change, linked to anthropogenic activities, is increasingly affecting the coastal zone due to an increased prevalence of high-energy storms, ocean acidification and sea level rise.

The purpose of the Coastal Zone Management (CZMT) graduate degree program is to develop the holistic knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of managing human interactions within a highly dynamic coastal environment, and to analyze the natural, social, legal, economic and institutional processes for integrated coastal zone management and sustainable development.

At the end of this program, students will be able to:

• Describe the physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes active in the coastal zone.

• Articulate how changes in coastal zone environments affect coastal communities and stakeholders.

• Articulate how human actions, laws, and policies affect coastal zone environments.

• Apply appropriate quantitative methods and tools to coastal zone problems.

• Perform a variety of field and laboratory research methods.

• Identify a problem pertinent to coastal zone management, develop a plan to study it, and conduct the appropriate research.

• Effectively communicate scientific and management information, research results, and recommendations orally and in writing.

• Work effectively both individually and in a team environment.

Program Contact Information