Coastal Zone Management, PSM

Introduction

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, impacts the coastal zone due to an increased prevalence of high-energy storms, ocean acidification and sea level rise. 

This graduate-level degree program’s purpose 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 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.

Admission Requirements

For people who hold a baccalaureate degree, the following are the admissions requirements for the Master of Science (MS) or Professional Science Master’s degree (PSM) in Coastal Zone Management (CZMT):

• Complete application packet, including an essay explaining how the degree in Coastal Zone Management fits into the applicant's career goals.

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an environmentally-related major (e.g., Environmental Science, Marine Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, Biology, or other related majors);

• Transcripts for all Colleges/Universities attended are required.

• Three letters of recommendation from College/University faculty or from professional colleagues.

• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. Applicants should have their scores sent directly to Stockton (Institution code 2889).

• Minimum College/University cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0.

• Identification of a research project topic and advisor is required for admission into the Master of Science (MS) degree program. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to the CZMT Program Chair to discuss project options and potential advisors prior to submitting an application package.

• Recent Stockton graduate, check to see if you qualify for the Direct Entry Option.

• The TOEFL examination or another Stockton-accepted proof of English language proficiency is required of students for whom English is a second language.

Specific minimum requirements may be waived at the discretion of the CZMT Admissions Committee. Acceptance into the Coastal Zone Management Program will be based on a review of the entire application packet. Admission to the program is competitive and acceptance is not guaranteed. Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Coastal Zone Management will follow the same admissions guidelines for the master’s programs. Certificate holders or certificate candidates may choose to matriculate into one of the master’s tracks with a written request and permission of the Program Chair and the Admissions Committee.

Matriculated students may transfer between degree tracks with a written request and permission of the Program Chair and Admissions Committee.

Degree Requirements

The Coastal Zone Management graduate program has three tracks to a degree or certificate:

Professional Science Masters in Coastal Zone Management (PSM-CZMT): This non-thesis option consists of 36 credit hours, including a capstone project, and will prepare students for work, or career advancement in a professional setting.

Master of Science in Coastal Zone Management (MS-CZMT): This option consists of 36 credit hours and includes a research-based thesis. It is intended for students aiming for further academic study or research.

Graduate Certificate in Coastal Zone Management (CER-CZMT): A certificate requires 18 credit hours of coursework. This option is appropriate for working professionals and other individuals who will benefit from advanced study of coastal zone management science without completion of a graduate degree.

All CZMT students will take four core courses that cover a breadth of coastal zone science, policy, management and technical skills. Students on the PSM-CZMT track take two additional required courses in professional development. After completing the core curriculum, students choose electives toward specialized knowledge in their intended career path. The curriculum culminates in a capstone project on the PSM-CZMT track, or a research thesis project on the MS-CZMT track. The Certificate in Coastal Zone Management requires completion of the PSM-CZMT core courses. The electives offered in this program are dynamic. New courses are developed while established courses are eliminated. This is dictated by the development of curriculum concentrations.

Full degree curriculum and transfer audits for the coastal zone management program can be explored using the Degree Works web based tool. Details about the curriculum are accessible on the CZMT website. General information regarding graduate education is found on the Graduate Studies section of this Bulletin.