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Coastal & Ocean Policy, M.S.

Exploring creative, scientifically sound solutions to coastal and ocean governance problems through research, regional engagement and the education of future leaders
  • 103

    Best 2022-23 National Public University by U.S.News & World Report

  • 1 of 4

    UNC System Schools Highlighted in 2023 Fiske Guide

  • 75

    Years Enhancing Students' Lives Through Education, Research & Service

Learn To

Explore how the political landscape shapes the role of science and expertise in policymaking

Develop skills in policy analysis, public budgeting, environmental economics, and nongovernmental organization management

Gain knowledge in the natural and physical science relevant to coastal and ocean problems

Coastal and Ocean Policy, M.S. Program Overview

Unique Curriculum

The Master of Coastal and Ocean Policy (MCOP) is a professional, non-thesis, interdisciplinary degree program that immerses students in a unique curriculum aimed at advancing technical knowledge of coastal and ocean processes and resources as well as the tools and concepts of the policy making.

Through elective choices students develop expertise in specific areas of interest while exploring the role of science and expertise in policy making about the coasts and oceans.

MCOP students come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.

  • Graduates from STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math) who wish to advance their expertise while also broadening their scope of knowledge to include the social sciences and public policy
  • Graduates from social sciences who wish to complement their knowledge base with relevant natural and physical sciences while developing skills in policy analysis
  • Those interested in exploring the nexus of science and society at the graduate level as it pertains to coastal and ocean policy and the rapidly growing blue economy
Learn more about the MCOP program
"Being a part of the coastal and ocean policy master’s program has been a life changing experience. This program is unique because it helps integrate science and policy in a way that makes you valuable to working professionals."

The degree prepares you for a career in:

  • Lead agencies responsible for creating and implementing environmental policies.
  • Support biodiversity through the protection of ocean wildlife and delicate habitats
  • Develop community resilience plans
  • Explore the development and implementation of renewable and clean energy sources
  • Guide businesses and communities through important environmental regulatory processes
  • Amplify and explain the work of scientists
  • Advance the interests of socially and environmentally responsible businesses
  • Work with nonprofits to promote coastal stewardship

Sample Courses in Coastal & Ocean Policy

View sample courses
MCOP 593 Seminar in Coastal and Ocean Policy
MCOP 511 Coastal and Ocean Law
MPA 543 Environmental Policy Analysis
MCOP 528 North Carolina Coastal Issues and Experiences
See The Full Curriculum

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: M.S. Coastal & Ocean Policy

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Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Fall 2025:
    • March 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • GRE General Test
  • WAIVED - Test scores are waived for this program during 2025 due to the pandemic.
  • No additional action required. Test scores will be waived during application processing.

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations from individuals who are in a position to evaluate the applicant’s academic and professional competence as well as potential for graduate study (ideally at least one reference should be an academic instructor)

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Submission
  2. Personal Statement:  Describe educational and professional experiences, reasons for pursuing graduate study in coastal and ocean policy and professional and career goals
  3. Resume
  4. Prerequisites:  There is no coursework prerequisites for admission and it is assumed that applicants will have majored in a variety of undergraduate majors
Submit Your Application

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Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

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