Coastal Zone Management

Overview

Key facts

Over half of the world’s population resides in growing coastal areas. These areas are major economic engines, supporting port and shipping, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and oil and gas mining activities. The coastal zone — comprised of nearshore waters and lands — represents some of the most fragile habitats on the planet. Balancing economic activities with sensitive habitats and high population density is a major challenge that resource managers face in the 21st Century. Similarly, adaptation to climate change, sea level rise, coastal erosion, and hurricanes pose additional challenges for coastal managers. 

This Coastal Zone Management program at University of Miami is part of the Marine Ecosystems and Society Department at RSMAS, which has long-established links and study sites in Panamá (among other countries), where students receive hands-on experience and work directly on coastal zone management issues.

Highlights

The Master of Professional Science (MPS) degree prepares students for science careers in industry, government, and non-profit organizations, where employment demands are growing. MPS degrees were developed and implemented nationally in response to employer demands for well-rounded, highly trained employees with a breadth of knowledge and practical skills to address emerging environmental issues and improve the management of natural and cultural resources.