Maritime Studies

The Maritime Studies program embraces the liberal arts as the foundation for exploring humankind’s critical and continually evolving connections with the world’s waterways and watersheds.  Through this interdisciplinary major, students will explore the historical and contemporary aspects of human society and the marine and coastal environments.  Students will complete a series of core courses that explore maritime issues from historical, literary, social science and natural science perspectives.  The Maritime Studies program equips students with liberal arts training in recognized disciplines such as history, English, economics, political science, and anthropology, but also with specialized knowledge of the opportunities, issues, and traditions that influence life in maritime regions.  Graduates pursue graduate study or jobs in law, public history, aquaculture, marine or environmental policy, consulting, maritime recreation, marketing, education, and other fields.

THE CURRICULUM

The Maritime Studies major offers students the freedom to tailor their particular course of studies. Working with faculty, students design individual plans of study to reflect their specialized interests.

The basic plan of study revolves around a core of seven interdisciplinary courses that explore maritime issues from several perspectives:

• Introduction to Maritime Studies
• The Sea Around Us
• Maritime Fiction
• Atlantic Voyages
• Maritime Law
• Economics of the Ocean
• Research oriented Senior Seminar

Tailoring is possible during selection of four courses in a departmental concentration:

• English
• History
• Political Science
• Anthropology
• Economics

The overall curriculum provides practical exposure to contemporary issues in management, business, and policy while developing critical analytical and communication skills.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS MAJOR?

Maritime Studies is a flexible but focused major that students may shape to meet a wide range of occupational and educational goals. Maritime Studies at Avery Point explores the historical and contemporary studies of human society and the marine and coastal environments. Focusing on the social and cultural side of the human/water relationship, the major recognizes and explores the links between human activities and composition and the condition of the coastal and marine environments. Over the course of four years, access to hands-on experiences with maritime culture and commerce illustrate the wide range of possibilities of maritime study and careers.

Successful graduates pursue a wide range of careers such as coastal town/city planning, maritime industries, port and harbor management, coastal conservation groups, and maritime museums and aquariums. Many will enter graduate study in interdisciplinary areas such as public history, environmental history, law, environmental studies, and marine affairs. Further study is also possible in areas such as maritime history, English, journalism, marine policy and cultural resource management, planning and regulation, education, or business.

MARITIME STUDIES IS A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Our faculty and staff will personalize your educational experience through opportunities such as elective courses, internships, research opportunities, and certificate programs. Depending on your interests and goals, you may undertake a research project with a faculty member.