Maritime Studies - BA

Maritime Studies (MAST) offers students a unique opportunity to examine the varied ways humans use and impact coastal and maritime environments. The program is well suited for students seeking to understand the vital and synergistic relationship humans have with the sea.

With 40% of the world’s population living within 60 miles of a coastline, a myriad of interests and demand for jobs dependent upon coastal areas exist, such as:

  • Energy exploration and use
  • Preservation and conversation of culture
  • Historical research
  • Underwater archaeology
  • Contract archaeology
  • Commercial fisheries
  • Museums and their management
  • Policy changes
  • The effects of rising sea levels and changing coastal climates on coastal communities
  • Human rights at sea

By studying the history, archaeology, literature, and politics of maritime peoples and cultures from ancient times to present, Maritime Studies graduates gain a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected issues, while achieving an excellent broad-based interdisciplinary education with a distinctive, international emphasis.

Working closely with their undergraduate advisor, students tailor the MAST degree program to suit their interests and career goals, and have many opportunities for enrichment activities contribute to a healthy graduation portfolio.  Activities can include enrollment in an internship suited to their career interest, participation in field studies, concentration on a particular topic with a professor of their choice, and/or studying abroad for a semester. MAST students are able to train as a crew member on a working 19th century tall ship, The Elissa. MAST students are encouraged to pursue at least one minor, usually in Anthropology, English, Diving, Museum Studies or History, and many earn two.    

Employers understand that students of the liberal arts bring advanced comprehensive problem-solving capabilities to the job market. Upon graduation with the MAST degree, students have acquired valuable critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills.  They are prepared for a diverse choice of fields including, but not limited to, oil and gas administration, environmental management, state and federal agencies, historical and non-profit foundations, museums conservation and administration, mass and niche communication, nautical and contract archaeology, journalism, education, management, law school, and graduate studies in related fields.