Majors at the University of Connecticut

Coastal Studies

When majoring in Coastal Studies you will encounter a variety of educational experiences ranging from marine science classes to economic classes. Coastal Studies majors must take marine science courses and social science classes in policy, law, economics, and resource management as well as field and lab work. The areas of concentration depend on whether you graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. In either case, you will have hands on experience learning about the coastal systems in and out of the classroom setting. You will learn about coastal issues, coastal economic development, coastal environmental policy, and coastal law and regulation. A wide range of topics are covered, from marine life studies to learning about sediments and how they form, to environmental law, to provide a background in many areas. The Coastal Studies program at UConn is only offered at the Avery Point campus.

Academic Department

• UConn's Coastal Studies Department

Nature of Work

Many sea animals living in the ocean depend on the coast; and many animals living on the coast depend on those animals living in the ocean. This mutual dependency creates a diverse habitat. With a degree in Coastal Studies you spend time dealing with marine life and ecology as well as the coastal life and ecology. There are different jobs that are available, each entailing different duties or skills. Research can be a major part of the work done for coastal studies majors, and can come in many forms. From studying whales to studying the effects of erosion on the coast, there are a variety of ways in which Coastal Studies majors can apply their degree. Some careers will be strictly research where others will apply the research done to solving problems. The vast majority of coastal studies programs and work will be found in coastal states to facilitate hands on research and observations. Coastal studies majors also find work in programs to educate the public about issues and concerns of human impact on marine life, coastal ecosystems, and environment.

Sample Job Titles

Potential Employers

There are potential research jobs and teaching jobs at colleges and universities, although most of these jobs require a Ph.D. or Masters degree. The government is a potential employer, hiring people for research positions, at entry level and upper level positions. Non-profit or non-governmental organizations as well as consulting firms and private enterprises employ coastal studies majors for private research in various fields. Coastal studies majors can also find employment in resource management, environmental and marine science education, conservation, regulation, business, and law.

Useful Skills

Math and Science are very important strengths to have when entering this field. Computer skills are important as well, especially being able to use computer programs in order to analyze and record data. In addition, writing and speaking skills are useful to have in order to convey findings to the public and to colleagues.

Getting Experience

Research positions in various areas provide significant employment opportunities. Depending on the demand and market, certain areas will have more positions available than others will. There are also non-research positions available in marine industries. Some examples are marine electronics, aquaculture, working in fisheries, environmentally based tourism, hydro-geology, water quality management, and environmental education and communication.

Employment Opportunities

There are ways to get experience including job shadowing, internships, and co-ops. An undergraduate research project is a great way to gain field experience and is available for students at Avery Point. Any hands-on experience that you can get is useful for future careers, so joining clubs and doing volunteer work can be helpful to future positions you might be interested in.

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