Overview

The Coastal and Ocean Policy programme at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is designed to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and the political landscape of environmental governance. This interdisciplinary Master of Science provides students with the technical knowledge and analytical tools required to solve complex problems affecting coastal and marine resources.

The curriculum is specifically tailored for graduates from both STEM and social science backgrounds who wish to explore the nexus of science and society. Students develop essential skills in policy analysis, public budgeting, and environmental economics while gaining a deep understanding of the natural and physical sciences relevant to ocean health.

Why Coastal and Ocean Policy at the University of North Carolina Wilmington?

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is recognised as a top doctoral and research institution and was ranked as a Best National Public University by U.S. News & World Report. Known as the state’s coastal university, it provides a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking within a beautiful coastal setting.

The institution boasts over 75 years of experience in enhancing lives through education, research, and service. Students benefit from high-quality facilities and the opportunity to partner with expert faculty on research projects that address real-world environmental problems. The programme’s unique curriculum integrates science and policy in a way that makes graduates highly valuable to working professionals in the maritime sector.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1258 per credit
National fee: USD 1258 per credit
Local fee: USD 311 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Coastal and Ocean Policy
Coastal and Ocean Law
Environmental Policy Analysis
North Carolina Coastal Issues and Experiences

Careers with Coastal and Ocean Policy

Graduates are prepared for diverse leadership roles within agencies responsible for creating and implementing environmental policies. The programme provides a strong foundation for careers dedicated to supporting biodiversity through the protection of ocean wildlife and the management of delicate marine habitats.

Career opportunities also extend into the sustainability sector, where professionals develop community resilience plans and explore the implementation of renewable energy sources. Many graduates find success in environmental consulting, guiding businesses through regulatory processes, or working with environmentally focused non-profit organisations to promote coastal stewardship and advance the interests of responsible businesses.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Biological Oceanography

Estuarine Biology

Role of the Oceans in Human Health

Coastal Protected Areas Management

Environmental Site Assessment

Science and Technology of Marine Environment

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Wilmington, United States

Disciplines

Oceanography View 42 other Masters in Oceanography in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

An application for graduate admission

Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)

Official scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

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

A personal statement describing educational and professional experiences, their reasons for pursuing graduate study in public administration, and career goals

Resume

Optional writing sample

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37740 USD / year

≈ 37740 USD / year
Out-of-State

37740 USD / year

≈ 37740 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9330 USD / year

≈ 9330 USD / year

Living costs

Wilmington

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Coastal and Ocean Policy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Wilmington

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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