Applicants for this program must have either a graduate degree in a field useful in coastal and ocean management, such as the behavioral sciences, ocean science or engineering, resource economics, law, political science or public administration, or have at least five years of experience in some ocean-related activity. In this program, students acquire knowledge and analytical skills through required and elective courses.

The core courses are: Ocean Uses and Marine Science, Economics of Marine Resources, International Ocean Law, and the Marine Affairs Seminar. The fall Seminar is the focus of interdisciplinary exchange. It relies heavily on outside speakers and resident faculty members and requires student presentations on specific selected problems.