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Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protection

Undergraduate Degree

 

The Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protection (MSSEP) program focuses on environmental safety, marine science, and public health issues. Graduates are prepared for careers that tackle global challenges such as climate change, diminishing natural resources, environmental degradation, ever-increasing safety and environmental regulations, green and sustainable development, and increasing energy demands.

First-year cadets participate in a tropical ecology field course in Bermuda. Cadets study the complexity of the ecosystems while basking in the natural environment. They also have an opportunity to enjoy snorkeling and hikes through mangroves and tropical dry forests.

This program requires a six-week co-op/internship and a three-credit co-op, with opportunities in industries such as cruise lines, environmental compliance, consumer and industrial goods, federal agencies, and research institutions. 

 

As an MSSEP major, you will:

  • Engage in coastal and offshore field work
  • Explore scientific concepts using hands-on methods
  • Utilize technology critical for environmental and marine science
  • Apply practices in marine and industrial safety
  • Assess environmental and human health risks
  • Analyze coastal zones and associated management strategies 
  • Deliver presentations on complex topics within the marine science and the marine safety fields
  • Develop skills in technical and scientific writing

View Curriculum

Careers as environmental and safety officers at sea (on cruise ships, drilling ships, oil rigs, NOAA Corps, Coast Guard,) and on land with numerous companies and institutions; environmental consultants and remediation specialists, environmental managers, scientific research technicians, law enforcement, GIS professionals, and educators. Some of the careers of our graduates include:

  • US Environmental Protection Agency or State Department of Environmental Protection Department scientists and safety specialists.
  • NOAA Fisheries or State Division of Marine Fisheries scientists and safety specialists.
  • Environmental managers
  • Scientific research technicians
  • Law enforcement
  • GIS professionals
  • Educators

The experiential field course trains incoming MSSEP cadets in field methods and integrative problem solving related to ecological and environmental sciences at the world-class Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). Students gain an understanding of the scientific method and apply modern scientific techniques in the field from hands-on experience in observing, collecting, and analyzing data through guided scientific excursions and laboratory work.

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The Aquaculture and Marine Sciences Laboratory, along with several research vessels, provides onshore and at sea marine research project opportunities for all students. Underwater video mapping of eelgrass and shell beds, marine species culture and studies, or coastal stormwater outflows, are all being conducted to support regional environmental decisions.

1. Students should monitor aquatic systems to produce and evaluate data regarding chemical, biological, physical and/or geologic properties of such systems.
2. Students should apply practices in marine and industrial safety.
3. Students should assess environmental and human health risks.
4. Students should analyze coastal zones and associated management strategies.
5. Students should develop and deliver purposeful presentations on complex topics within the marine science and the marine safety fields.
6. Students should evaluate the primary scientific literature and apply their analysis by composing effective scientific research papers.
7. Students should apply marine science, safety and/or environmental protection knowledge and skills to cooperative experiences.