URI master’s degree merges business, oceanography studies

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The University of Rhode Island has begun enrolling students in the nation’s first graduate degree program to merge a master of business administration with a master’s degree in oceanography.

The 16-month, dual-degree program, dubbed the Blue MBA for its oceanography focus, will educate future leaders in global climate change opportunities, according to oceanography professor S. Bradley Moran and College of Business Dean Mark Higgins.

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Moran and Higgins said the degree is designed for students with undergraduate training in pure science, environmental science, or engineering who want to develop management skills and expand their career opportunities. They said the degree might benefit those seeking management careers in industries such as energy, ocean technology and engineering, hazard risk management, water resources, fisheries, marine navigation and tourism.

Students would take courses in the URI business and oceanography programs, and choose additional courses from the economics, natural resource economics, and marine affairs departments. •