NSU Oceanographic Center - Distance Education

The Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies at the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, offers a distance learning Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies. This is awarded upon successful completion of any four Oceanographic Center distance-learning courses at the graduate level. Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate will award the equivalent of 12 graduate credits.

The Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies currently offers M.S. programs in Marine Environmental Science, Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management. Enrollment in the Certificate program is designed for those who do not wish to enroll in a full graduate program of study at this time, or perhaps wish to "get their feet wet" before embarking upon a full degree program.

The flexible format of the Certificate Program makes it ideal for working professionals and college graduates in a variety of fields related to the coastal zone, as well as for general interest adult learners. Distance courses bring the learning to the student, whether on-line, by CD-ROM or through written materials.

Should a Certificate Student wish to go on to graduate study, credits can be transferred to specific M.S. programs, including a full distance-learning based M.S. in Coastal Zone Management, provided the student meets graduate acceptance criteria.

Program Objectives

The goal of the distance learning based Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies is to provide:

a scientifically-based, credible, holistic and timely introduction and knowledge of key ecological and socio-environmental issues related to the oceans and coastal zone, including its natural and built (urban) environment.
a forum for sharing national and international perspectives, information and case studies concerning the coastal and marine environment.
a vehicle and model for promoting Internet technology (IT) based distance education delivery systems at Nova Southeastern University, together with related and ongoing research at its Oceanographic Center.
a stand-alone credible Graduate Certificate for working professionals and college graduates in a variety of related fields, and a basis for potential further graduate study towards a full MS online degree in Coastal Zone Management.

Delivery system

All distance courses in the Graduate Certificate are delivered via widely-accessible information technologies such as web-based courses (e.g. WebCT) and CD-ROM.

Intended Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of 4 courses, students will have acquired:

an excellent base of online contacts, organizations and research centers for further study and professional development.
familiarity and up-to-date knowledge of an interdisciplinary scope of scientific and policy concerns effecting the oceans and coastal zone.
an understanding of the international, national and local importance and impact of ocean and coastal issues, and sensitivity to cross-cultural and international perspectives.
The experience of first-hand (i.e. online) discussion and information-exchange with their peers and recognized experts in a variety of related fields and locations, nationally and internationally.
Competence and familiarity with use of a range of current information technologies.

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS including course costs: www.nova.edu/ocean/disted/prospective_students.html

TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION: www.nova.edu/ocean/online_application.html

More distance courses are currently being prepared - please check back for updates!

If you would like more information about the distance Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies, here's how to get in touch:

Online, by submitting the form shown below.
By telephone: 1-800-541-6682 and asking for either Jane Dougan (Coordinator of Distance Learning) at Ext. 3621, or Melissa Dore (Administrative Assistant) at Ext. 3610.
By fax: (954) 262-4020
In writing, to:
    The Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies
    Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center
    8000 North Ocean Drive
    Dania Beach, FL 33004

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