The Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies at the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, offers a distance-learning Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies. The flexible format of the Graduate Certificate makes it ideal for working professionals and college graduates in a variety of related fields. All of Nova's programs are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Enrollment in the Certificate program is designed for those interested in advancing their educational and career goals without having to commit to a full degree program, as well as those who wish to "get their feet wet" before embarking upon a Master's degree. Credits earned through the Certificate can be transferred to specific Master's degree programs, including a distance-learning based M.S. in Coastal Zone Management or M.A. in Cross-Disciplinary Studies, provided students meet graduate acceptance criteria. (The Institute also offers in-house studies towards an M.S. in Marine Environmental Sciences, M.S. in Marine Biology and M.S. in Coastal Zone Management).

Program Objectives

The goal of the 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.
• a forum for sharing national and international perspectives, information and case studies concerning the coastal and marine environment.
• 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 Master’s degree.

Delivery System

All distance courses in the Graduate Certificate are delivered on-line. Delivery is designed to accommodate students based worldwide, in different time zones. Occasionally, a course may offer an opportunity for students and faculty to “meet” online at a particular time, but this is always optional. While most students complete the courses in distance format, individual in-house courses may also qualify. Students accepted into the Graduate Certificate program are eligible to apply to take field-courses for credit.

Intended Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate, students will have acquired:

• an excellent base of online contacts, organizations and research centers for further study and professional development.
• knowledge of an interdisciplinary scope of scientific and policy concerns affecting the oceans and coastal zone.
• 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.

Who is eligible?

Applicants with any undergraduate major will be considered for admission. Applicants should submit copies of their undergraduate transcripts and/or their undergraduate degree, in addition to the on-line application form.

Click here for the online application form.

What is required to graduate?
The Certificate is awarded upon successful completion (C grade or higher) of any four of our distance graduate courses. Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate will award the equivalent of twelve graduate credits.

How much does it cost?

Current information on course costs can be found by clicking on this link. Students accepted into the Graduate Certificate may be eligible for financial aid. Click here for information about financial aid.

When is it offered?

Prospective students can choose to enroll in courses in any semester (spring, summer, fall or winter). Generally, students take one course in a semester. Courses do not have to be taken over consecutive semesters; students can enroll according to the schedule most convenient for them, as long as all course work is completed within five years of initial registration.

Would you like more information?

Email "Jane Dougan" <douganj barney nova fred edu> (Coordinator of Distance Learning) or "Julio Perez" <oconline barney nova fred edu> (Administrative Assistant).

Telephone 1-800-541-6682 and ask for either Jane or Julio (Ext. 23621).

Fax us at 954-262-4020.

Write us at

The Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies
8000 North Ocean Drive
Dania Beach, FL 33004 USA

You may also wish to explore the link for prospective students on the distance education home page.