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The Maritime Studies (MAST) program provides students with a distinctive chance to explore humanity's diverse interactions with coastal and marine ecosystems. This interdisciplinary curriculum is ideal for those wishing to comprehend the profound and dynamic connection between people and the ocean.
Through examining maritime civilizations' historical, archaeological, literary, and political dimensions from antiquity to modernity, MAST graduates develop holistic insights into interconnected maritime challenges while receiving a robust, internationally-focused liberal arts education.
With guidance from academic advisors, students customize their MAST coursework to align with personal interests and professional aspirations, while engaging in numerous enrichment opportunities that enhance their academic profile. These may involve career-relevant internships, field research projects, specialized independent studies with faculty mentors, or international study programs. Participants can even train aboard The Elissa, an operational 19th-century tall ship. The program strongly recommends pursuing at least one minor—commonly in Anthropology, English, Diving, Museum Studies, or History—with many students completing two.
Industry leaders recognize that liberal arts graduates possess superior analytical and problem-solving skills. MAST degree holders emerge with refined critical thinking, logical reasoning, and communication abilities, qualifying them for diverse career paths such as energy sector management, environmental conservation, government service, heritage preservation, museum operations, maritime archaeology, media, education, business leadership, legal professions, or advanced academic research.
You are an international freshman if you:
are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or
are not graduating from a Texas high school after three years in residence in Texas and
are a student without college credit or
earned college credit prior to high school graduation (dual credit/early college high school)
English proficiency can also be demonstrated by:
Minimum TOEFL i-BT score of 80
Minimum TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5
Minimum IELTS Academic test score of 6.0 overall band (Texas A&M University does not accept the IELTS General test)
When to Apply: Spring: August 1; Fall: December 1