Santa Cruz,
CA,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MSc in Coastal Science and Policy in Santa Cruz United States | University of California, Santa Cruz
University of California, Santa Cruz
|
Santa Cruz United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
27,366
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
24 months
The Coastal Science and Policy Program (CSP) at UC Santa Cruz provides both a two-year Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. Designated Emphasis. These programs equip emerging leaders from various disciplines with the skills to develop and implement scalable, equitable solutions for coastal sustainability issues. The curriculum focuses on hands-on partnerships with professionals tackling complex environmental challenges across marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Unlike conventional science master's programs, the MS in Coastal Science and Policy prioritizes practical experience to enhance professional growth. The first year involves interdisciplinary coursework at UC Santa Cruz, covering scientific and policy aspects of coastal sustainability and climate adaptation. Students develop essential leadership, innovation, and communication skills to drive meaningful change in coastal and marine conservation. During the summer after year one and throughout year two, students engage in full-time capstone projects with partner organizations, co-creating solutions to pressing coastal challenges. This unique blend of academic training and applied learning prepares graduates for careers that bridge science, policy, and community engagement to foster resilient ecosystems and coastal economies.
Key program benefits include:
Small class sizes for individualized guidance and strong peer connections
Dual mentorship from faculty and field experts
Dedicated career support services and professional networks
Financial assistance available for qualified students
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.0
Qualification Requirements
A cumulative or overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale in the last two years of undergraduate education. This should be displayed on your official academic records.
Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application process Upload your unofficial transcripts in the online application Official copies are not currently required for the application only for accepting an offer of admission however we reserve the right to change this requirement at any time.
A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited university awarded conferred prior to the quarter in which admission is sought.
Applicants with a three-year undergraduate degree must also hold a post graduate diploma Masters-Degree or a higher degree.
Internet-based TOEFL minimum acceptable scores.
89 for applicants to the Applied Mathematics Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics Computational Media Computer Science and Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Natural Language Processing and Statistical Sciences programs.
83 for applicants to the Human Computer Interaction program
83 for all other programs.
Other TOEFL minimum acceptable scores.
Computer-based 230.
IELTS, a minimum overall score of 7 from the IELTS test is required for admission.
Tuition
USD
27,366