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The Master of Professional Science (MPS) degree equips students for scientific careers across industries, government agencies, and non-profits, where workforce needs are expanding. These programs were created nationwide to meet employer demands for versatile, skilled professionals with both broad expertise and hands-on abilities to tackle environmental challenges and enhance natural and cultural resource stewardship. Designed for efficiency, the program enables completion in just 12 months (for certain specializations), providing the essential training and practical experience to succeed in today's competitive science job market.
Marine mammal conservation and care have seen remarkable advancements in recent years, fueled by deeper insights into their biology, behavior, and physiology, alongside enhanced diagnostic methods. This specialized track places students among the few nationwide programs training professionals for roles in marine mammal management (including ecosystem work), population studies, acoustics, and animal care. The curriculum blends subjects like marine mammal medicine, diagnostic techniques, population management, legal frameworks, ocean acoustics, research methods, educational outreach, and behavioral studies. Participants will collaborate with medical, training, and research specialists while completing internships at rehabilitation centers, managed care facilities, or research institutions. The Marine Mammal Science program emphasizes hands-on learning, with students typically engaging in field surveys, public outreach, health evaluations, behavioral research, clinical diagnostics, post-mortem examinations, and professional conferences.