Students who successfully complete the program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a strong content-knowledge foundation in their field of study by (all of the below):
    • describing biotic and abiotic characteristics of the Gulf of Maine
    • explaining how our region compares and connects to ocean systems around the world
    • explaining how and why the ocean and its inhabitants change/have changed over varying time scales
  2. Contribute to and/or lead efforts to protect the ocean and coastal environment by:
    • Ddiscussing potential mitigation, adaptation, and/or conservation strategies to address climate change and other contemporary human-induced challenges
  3. Demonstrate practical skills in their field of study by (first two (2) below required + at least one (1) additional):
    • collecting meaningful data using field or laboratory gear/instruments
    • analyzing data through spreadsheet manipulation, figure generation, and statistical analysis
    • earning formal credentials such as a UNE badge, boat captain license, drone pilot license, SCUBA certification, animal care/life support system certification, zoo/aquarium interpretive guide certification, data science certification, GIS certification, etc.
    • successfully completing an internship course
    • successfully completing research credits with a faculty member
  4. Demonstrate critical thinking in their specific field of study by (at least one (1) of the below):
    • evaluating the literature published by professionals
    • making recommendations to policy makers
    • creating and innovating in their field (e.g., designing an experiment and interpreting its results in the context of other work, developing a new piece of data collecting equipment, developing materials to teach information or methodology to others, etc.)
  5. Communicate their scientific knowledge effectively by (all of the below):
    • creating clear written materials that are appropriately formatted for the audience (e.g., peers, professionals, decision-makers, stakeholders, the public, etc.)
    • creating and delivering clear oral presentations and/or recordings that are appropriately formatted for the audience (e.g., peers, professionals, decision-makers, stakeholders, the public, etc.)