Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation
16 units of graduate level credit with Scripps Institution of Oceanography
About the Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation Program
Advanced Certificate offered in partnership with Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Immerse yourself in a 9-week, in-person journey of discovery and exploration into the intricate world of marine conservation. Offered in partnership with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this program provides participants the opportunity to earn an advanced certificate, study alongside master’s students, and complete 16 units of graduate-level credit. The program offers a curated, interdisciplinary examination of the ocean, as well as the wildlife and communities who rely upon it. Each week addresses a distinct area of study—science communication, biodiversity, ecology and conservation ethics, oceanography and geology, governance, economics, film, and a field-science week on Catalina Island.
Grounded in the program’s core values of interdisciplinary, solution-oriented conservation, the course combines lectures, labs, discussions, fieldwork, and workshops led by faculty and external practitioners. Students develop analytical, methodological, and professional skills by integrating diverse disciplinary perspectives and applying them to real-world ocean challenges. Through collaborative projects and field-based experiences, participants strengthen their ability to design and contribute to creative, effective, equitable marine conservation efforts, culminating in the award of an advanced certificate.
The summer experience consists of one comprehensive course that includes both in-person lecture (SIO-295S and SIO-295LS) and lab components. Students enroll in each component separately for academic purposes, but the program is designed and experienced as a single unified course.
Applications are encouraged early, and due by April 30th.
For questions around the program content please reach out to:
Hannah Tannenbaum: hmtannenbaum@ucsd.edu
For questions around the program application process please reach out to:
Stefania Wright: unex-environmental@ucsd.edu
Program Highlights
- Located on beautiful Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus adjacent to a state marine protected area and across from Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA office), you'll have access to diverse resources and opportunities for hands-on learning.
- Learn from 60+ professors, instructors, experts, coaches, and real-world practicitioners in various disciplines, including marine biology, ecology, oceanography, geology, climate sciences, governance, law, Indigenous experience, justice, communities, ethics, economics, filmmaking, and more. You'll grow your professional network through all in-person content.
- The program includes a range of hands-on experiences, such as: expert-led fieldtrips to Torrey Pines SP, San Dieguito Lagoon, Kendall-Frost Marsh; research cruise on R/V Sproul; practical and applied lab sessions in geology, fish, algae, plankton, and more.
- Additional perks include behind-the-scenes guided tours of Scripps Institution of Oceanography Collections, Birch Aquarium, campus Markerspace, NOAA facilities, and a WAVE lab, as well as a 6-day fieldwork trip to USC Wrigley Field Station Catalina Island.
Program Objectives
- Introduce (and reacquaint) students to several fields of study relevant to marine conservation in order to build fundamental knowledge, skill sets, and interdisciplinary base.
- Explore marine biodiversity, conservation, and global change through the lenses of natural sciences, economics, governance, ethics, and communication.
- Demonstrate the linkages among various disciplines and the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address marine biodiversity, conservation, and global change challenges.
- Create opportunities to apply interdisciplinary approaches and critical thinking skills to complex, multi-dimensional marine conservation issues.
This is a single summer course comprised of both lecture and lab components, offered as co-registered classes. While students register for two course numbers, the lecture and lab together are treated as one integrated academic experience.
Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation
Required Courses
Additional Program Information
Program Overview
This intensive 9-week, in-person summer program, offered in partnership with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, combines graduate-level coursework with immersive, hands-on learning. Participants study alongside master’s students while earning 16 units of graduate-level credit and an advanced certificate upon completion. The curriculum integrates lectures, labs, discussions, fieldwork, workshops, and applied exercises led by university faculty, external practitioners, and leading experts across disciplines including ecology, biodiversity, economics, and governance. Through interdisciplinary assignments and a collaborative capstone project, students apply scientific, social, and policy perspectives to real-world marine conservation challenges.
Program Instructor
Meet Your Summer Instructor — Anna Zivian, PhD
Anna Zivian is a researcher and policy expert with over 30 years experience in areas including local government, environmental and food policy, climate change, ocean and coastal issues, and equity and justice. She is currently an affiliated researcher with Ocean Nexus, working on ocean justice. In her previous work as Senior Research Fellow an Ocean Conservancy, she led the creation of the Roger Airliner Young Marine Conservation Diversity Fellowship. Prior to her work on the ocean, Anna served as an elected official in Colorado for ten years.
FAQs
- Statement of Purpose: In ~750 words, describe your interest in this field, demonstrated commitment to the ocean, and rationale for applying to the program. Please explain why you are applying to the MAS MBC Program and what you hope to achieve with this degree.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Resume/CV
- College Transcripts
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): OR Duolingo English Test (DET) for international applicants only.
- TOEFL minimum score is 85 (iBT) or 550 (PBT), or 7 IELTS.
- DET minimum score is 120 (out of 160).
Upon successful completion of the integrated summer lecture and lab experience, students may elect to earn a certificate or use the coursework as preparation for applying to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation.
This structure allows students to begin with a certificate while maintaining the option to apply to the MAS program in a subsequent academic year.
Students accepted into this program will take the two courses alongside Scripps Institution of Oceanography(SIO) graduate students in the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) program in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (MBC). The program will be completed over the established 9-week summer period (June 26- August 28, 2026), by taking the two required classes SIO-295S and SIO-295LS.
To begin your application, click on the "Apply Now" button on the certificate page. If you do not already have an Application Portal and a My Extension student account, you will be prompted to create one for each to complete your application. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed. You can track the progress of your application at My Extension.
Register at: Apply Now
Select the Program of Interest: Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation
Term: Summer 2026
Applications are open until April 30th, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as our available slots may fill. The application includes an application fee of $50 that can be paid with a major credit card. A deposit of $1,000 is required upon accepting the offer of admission. The remaining balance of US $18,995 is due by the start of the program. Payment plans are available.
Advisory Board
Angela Howe, J.D.
David Kline, Ph,D.
Kathryn Mengerink, J.D. Ph.D.
Samantha Murray, J.D.
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