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Certificate

Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation

16 units of graduate level credit with Scripps Institution of Oceanography

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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 and lab components. 

  • Apply early! Decisions will be made on a rolling basis, as space allows.
  • Priority Consideration: Apply by January 29th, 2027
  • Application window closes April 30th, 2027

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

 
In-Person
In-person content allows you to grow your professional network and build real relationships
9-weeks
July 2 - September 3, 2027 **International student orientation and onboarding take place July 1. International students should plan to arrive in the U.S. by June 30.**
$18,995
There is a $50.00 application fee. For students pursuing the certificate, there is a one-time $125.00 fee. A deposit of $1,000 is required upon accepting the admission offer. Payment plans available.

Program Highlights

Ocean Meets Campus
  • 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.
Expert Insights & Networking Opportunities
  • Learn from 60+ professors, instructors, experts, coaches, and real-world practicitioners in various disciplines, including marine biology, ecology, oceanography, geology, climate sciences, governance, law, tribal stewardship, justice, communities, ethics, economics, filmmaking, and more. 
Hands-on Learning Experiences
  • The program includes a range of hands-on experiences, such as: expert-led fieldtrips to Torrey Pines SP, San Dieguito Lagoon, Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve; research cruise on R/V Robert Gordon Sproul; practical and applied lab sessions in geology, fish, algae, plankton, and more.
Get Behind the Scenes and Learn from the Field
  • Additional perks include behind-the-scenes guided tours of Scripps Institution of Oceanography Collections, Birch Aquarium, campus Makerspace, NOAA facilities, and a WAVE lab, as well as a 6-day fieldwork trip to USC Wrigley Field Station Catalina Island.

Become an Expert Science Communicator
  • Learn how to tell compelling stories that make science and policy accessible. Craft messages that resonate with your audience and compel conservation action. Walk out of the course an expert in science communication.

Program Objectives

Essential Knowledge
  • Introduce (and reacquaint) students to several fields of study relevant to marine conservation in order to build fundamental knowledge, skill sets, and deep understanding.
Multidisciplinary Insights
  • Explore marine biodiversity, conservation, and global change through the lenses of natural sciences, economics, governance, ethics, and communication.
A Nuanced Approach
  • Understand the linkages among various disciplines to address real-world ocean conservation challenges.
Critical Thinking
  • Create opportunities to learn and understand multiple perspectives on complex, multi-dimensional marine conservation issues.
Program Structure
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.

How to Apply

This certificate requires an application before taking any courses. There is a $50.00 application fee. For students pursuing the certificate, there will be a one-time $125.00 certificate fee.

Get More Information

For detailed information, please contact our Environment And Sustainability department.
Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
Quarter availability reflects when courses are most commonly scheduled. Actual availability may vary.

Required Courses

Students must complete both 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.

Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation Certificate Info Session

In this 1-hour info session, learn how to start a career in marine conservation through the Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation Advanced Certificate offered by UC San Diego Extended Studies in partnership with Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Watch Video

FAQs

The Advanced Certificate in Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation Admissions Committee reviews all applications holistically and considers the following required items:
  • 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.

Nothing is required! But wetsuits, fins, mask and snorkel are welcome, along with waterproof boots. 
The days are full, with required programming from 9-4 each day, some evenings and weekends, group projects, and a six-day field week on Catalina Island in August.  We encourage students to take advantage of the time and access they have at Scripps with minimal outside commitment, if possible.
No, we do not do any scuba diving, but we will have a swim assessment and snorkelling sessions to prepare for in-water snorkelling at Catalina.
The days are full, with required programming from 9-4 each day, some evenings and weekends, group projects, and a six-day field week on Catalina Island in August. We encourage students to take advantage of the time and access they have at Scripps with minimal outside commitment, if possible.
We welcome International Students! Please reach out to our International Team for more information: ipadmission@ucsd.edu
Students who complete the certificate are not required to choose between pursuing the certificate and the UC San Diego Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) program. Under the current policy, students who complete eligible certificate courses may apply those courses toward the MAS degree if they are subsequently admitted to the program.

Please note that admission to the MAS program is a separate process, and completion of the certificate does not guarantee admission
Housing, meals, transportation, and other personal expenses are not included in the program cost. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own housing and living expenses during the 9-week program.

For information about available on-campus housing options, please visit our housing information page: https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/international-programs/housing-student-life/housing
Discounts are available for UC Faculty, Staff, Post Docs and Grad Student. Please reach out to us for more details.

Advisory Board

Samantha Murray, J.D.

Executive Director and Faculty
Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Kathryn Mengerink, J.D. Ph.D.

Senior Leader in Oceans, Law & Policy
Strategic Development & Governance

David Kline, Ph, D.

Executive Director
Pacific Blue Foundation

Angela Howe, J.D.

Deputy Attorney General Department of Justice, Land Use and Conservation Se
California Department of Justice

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