B.A. Maritime Studies Online
Prepare for a wide variety of careers in the maritime world.
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Request InfoMaritime Studies, B.A. Overview
The online maritime studies program from the University of West Florida is designed to familiarize you with the dynamic cultural and natural resources of the maritime environment. Our fully online maritime studies degree provides you with a broad understanding of this diversified field by integrating maritime themes, transferable skills and a foundational knowledge base.
Throughout the online maritime studies program, you will gain the necessary knowledge and expertise to participate in and contribute to our growing understanding and management of maritime environments. Our interdisciplinary program integrates elective courses from a wide range of disciplines such as Anthropology/Archaeology, Marine Biology, Environmental Studies, History, Art History, Literature, Law, Political Science and Leisure Studies.
The hallmark of UWF’s online B.A.in Maritime Studies is its combination of focus and flexibility, because it allows you to customize your degree toward your desired career path. Working one-on-one with your advisor, you can build a minor using 36 credit hours of electives.
As a maritime studies major, you may choose between multiple hands-on experiences. One option is to engage in internships, practicums or overseas field studies in history. Alternatively, you could complete a structured field experience utilizing methods of sampling, recording and other practical aspects of professional work in the field.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Students seeking the foundational requirements for a graduate program
- Students who want to become archaeologists, anthropologists, economic developers, environmental consultants, marine vessel managers, maritime attorneys, tourism developers or more
You Will Be Able To:
- Apply concepts and theories in the subfields that contribute to maritime studies: archaeology, history, marine biology, environmental sciences and government
- Participate and contribute to our growing understanding and management of the maritime environment
- Engage in internships, practicums and overseas field studies in history, or complete a structured field experience
Courses and Requirements
The University of West Florida’s online B.A. in Maritime Studies online program includes a total of 120 credit hours. After completing 60 credit hours in general education, plus prerequisites, you will need to complete lower-division electives. Then, you will take a core of 18–24 credit hours in major courses. Then, you can choose 36 credit hours of advisor-approved major-related electives to specialize your knowledge.
Students must satisfy 60 credit hours of general education requirements. The general education requirements are the basic studies that provide students with a broad educational foundation and are essential requirements for all baccalaureate degree programs. Included in the general education requirements are subjects in communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, multicultural studies and lower-level electives. If interested in the bachelor’s in interdisciplinary social sciences, you can direct your electives toward the following common prerequisites.
Common Prerequisites (23-24 credit hours)
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
- ANT 1138 - Introduction to Maritime Studies
1.0 Credit Hours
Introduction to Maritime Studies
Basic introduction to maritime studies designed to familiarize students with the dynamic cultural and natural resources of the maritime environment. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of maritime environments.
- ANT 2000 - Introduction to Anthropology
3.0 Credit Hours
Introduction to Anthropology
Introduction to subdivision of anthropology and anthropological thought, basic treatment of human evolution, origins of civilization, world archaeology and modern work cultures, stressing the continuities of human nature. Meets General Education requirement in Social Sciences. Meets Multicultural Requirement.
- BSC 2311 - Introduction to Oceanography and Marine Biology
3.0 Credit Hours
Introduction to Oceanography and Marine Biology
An introduction to the chemical, physical and geological features of the world ocean and the major groups of living marine organisms that inhabit it. Physical chemical and biological interrelationships will be emphasized. Credit not granted toward a major in Biology. Meets General Education requirement in Natural Sciences.
- BSC 2311L - Introduction to Oceanography and Marine Biology Laboratory
1.0 Credit Hours
Introduction to Oceanography and Marine Biology Laboratory
Lab correlating with BSC 2311. Credit not granted toward a major in Biology. Material and Supply Fee will be assessed.
- INR 2002 - International Politics
3.0 Credit Hours
International Politics
Sources and processes of conflict and cooperation among nation-states. Meets General Education requirement in Social Sciences. Meets Multicultural Requirement.
- STA 2023 - Elements of Statistics
3 Credit Hours
Elements of Statistics
STA2023 covers descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, and basic statistical procedures, estimation, and inference. In addition to provide basic concepts in the mentioned areas it prepares the student for other more advanced statistical courses that are necessary for research. Meets General Education requirement in Mathematics. Meets Gordon Rule Applied Mathematics Requirement. Prerequisite: 35 ALEKS Proctored test OR MAC 1105 OR MAC 1105C OR 26 SAT15 Math Sub OR MAT 1033 OR MGF 1106 OR MGF 1107 OR 22 ACT Math OR 520 SAT Math OR 123 PERT Math.
Choose one of the following:
- EUH 1000 - Western Perspectives I
3.0 Credit Hours
Western Perspectives I
Study of the West's geographical, cultural, political, and economic environments, with an emphasis on how the development of the Western World is part of a larger process of historical development. Meets General Education requirement in Social Sciences. Meets Gordon Rule Writing Requirement. Meets Multicultural Requirement.
- EUH 1001 - Western Perspectives II
3.0 Credit Hours
Western Perspectives II
Study of the West's geographical, socio-cultural, political and scientific developments with an emphasis on how changes in these areas helped to shape civilization in the West, influenced the non-western world, and provided insight into the current conditions in the West and its relationship with the global community. Meets General Education requirement in Social Sciences. Meets Multicultural Requirement.
OR
- AMH 2010 - United States to 1877
3 Credit Hours
United States to 1877
Survey of the United States history beginning with Native American cultures on the eve of colonization through the end of Reconstruction. Examines political, economic, and social developments. Meets General Education requirement in Social Sciences.
- AMH 2020 - United States since 1877
3 Credit Hours
United States since 1877
Survey of the United States history beginning in 1877 and ending with a discussion of America in the present era. Examines political, economic, and social developments. Meets General Education requirement in Social Sciences.
Choose one of the following:
- EVR 2001 - Introduction to Environmental Science
3 Credit Hours
Introduction to Environmental Science
Study of interrelationships between human activity and the natural systems in our environment. Interdisciplinary approach to the study of natural processes and how they affect and are affected by human activity. Particular emphasis will be given to examination of the ways in which science offers solutions to the pressure human activity places on natural resources. Credit may not be received in both EVR2001 and GEO2330. Meets General Education requirement in Natural Sciences.
- GLY 2010+L - Physical Geology and Lab
4 Credit Hours
Physical Geology and Lab
Material, structures, surface features of the earth and processes that have produced them. Meets General Education requirement in Natural Sciences.
Lower Division Electives (16 credit hours)
Students could complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to complete at least 60 credit hours in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000–4000) to meet this elective requirement.
- ANT 2511+L - Biological Anthropology and Lab
4 Credit Hours
Biological Anthropology and Lab
Human evolution and variation with emphasis on principles of evolution, primate biology, fossil records, variability in living populations, and the biological foundations of human culture capacities. Meets General Education requirement in Natural Sciences.
- BSC 1005+L - General Biology for Non-Majors (plus lab)
4 Credit Hours
General Biology for Non-Majors (plus lab)
Survey of abiotic and biotic principles as they apply to basic structural and functional topics at the cellular, organismal, population and community levels; and the application of these principles to issues of current interest. Meets general education requirement in natural sciences. Lab correlating with BSC 1005. Material and supply fee will be assessed. Satisfies Florida common core natural sciences requirement.
- BOT 2010L - General Botany and Lab
1.0 Credit Hours
General Botany and Lab
Co-requisite: BOT 2010
- CHM 2045+L - General Chemistry I and Lab
3.0 Credit Hours
General Chemistry I and Lab
Chemical and physical properties, relationship between observables and concepts and the development of a theoretical framework. Topics will include atomic and molecular structure, theories of bonding, properties of the elements and periodicity. A grade of "C-" or higher is required in prerequisite courses. Meets General Education requirement in Natural Sciences. Introduction to laboratory safety, experimental techniques, graphing of data, chemical reactivity and separations, calorimetry and volumetric analysis. Material and supply fee will be assessed. Students taking CHM 2045 concurrently are required to withdraw from CHM 2045L if they withdraw from CHM 2045. A grade of "C-" or higher is required in prerequisite courses. Prerequisite: MAC 1105 OR MAC 1114 OR MAC 1147 OR MAC 2311.
- ANT 1138 - Introduction to Maritime Studies
- ANT 3137 - Shipwreck Archaeology
3.0 Credit Hours
Shipwreck Archaeology
Introductory course in Underwater Archaeology with an emphasis on American Maritime History and New World Archaeology as they relate to Pensacola's maritime heritage. The format centers on assigned readings and classroom meetings with lectures, discussions, educational slides and videos, and workshops. An attempt is made to incorporate field activities on at least one occasion.
- ECO 3003 - Principles of Economic Theory and Public Policy
3.0 Credit Hours
Principles of Economic Theory and Public Policy
Survey and analysis of contemporary economic theory and public policy. Available to non-business majors only.
- HIS 4284 - Maritime History
3.0 Credit Hours
Maritime History
Survey of impact of oceans, rivers and other bodies of water upon the development of mankind. Focus on settlement in maritime areas, maritime commerce, exploration, military and naval history, social intellectual and other activities and developments impacted or influenced by the sea.
- EVR 4023 - Coastal and Marine Environments
3.0 Credit Hours
Coastal and Marine Environments
The world's ocean and its marine environments such as beaches, estuaries, coral reefs, upwelling areas, and hydrothermal vents. The physical, chemical, and biologic components that make each environment unique. Case studies of the environmental impact of anthropogenic and natural phenomena based on readings of scientific papers. Offered concurrently with EVR5071; graduate students will be assigned additional work. Prerequisite: GEO 1200/L OR GEO 1200C OR GLY 2010/L OR GLY 2010C OR ESC 2000/L OR ESC 2000C.
One of the following:
- INR 4403 - International Law
3.0 Credit Hours
International Law
Nature, history and trends of legal controls on international behavior; conflict between theory and practice; cases will be used to illustrate various points of law.
- EVR 4035 - Environmental Law
3.0 Credit Hours
Environmental Law
Overview of current local, state and federal laws relating to the environment. Includes the legal history of current laws and case studies.
Field Experience or Internship (Choose 3-9 credit hours)
- ANT 4824 - Terrestrial Archaeological Field Methods
1.0-9.0 Credit Hours
Terrestrial Archaeological Field Methods
Onsite training in terrestrial field methods includes use of hand tools, surveying equipment, and some power equipment. Emphasized in the field are excavation techniques in a variety of situations, field scale drawings, and documentation. Field lab methods are often included. Permission is required. Material and Supply Fee will be assessed. Prerequisite: ANT 3101
- ANT 4121 - Combined Archaeological Field Methods
1.0-9.0 Credit Hours
Combined Archaeological Field Methods
Onsite training in maritime and terrestrial archaeology (6 weeks each). Structured hands on experience including training in both field and laboratory methods. Emphasized methods include site control grids, setting up excavation units, basic excavation techniques, use of hand tools, identification of ship structure and features, screening techniques, field documentation, principles and procedures. A diving certificate from a nationally recognized program and permission is required. Material and Supply Fee will be assessed. Prerequisite: ANT 3101
- ANT 4835 - Maritime Archaeological Field Methods
1.0-9.0 Credit Hours
Maritime Archaeological Field Methods
Onsite training in maritime archaeology. Structured hands on experience including training in both field and laboratory methods. Emphasized methods include site control grids, setting up excavation units, basic excavation techniques, use of hand tools, identification of ship structure and features, screening techniques, field documentation, principles and use of field instruments, and field conservation procedures. A diving certificate from a nationally recognized program and permission is required. Credit may not be earned in both ANT 4135 and ANT 4835. Material and Supply Fee will be assessed. Prerequisite: ANT 3101
- EVR 4941 - Internship in Environmental Sciences
1-3 Credit Hours
Internship in Environmental Sciences
Supervised field experience in business, government, non-profit, educational or other environmental organization. Offered concurrently with EVR 5332; graduate students will be assigned additional work. Permission is required.
- GIS 4071 - Methods and Techniques in Environmental Resource Management and Planning
3.0 Credit Hours
Methods and Techniques in Environmental Resource Management and Planning
Tools, methods, and techniques employed in the study of environmental impact and resource management. Research fundamentals studied and applied to environmental problems such as land use, environmental impact studies, Florida's development of regional impact, resource evaluation, and other topics. Prerequisite: GIS 4043/L
- HIS 4955 - Overseas and Field Study in History
1.0-6.0 Credit Hours
Overseas and Field Study in History
Supervised independent study in historical field research or study in the United States or overseas. Studies include, but are not restricted to, foreign research, supervised visitation and analytical observation of historical sites, participation in foreign university exchange programs. Permission is required.
- ANT 4944 - Anthropology Internship
1.0-3.0 Credit Hours
Anthropology Internship
Placement in community agency or other social or organizational setting. Supervision by faculty and agency. Student participates in full range of services available in the setting. An internship paper is required. A maximum of 6 sh may be applied to the major requirements. Permission is required. Prerequisite: ANT 4190 AND ANT 4824
- ANT 3137 - Shipwreck Archaeology
3000/4000 level advisor-approved electives
Students may select electives from any field, although the following fields are preferred:
Anthropology/Archaeology
Art History
Biology
Economics
Environmental Studies
Foreign Language
Geography
History
Political Science/International Studies
Leisure
Public Policy
Public Administration
Admission Requirements
In addition to general University requirements, students seeking the B.A. degree in Maritime Studies must meet the requirements listed below.
- A grade of “C” or better is required in all core courses and courses in the minor.
- Students must have a structured field experience in which methods of sampling, recording, and other practical aspects of professional work in the field environment are learned. Field experiences in shipwreck archaeology and overseas history are available. Other structured field experiences can be designed.
- In order to enhance the employability and/or acceptance into a graduate program of Maritime Studies, students must also complete a minor in their primary interest field. The fields of choice for minors are: Anthropology, Biology, Economic Policy, Environmental Studies, Geography, Global Hospitality and Tourism Management, History, International Studies, Political Science, Pre-Law, Public Administration, Spanish, Earning the certificate in GIS.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for undergraduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit ACT or SAT scores
- Complete the residency application form for tuition purposes
- Complete the departmental application form
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our undergraduate admissions team at admissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $218.98 per credit hour | $26,277.60 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 90) | $218.98 per credit hour | $6,569.40 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $648.37 per credit hour | $77,804.40 |
| 75% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $341.67 per credit hour | $41,000.40 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 75% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to approximately 48 months to complete, depending on transfer credits.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our online Maritime Studies degree program, you can pursue a variety of careers in education that do not require licensure.
* Salary and job information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Anthropologists and Archaeologists
Anthropologists and archeologists study human civilization by examining their cultures, languages, archeological remains and physical characteristics. They frequently conduct research studies, prepare reports and advise organizations on their cultural impacts. In 2018, anthropologists and archaeologists made a median annual salary of $62,410. Jobs are expected to grow 10 percent through 2028.
Captains, Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels
These careers are ideal for those who possess professional vessel certifications or wish to pursue them. These persons are responsible for the safety and efficiency aboard any water vessel. They inspect and prepare reports about the vessel, identify the vessel’s course and speed, manage vessel personnel and oversee transportation, passenger safety and proper procedures. Captains, mates and pilots of water vessels make a mean annual wage of $82,380, and jobs are expected to grow along with the increasing demand for overseas shipping.
Environmental Health Scientists and Specialists
Environmental health scientists and specialists apply a research-oriented approach to solve contemporary public health problems within organizational or population/community settings. From a public health perspective, you would engage with other scientists to protect human health from environmental factors while promoting community health. Environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual salary of $76,530 in 2021, and these positions are expected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031.