Beyond the knowledge gained, one of the program’s biggest benefits may be the professional connections it creates. More than 60 instructors, researchers, and industry practitioners contribute to the course, offering students opportunities to interact with leaders in marine science, policy, and conservation.
That exposure often leads to unexpected career paths.
Tannenbaum recalled one student who spent a decade working in cybersecurity before entering the program. “She ended up doing her capstone on training satellites to detect oil spills,” Tannenbaum said. “Now she’s working for a satellite data company using AI to support environmental disaster response.”
Stories like that illustrate how interdisciplinary learning can open new doors.
The program also provides an accessible entry point for professionals considering a deeper academic path. “For folks who may want to pursue graduate study but aren’t quite ready to commit to a full master’s or PhD, this can be a way to dip a toe into graduate school,” Tannenbaum said.
Participants earn 16 units of graduate-level credit, which may be applied toward future academic programs.