Maritime Studies.

Degree Overview

Maritime Studies (CIP 30.2901) is an interdisciplinary field focused on the relationship between humans and the world’s oceans, seas, coasts, and waterways. It examines maritime activity from multiple perspectives, including history, economics, law, environmental science, security, trade, and policy. This degree is designed for students who are interested in oceans not only as natural systems, but as critical spaces for global commerce, geopolitics, culture, and sustainability.

For a degree search site, Maritime Studies appeals to students who want a global, applied, and systems-oriented education connected to real-world issues. It is especially relevant for careers in shipping and logistics, port management, maritime law, naval and coastal security, marine policy, environmental protection, international trade, and maritime heritage. The field emphasizes global connectivity, strategic thinking, and applied problem-solving in one of the most important domains of human civilization.

What Is a Maritime Studies Degree?

A Maritime Studies degree is an interdisciplinary program that examines how oceans and waterways shape economic systems, political power, environmental outcomes, and cultural exchange. Rather than focusing solely on marine biology or nautical training, this degree looks at maritime systems as a whole—combining social sciences, humanities, policy, and applied analysis.

Students study topics such as:

• Global shipping and supply chains
• Maritime history and culture
• Ocean governance and international law
• Port operations and logistics
• Maritime security and naval strategy
• Coastal and marine environmental issues

Universities offer Maritime Studies programs to:

• Prepare students for careers connected to global trade and ocean governance
• Develop expertise in maritime policy, regulation, and security
• Train professionals who understand the strategic importance of oceans
• Support interdisciplinary study connected to environmental and economic sustainability

Programs often allow specialization in areas such as maritime policy, shipping and logistics, naval studies, or maritime history.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how maritime systems operate and why oceans are central to global stability and prosperity. You’ll explore how ships, ports, laws, markets, and ecosystems interact—and how decisions made at sea affect economies, environments, and societies worldwide.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Maritime systems analysis—understanding shipping, ports, and global trade flows
• Policy and regulatory literacy—maritime law, treaties, and governance frameworks
• Strategic thinking—evaluating maritime security and geopolitical dynamics
• Research and analysis—interpreting economic, historical, and environmental data
• Global perspective—understanding international maritime relationships
• Risk assessment—navigating safety, security, and environmental risks
• Communication skills—explaining complex maritime issues clearly
• Interdisciplinary problem-solving—connecting economic, legal, and environmental factors

Topics You May Explore

Coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:

• Maritime History: exploration, trade routes, and naval power
• Global Shipping and Logistics: supply chains, ports, and transportation systems
• Maritime Law and Governance: law of the sea, treaties, and regulation
• Ocean and Coastal Policy: management of marine resources and coastlines
• Maritime Security and Strategy: piracy, naval operations, and sea control
• Marine Environmental Issues: pollution, climate change, and sustainability
• Port and Harbor Management: operations, infrastructure, and economics
• International Trade and Economics: maritime trade and global markets
• Maritime Culture and Heritage: seafaring communities and traditions

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Maritime Studies degree prepares students for careers connected to oceans, trade, policy, and security. Many roles benefit from internships or additional certifications.

Common career paths include:

• Maritime Policy Analyst: working on ocean governance or regulatory issues
• Port or Logistics Coordinator: supporting shipping and transportation operations
• Maritime Security or Defense Analyst: analyzing risks and strategic issues
• Shipping or Trade Analyst: working in global commerce and supply chains
• Environmental or Coastal Policy Assistant: supporting marine protection efforts
• Government or Public Sector Roles: working in transportation, defense, or maritime agencies
• Nonprofit or NGO Associate: focused on ocean policy or maritime sustainability
• Graduate or Professional School Path: preparing for law, policy, or advanced maritime studies

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in organizations connected to oceans and maritime systems:

• Port authorities and shipping companies
• Government maritime and transportation agencies
• Naval, coast guard, or defense-related organizations
• International trade and logistics firms
• Environmental and marine policy organizations
• Research institutes and think tanks
• Museums and maritime heritage institutions

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary based on role, sector, and location.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level maritime or logistics roles: often $45,000–$65,000
• Policy, trade, or port management roles: commonly $60,000–$95,000
• Senior maritime, security, or management roles: can exceed $100,000

Specialized knowledge, certifications, or graduate education can significantly increase earning potential.

Is This Degree Hard?

Maritime Studies is considered moderately challenging. It emphasizes reading, research, analysis, and applied problem-solving rather than heavy math or laboratory science. The interdisciplinary nature requires students to integrate legal, economic, historical, and environmental perspectives.

Students who enjoy global systems and real-world applications typically find the challenge engaging.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Are interested in oceans, ships, and global trade
• Enjoy global or geopolitical topics
• Want a career connected to international systems
• Like interdisciplinary learning and applied analysis
• Are interested in sustainability, security, or policy

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a maritime studies program:

• Take history, geography, economics, and social studies courses
• Develop strong writing and research skills
• Follow global trade, environmental, and maritime news
• Learn basic international relations or political science concepts
• Explore coastal, marine, or port-related topics through reading or volunteering

Maritime Studies (CIP 30.2901) is a globally relevant degree for students who want to understand the oceans as engines of commerce, culture, and power. It prepares graduates to navigate the complex challenges facing maritime systems in a world where the sea remains central to economic stability, security, and sustainability.