The Maritime Studies Program combines rigorous liberal arts training in recognized humanities and social science disciplines such as history, English, economics, political science, anthropology and geography with specialized courses, interdisciplinary seminars, and research and internship opportunities that focus on issues, traditions, and problems that influence life in maritime regions. A complement to the Marine Sciences Major Maritime Studies highlights the social and cultural side of the human/water relationship, but recognizes and explores the links between human activities and the composition and the condition of the coastal and marine environments.

Maritime Studies is a flexible but focused major that students may shape to meet a wide range of occupational and educational goals. Depending upon the track of studies selected, Maritime Studies students may prepare for a range of careers including those in the maritime service and heritage tourism sectors as well as for graduate study in maritime and public history, English, journalism, marine policy and cultural resource management, planning and regulation, education, law, or business. The Maritime Studies Program takes advantage of the UConn-Avery Point campus’ unique Long Island Sound location and its many coastal and maritime educational resources and research programs including the UConn Sea Grant Institute, the National Undersea Research Center, the Long Island Sound Resource Center, and Marine Sciences Department. Significant internship and research opportunities for students are also available through agreements with regional institutions that include Mystic Seaport, one of the world’s premier maritime museums and research centers.