Marine Entrepreneurship

Marine resources are critical to America’s economy. With proper management the marine environment has the potential to support thriving fisheries, aquaculture, marine bioproducts, and marine tourism industries; and the ocean is increasingly viewed as a high priority for renewable and non-renewable energy development.  Marine technologies and aquaculture have been designated by the Maine Science and Technology Foundation as one of seven clusters that are the focus of Maine’s research and development support programs. Maine’s tourism economy is estimated to generate over $7 billion annually and over 88,000 jobs, and Maine’s seafood economy is worth about $0.5 billion annually, comprising 40,000 jobs. The University of New England’s (UNE) B.S. in Marine Entrepreneurship (MARE) is an interdepartmental, interdisciplinary academic program designed to train the next generation of marine science and business students at UNE for careers in the marine economy, marine businesses, and in the leadership of marine organizations. Degree requirements include the completion of an internship and an applied marine business research project. In order to increase the breadth of opportunities, numerous agreements and collaborations between the University of New England and other institutions, organizations, or individuals have been established.

Our new B.S. in Marine Entrepreneurship (MARE) is a unique major - the only one of its kind in the nation -  combining study in business and marine science. Whether you are interested in starting a marine business, leading a marine organization or pursuing a career in marine environmental management, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine policy, fisheries, aquaculture, seafood or a related field, our vast marine and coastal resources, experiential programs, marine business partnerships, and internship opportunities will help you reach your full potential.

The scenic shores of coastal Maine — including UNE’s one mile of coastline and an island just off our shores — provide an ideal environment for you to learn and explore. Your experiences are grounded in a curriculum that provides a sound base of knowledge in marine business and financial management, team building skills, marine economics and marine science. The internship and experiential research requirements ensure that you have the tools you need for a successful career.

Collaborations between the University of New England and other institutions, organizations and individuals increase the breadth of student opportunities. To date, discussions have been held with more than 20 companies and organizations to open collaboration avenues for students.

1. MARE majors must earn a minimum of a 2.0 GPA ("C") in all required business courses. 
2. A minimum grade of C- must be achieved in all science and mathematics courses used toward graduation in any of the programs in the Department of Marine Science. 
3. Students have a maximum of seven years to complete the graduation requirements.

 Accreditation

All degree programs offered by the Departments of Business and Marine Science are accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).  

As a result of completing the BS in Marine Entrepreneurship, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a strong foundation in both Marine Science and Business Administration.

1. Utilize integrated knowledge and skill achieved from both areas of study to address issues related to the creation and development of marine-related businesses and the marine economy.

1. Demonstrate effective skills in oral and written communications and team building to convey scientific and business knowledge and research results to peers and the public, as well as to scientific, business, and investor audiences.

1. Demonstrate an understanding and the application of the concepts of sustainable marine entrepreneurship to the development of new ventures related to the marine economy.

1. Evaluate and articulate the rewards and risks of undertaking sustainable marine entrepreneurship by being able to measure the economic, social and environmental risks and rewards (triple bottom line) of new ventures, plus being able to measure and compare short-term economic risks and returns of a marine start-up with the long-term expected benefits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the changes to marine ecosystems faced by local and global communities and the ability to recognize new business opportunities that arise as a result of rapid ecosystem changes and business responses to those.

1. Apply acquired marine and business skills to investigate and evaluate aspects of the marine economy and its allied marine policy environment that impact marine entrepreneurship decisions.

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program.  Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents.  Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives.  All courses completed must be no older than five years.  Other restrictions apply.  See Undergraduate Admissions also.

See Undergraduate Admissions.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.