One of Roger Williams' three joint degree
programs, the Juris Doctor/Master of Marine
Affairs builds upon the comprehensive base
of marine law and policy courses offered
at the School of Law and University of Rhode
Island Department of Marine Affairs.
The program offers students
an opportunity to broaden their understanding
and analysis of complex marine issues without
giving up the benefits of a traditional
legal education.
Students have access to full-time
and adjunct faculty members at the School
of Law as well as faculty members at the University of Rhode Island (URI). URI boasts the
nation's oldest Marine Affairs Program and
a renowned School of Environment and Natural
Resource Economics.
John Knauss, a member of the Stratton Commission,
founded the Department of Marine Affairs
at URI, the first program of its kind in
the United States. Robert Ballard, a member
on the current Ocean Commission, joined
the URI Graduate School of Oceanography
faculty in 2002.
With URI's rich history in marine sciences
and policy, the Law School's partnership
provides students with opportunities to
broaden the scope of their legal education
through the joint degree program and symposia
and panels jointly sponsored by the two
institutions.
Why consider a JD/MMA?
As our reliance on limited ocean resources
grows, lawyers possessing the skills of
interdisciplinary analysis will be well-served.
The program offers opportunities to:
Gain exposure to different disciplines;
Expand your perspective on legal issues;
Acquire different analytical skills;
Develop relationships with colleagues
from different disciplines; and,
Meet experts and acquire a foundation
of knowledge in the marine field.
Joint Degree students benefit from combining
a substantial research project in the social
sciences with traditional legal studies,
development of research and writing skills,
and a focus on marine law from the shipping
industry and maritime commerce to the management
of the coastal zone and preservation of
living marine resources.
Undertaking two degrees at one time is rewarding
but challenging and should not be entered
into lightly.
Students considering pursuing the joint
JD/MMA degree should schedule an office
appointment or phone call with one of the
following individuals to determine the suitability
of the program for his/her needs and make
arrangements to apply for the joint degree
program.
