The need to re-engineer university-level marine science education

The capability and quality of graduates from marine science education programs is important because ocean issues are of widespread national and societal interest and concern. Major drivers for this interest and concern include the important uses of the oceans for the national and societal needs of national defense, economic growth and utilization, and human health. The significant needs for environmental assessment and prediction and for environmental stewardship (the protection and management of the environment and natural resources) are also major drivers. Producing graduates who have the proper capabilities and quality requires the re-engineering of the contents of marine science education programs. Graduates must possess not only the proper set of attributes to be able to satisfy the requirements of jobs in the marine workplace but must also be prepared for continuing, lifelong learning