Learning Objectives and Career Opportunities

Student Learning Objectives

  1. Discipline-specific Knowledge [E]  Understand key components of discipline specific knowledge in maritime security, ocean geography and environmental issues, maritime law and organizations, history and political systems, and maritime policy.
  2. Global Learning [I] Analyze contemporary issues in international strategy and security.
  3. Information Fluency [F] Locate appropriate sources and synthesize relevant theoretical and practical information.
  4. Critical Thinking [B] Apply critical thinking skills to present informed solutions to emerging challenges in the maritime world.
  5. Communication [A] Demonstrate strong communication skills using well-reasoned arguments.

Career Opportunities for Majors

ISS students will be prepared for policy-relevant careers across a variety of domains, including government service, politics, trade and economics, and the maritime field (ports, shipping and logistics, maritime law, etc.). They typically pursue careers with:

  • U.S. federal, state, and local governments, including the Department of Transportation, the State Department, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, and similar areas
  • agencies specializing in security, including the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Coast Guard
  • the armed services, with a number of students completing ROTC programs, Officer Candidate School, or other opportunities to commission into various branches 
  • international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization and the International Maritime Bureau
  • firms specializing in shipping and maritime issues, including logistics, insurance and underwriting, and other fields 

Additionally, many students have gone on to complete graduate degrees in international politics, public policy, national security, law (especially maritime law at schools that specialize in it), or international business and trade.