Academic Catalogs

Marine Conservation & Monitoring, Certificate of Achievement

Banner Code: 1_CM_MCM

Control Number: 41921

Not Financial Aid Eligible


The Marine Conservation and Monitoring certificate is designed to provide students with experience utilizing a variety of different research equipment, field-based sampling techniques, and analytical tools that can be used to collect, analyze, and evaluate data. Particular attention is given to the collection of field data and how conclusions drawn from that data can be used to inform conservation-based policies. 

Program Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of data collection methods and analysis as well as the role that monitoring programs contribute to our understanding of marine characteristics and processes.
  2. Utilize scientific equipment and monitoring studies to illustrate the influence and interactions between the geologic, physical, chemical and biological processes and characteristics of the world ocean. 
  3. Demonstrate field-based foundational research and monitoring skills in the marine environment using specialized data collection equipment. 

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course Title Units
Required Courses
MRSC A190Marine Research and Monitoring Techniques3
MRSC A195Marine Policy and Conservation3
GEOG A190Digital Mapping: Introduction to GIS3
MARA A152Boat Handling and Seamanship3
Total Units12