Students in the Marine & Coastal Ecology Concentration focus on the major components and ecological interactions of marine and coastal ecosystems. Through applied learning and research, students gain the skills necessary to develop a sustainable balance between the unique environmental, recreational, cultural and economic opportunities in the Monterey Bay region. Students develop knowledge of how populations and communities function within ecosystems, and how ecosystems link with other Earth systems at local, regional and global scales. Through lab and field experience, students apply techniques of experimental design, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation that provide them with the skills needed to monitor and analyze ecological interactions in real-world, human-influenced settings. Students are encouraged to interact with other Monterey Bay institutions, such as the Moss Landing Marine Labs, to take advantage of additional local expertise in marine and coastal ecology. Graduates of the Marine and Coastal Ecology concentration are prepared for a variety of career pathways in the public and private sector as marine scientists, environmental consultants and many others. Graduates are also poised to continue their education via graduate studies and research in ecology, environmental science and related fields.