About

Welcome to UMass Dartmouth's School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST), a nationally and internationally recognized institution for education and research in marine science and ocean technology. We are a collaborative community of dedicated students and expert faculty working together to address critical challenges in marine science while fostering a supportive and collegial environment. 

SMAST students and faculty play a key role in addressing the most urgent issues facing our world's oceans, including climate change and ocean impacts, food security via sustainable fisheries, sustainable energy development and associated impacts, and coastal ecosystem resilience. 

Marine Science Graduate Programs 

SMAST offers marine science graduate degree programs at the master's and PhD level.  Our programs focus on interdisciplinary basic-to-applied marine sciences and the development of related innovative technologies.  

In addition to the scholarly marine science and technology communities, the SMAST mission also emphasizes interaction with regional industry, and government and non-governmental agencies on compelling regional marine-related issues and technological development.  

Research 

SMAST graduate students and faculty are engaged in a wide range of research projects that contribute to our understanding of the marine environment and address pressing environmental issues. 

Our research focuses on various aspects of marine science, including marine ecology, oceanography, fisheries science, marine technology, and more. In close collaboration with other research institutions, government agencies, fisheries, and industry partners, we strive to make a meaningful impact in marine science and contribute to the global effort towards a healthier and more sustainable marine environment. 

Areas of research focus at SMAST include: 

• biogeochemical cycling 
• coastal ecosystem dynamics and restoration 
• computational modeling 
• fisheries science and management 
• marine ecosystems and climate 
• marine renewable energy focusing on windfarm development 
• ocean observing/remote sensing 
• ocean physics and engineering 

Our Location 

UMass Dartmouth's SMAST is located on Clark's Cove in New Bedford, MA. New Bedford is the #1 most valuable fishing port in the U.S. and is a regional hub for New England's blue economy.  We are nine nautical miles from Cape Cod, and 83 miles south of Boston, providing easy access to partnerships with neighboring coastal communities and research institutions.  

SMAST's campus consists of two main buildings (SMAST East and SMAST West) that house state-of-the-art testing facilities, seawater labs, advanced technology, supercomputers, and conference facilities, as well as a research pier.  

Student Outcomes

Graduates of SMAST's master's and PhD programs go on to prestigious postdoctoral research positions and exciting careers in academia, conservation, marine resource management, and more. 

You'll find SMAST alumni working at:

• The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy
• Federal University of Ceara, Brazil
• Maine Department of Marine Resources
• Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
• Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
• National Center for Atmospheric Research
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• New England Fishery Management Council
• Ocean Wind
• SouthCoast Wind
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

View the SMAST Code of Conduct and Diversity Statement (PDF).