M.A. Program
The objective of studies towards the Master's (M.A.) degree in the Department of Maritime Civilizations is to provide students with interdisciplinary knowledge of the sea and to prepare them to conduct research in a particular area of specialization.
Research Areas
The Department offers M.A. studies in four disciplines:
- Coastal and Underwater Archaeology
- Maritime History
- Coastal and Marine Geomorphology
- Marine Ecology and Maritime Resources
Students are offered two study programs:
- Thesis Track: This is a three year program and includes two years of coursework, participation in seminars and field studies. This track requires the submission of a thesis.
- Non-thesis Tack: This is a two year program which includes two years of coursework, participation in seminars and field studies and a final examination. All of the classes required for this program are offered on the same day of the week.
Admission Requirements
In order to apply to Thesis Track, students are required to hold a B.A. or equivalent degree, with a minimum average grade of 82 percent.
In order to apply to Non-thesis Tack, students are required to hold B.A. or equivalent degree with a minimum average grade of 76 percent.
Since the official language of tuition at the University of Haifa is Hebrew, mastery of the Hebrew language is required. Student's whose mother tongue is not Hebrew may be required to pass a Hebrew proficiency exam.
There are opportunities for studying Hebrew Language in the University of Haifa.
For more details on application and academic standards, please refer to the Graduate Research Authority.
Program Requirements
Coursework
Students in the Department are expected to complete courses in, geology, marine ecology and oceanography, as well as courses in marine heritage (marine history and archaeology). This initial instruction provides students with an interdisciplinary background to the study of the sea. Elective courses have a more specific focus, depending on the discipline and the thesis subject. In addition, students are required to participate in a weekly Departmental seminar.
Field Activities
Field activities are an integral part of graduate studies at the Department of Maritime Civilizations. These give students hands-on experience in various research methods and provide direct acquaintance with the sea.
Field trips include walking excursions, as well as boat and diving tours to various coastal sites in Israel.
Field based courses provide the opportunity to combine theoretical classroom-based studies with hands-on experience.
Underwater archeological excavations are organized by the Department and the Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies. Students are encouraged to take an active part in the excavations.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a week-long research cruise on board the R.V. Mediterranean Explorer where they undertake an assortment of research projects. The cruise is preceded by introductory lectures prepared by participating students. Subsequent to the cruise, each participant is required to submit a short paper.
Thesis Research
Students on the thesis track, are required to conduct research under the guidance and supervision of members of the Department. Performing the research teaches students to understand scientific methodology, to formulate a hypothesis, design experiments, collect and evaluate data, write a dissertation and communicate their findings to others.
Selection of a thesis advisor and submission of a proposal for thesis research are performed during the first year of studies. The study is presented formally during the second or the third year of studies.
For more information on writing a thesis, please refer to the Graduate Research Authority.
Degree Examination
In order to graduate from the non-thesis track students are required to pass a comprehensive written examination. Students may choose from among two of the four subjects offered. The selected subjects include one scientific topic (geology or marine ecology) and one humanities topic (archeology or history).
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