Learning Objectives and Career Opportunities

Three students stand in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento

Career Opportunities for ISS Majors

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

  • federal, state, and local governments, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. State Department, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, the California State Assembly, and similar areas
  • agencies specializing in security such as the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security
  • the armed services, with a number of students completing ROTC programs, Officer Candidate School, or other opportunities to commission into various branches, including the U.S. Coast Guard
  • 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, port operations, and other fields 

Additionally, many students have gone on to complete graduate degrees in international politics, public policy, national security, law (particularly maritime law), or international business and trade. 

Maritime Security students in the ship engine room

Student Learning Objectives for ISS

  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.