Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Buzzards Bay, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,931/yr (47% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.5x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

While many conservation programs focus on terrestrial ecosystems, your degree from Mass Maritime is fundamentally tied to the ocean. The academy’s hands-on, regimented structure prepares you for the operational demands of the "blue economy." You won't just be studying theory; you'll be on the water, learning the logistics and regulations governing marine industries. This specialized training creates a direct pipeline to high-stakes careers in coastal management, environmental compliance for shipping firms, or survey work for the burgeoning offshore wind sector in New England. These are not typical non-profit roles; they are technical positions with significant responsibility. To maximize your advantage, aggressively pursue the co-ops and internships offered through the academy’s deep network of maritime industry partners—that practical experience is your most valuable asset.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources & Conservation Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $646K $629K $565K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.9x 14.5x 13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.6x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,264
Out-of-state: $95,640 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$106,644
-146% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,074
45% growth from Year 1

About Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Massachusetts Maritime Academy accepts 95% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,270 students in Buzzards Bay, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Massachusetts Maritime Academy →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary $87,710/yr
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health $80,060/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Other Schools

Compare Natural Resources & Conservation Research

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
At 59/100, Massachusetts Maritime Academy's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources & Conservation Research at Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Massachusetts Maritime Academy one of the best schools for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
Among 256 Natural Resources & Conservation Research programs, Massachusetts Maritime Academy's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →