The GOPC represents an interdisciplinary approach to the increasingly complex management of oceans. Effective handling of ocean issues depends on an understanding of the natural environment, the technology that facilitates the exploration and development of the ocean environment, and social factors that govern these activities. Individuals, organizations and governments must be prepared to assess the legal, environmental, socio-political and economic implications of policy decisions.<br>Located in the Pacific and with established ties to Asia and U.S. continent, the University of Hawaii at Mnoa (UHM) is uniquely situated to combine natural and social science perspectives in a professional education program. UHM is home to world-class academic and research programs in the College of Social Sciences, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, and the Environmental Law Program at the William S. Richardson School of Law. Instructors include UHM faculty and experts from the professional community in Hawaii. The program also provides opportunities to network with peers and professionals who share an interest in marine affairs and policy, ocean resources and coastal management.<br>The Graduate Ocean Policy Certificate program allows creation of individualized curricula to augment graduate training and professional experience. Classified UH graduate students and law students in good standing are eligible for the program. Non-UHM students and community professionals (who hold at least a bachelor's degrees and meet minimum UH requirements) are admitted as special, non-degree students on approval from the Graduate Division. Full- or part-time students may participate.<br>The certificate is designed for:<br>ocean industry managers and policymakers who wish to develop skills and tools that allow them to assess the implications of ocean policy decisions,<br>graduate students who wish to develop an ocean policy focus within their existing academic program,<br>scientists and engineers who wish to broaden their understanding of the legal, political, economic and social forces that affect ocean development activities, and<br>managers and professionals who can receive policy training on a flexible schedule and earn a certificate without enrolling in a formal degree program.