The graduate program leading to the MA degree was established in 1981 with a unique combination of disciplines. Students can study both maritime history and nautical archaeology while concentrating on a single historical period, regional area, or thematic interest. Students can study a combination of courses in maritime history, nautical archaeology, or conservation under the aegis of a single program.

The underwater archaeology faculty teaches a broad range of courses including material culture, excavation, conservation, archaeological principles, and history. Through annual summer and fall field schools, students work on diverse submerged and terrestrial maritime historic sites under faculty supervision in the USA and abroad.