Pukyong National University

Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime & Ocean University to Offer Joint Master’s and Doctoral Degree Programs

-Programs to begin in the second semester, with new courses for marine and fisheries professionals, including Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries personnel, to be developed next year

Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) and Korea Maritime & Ocean University (President Dong-Geun Ryu) will jointly operate degree programs to cultivate professionals in marine and fisheries science and technology.

Following the signing of a Mutual Cooperation Agreement for Advancing Marine and Fisheries Development in April, the two universities signed an Agreement on the Operation of Joint Graduate Degree Programs for Training Professionals in Marine and Fisheries Science and Technology in July. Through the agreement, they will jointly operate academic programs and foster talent tailored to policy needs.

Since April, the two universities have conducted internal demand surveys to establish the joint graduate degree programs and selected the Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering at Pukyong National University and the Department of Marine Engineering and Department of Marine Engineering Systems at Korea Maritime & Ocean University as participating departments. The programs will begin in the second semester of this year, allowing graduate students in these departments to earn master’s or doctoral degrees from both universities.

Beginning with mechanical systems (marine engineering), a key field in advanced shipbuilding, the two universities plan to gradually expand the number of departments participating in the joint degree programs. By linking their respective educational and research capabilities, they aim to establish a system for cultivating professionals in marine and fisheries science and technology.

In particular, to foster professionals who can support the government’s marine and fisheries policies and Busan’s strategic initiatives, the two universities conducted a survey of educational needs among employees of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Based on the needs identified in the policy field, they will jointly develop customized curricula and begin offering them in 2027.

The newly developed joint degree programs are expected to enhance the expertise of current marine and fisheries professionals through practice-oriented education that links marine and fisheries policy with science and technology. They are also expected to contribute to strengthening the nation’s capacity to implement marine and fisheries policies.

Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime & Ocean University plan to continue expanding cooperation in joint degree programs, research, education, and personnel exchanges, while working together to cultivate future talent who will lead the marine and fisheries sector and strengthen national competitiveness. <Pukyong Today>