Undergraduate Marine Science at W&M
Education, research, policy and more!
Undergraduates at William & Mary have many options to explore coastal and marine sciences. Students who engage with offerings in this field are introduced to the global importance of coastal and marine ecosystems, their role in driving global biogeochemical cycles and their significance to society in terms of food-source provision, climate regulation, industry and culture. Students learn about the ocean's biodiversity, from microbes to whales; its varied habitats, from shallow intertidal coastal zones to the deepest oceans; and the complex physical, biological, and socioeconomic processes that shape marine ecosystems.
- Major in Coastal & Marine Sciences: A major in coastal and marine sciences will launch in the fall of 2025. Learn more about the new major, a first for a public institution of higher education in Virginia.
- Minor in Marine Science: Through a collaboration between W&M Arts & Sciences and the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences, students can complete coursework, conduct research and engage with policy to complete a Minor in Marine Science.
- Explore Marine Science Coursework: A broad range of lecture, seminar, and field classes provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of marine science while allowing the flexibility to explore specific areas of interest.
- Conduct Research: Many William & Mary students conduct research in coastal and marine sciences with faculty or graduate student mentors. Research often spans the disciplines of fisheries, marine biology and ecology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography, aquatic health and marine diseases and coastal and marine geology.
- Get Connected: Students interested in marine science are encouraged to stay connected by joining the Marine Science Society (MSS), one of William & Mary's student organizations, and to sign up for the undergraduate marine science listserv.
Unsure of what you can do with marine science? Check out the What Can I Do With This Major? resource, provided through the W&M Cohen Career Center (available when on campus internet). Explore areas of study, potential employers, strategies for career advancement and more!