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Chart Your Course in Coastal & Marine Sciences

Cutting-Edge Science with Real-World Impact

Our oceans and coastlines are facing existential challenges — and that means we need leaders with both a deep scientific knowledge of our coastal environment and a keen understanding of how humans interact with our waterways. Now, a first-of-its-kind program in coastal & marine sciences powered by William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) allows you to build both.

In W&M’s Coastal & Marine Sciences program, you’ll get your feet wet (literally!) while you learn from world-class experts and contribute to research with real-world consequences for the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. Study the fish, crustaceans, sharks and other species that call our nation’s waterways home, or explore the unique geologic processes that shape our oceans. Because what happens at sea also affects life on land, you’ll also learn how changing marine systems impact the people who live and work in coastal areas — and how their choices shape coastal ecosystems.

Back on campus, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of William & Mary’s liberal arts and sciences education, including the option to pursue a double major or study abroad. Whether you want to contribute to advanced research, work toward sustainable resource management or shape environmental policy, we’ll help you build the knowledge to ask the right questions and the skills to answer them.

Research and learn at the intersection of oceans, coastlines and communities.

Major or Minor in Coastal & Marine Sciences

I'm incredibly grateful that I got the chance to study marine science as an undergrad. I had an incredible travel opportunity with the Coastal Environments of North Wales course. I loved learning about the unique geologic and tidal processes occurring in Wales and getting to go tide pooling near the Menai Bridge. It was an irreplaceable experience.

Allison Thorne '26
Biology major from Baltimore, MD

At William & Mary, you’ll study and learn in a living laboratory: the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s Atlantic coast. Undergraduate students work side-by-side with leading VIMS and W&M faculty and graduate students on projects exploring everything from marine biodiversity and coastal geology to the impacts of global change. You’ll build critical skills with fieldwork on the Eastern Shore and as far afield as Antarctica, conduct novel research in the lab, and learn to analyze data focused on coastal and marine ecosystems. You might even co-author an impactful publication in a scientific journal or share your work at a national conference.

Research Opportunities

Build a foundation for impactful careers in research, environmental consulting, government agencies, policy advising, conservation organizations or education. VIMS has deep connections with state and federal agencies, providing pathways for internships and future careers. And as a William & Mary graduate, you’ll become part of a powerful, global alumni network known for leadership across a wide range of fields. Not sure what field you want to work in? The interdisciplinary skills you learn at W&M provide a foundation for success in nearly any career.

Your science education will take place at one of the nation’s premier marine research centers, the Batten School & VIMS campus, located in Gloucester Point, which features state-of-the-art laboratories, on-campus hatcheries, a fleet of research vessels and direct access to the rich ecosystems of the York River and Chesapeake Bay. A free shuttle connects you to the main W&M campus, giving you the best of both worlds. Or, immerse yourself in research with a two-week course or summer research opportunity at VIMS’ residential research facility, the Eastern Shore Laboratory. Since VIMS was built to provide scientific guidance to the government of Virginia, your learning and research can directly inform policy and conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Virginia’s Eastern Shore and beyond.

Find Your Place at William & Mary

PLAN YOUR VISITATTEND AN INFO SESSIONAPPLY NOW

Williamsburg,
Virginia

admiss@wm.edu
757-221-4223

World-Class Research

Coastal & marine science students research and learn alongside experts and graduate students through our collaboration with the renowned Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Full-Tuition Scholarship

For all accepted coastal & marine sciences majors for the last four semesters of study, through the Stravitz Scholars program

#6 for Undergraduate Teaching

U.S. News & World Report gives W&M top marks for teaching quality

Up to $5,000 in Active Learning Funds

Available to all coastal & marine sciences majors to fund research, study abroad or internships

William & Mary’s marine sciences courses — including field-based courses in coastal Virginia and abroad — are open to all students, as is the coastal & marine sciences minor. Students who wish to declare a major in the program will need to apply, typically during their sophomore year for entrance in their junior year.

The Major in Coastal & Marine Sciences — which leads to a Bachelor of Science degree — is a small, selective program designed for students seeking a deep, immersive experience. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, biology and geology as well as social sciences and marine policy. You’ll spend a fall immersion semester taking all of your courses at the Batten School & VIMS campus in Gloucester Point, learning from leading experts in the field. If you’re ready to dive deeper, you can choose to work closely with a faculty mentor to complete an original capstone project. All accepted majors receive full tuition funding through the Stravitz Scholars program beginning in their junior year (for a maximum of four semesters).

The Minor in Coastal & Marine Sciences is open to students in any major, allowing you to pair your passion for the ocean with another field of study. This unique minor, offered collaboratively by William & Mary's Batten School and the College of Arts & Sciences, is built to help you apply core marine science principles to advance your career goals, whether you're studying government, business, or biology. As a minor, you'll take foundational coastal & marine science courses and choose from a wide range of compelling electives and field courses.

How can coastal communities build resilience in the face of global change? How is public policy impacting ocean biodiversity? What are the causes and consequences of marine heat waves?

Fast Facts

Our Curriculum

Coastal Environments of North Wales

Spend 16 days exploring the geology and ecology of northern Wales (UK) and the ways in which the region’s coastal environments have shaped its history and culture.

Coastal and Marine Chemistry

Delve into the chemistry of estuaries and the ocean, with topics ranging from ocean acidification to radioisotope and stable isotope biogeochemistry.

Fundamentals of Marine Fisheries Science

Learn about the complex factors and challenges involved in managing North American and global fishing stocks, including fisheries oceanography, recruitment processes, single-species and ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management and more.

World-Class Facilities

Future-Focused

William & Mary offers a broad range of lecture, seminar and field classes in coastal & marine sciences, ranging from scientific fundamentals to deep dives into specific areas of interest. Here are a few:

Clubs & Organizations

Build new skills, grow as a leader and find your community in clubs related to coastal and marine sciences. Options include:

Marine Science Society: One of the most active clubs on campus, offering distinguished speaker lectures, kayaking trips, professional development in marine science and volunteer opportunities.
Aquaculture Collective: Explore the science and business of sustainable aquaculture through hands-on projects and industry engagement.

Looking for something different? William & Mary makes it easy to start your own club.