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Marine Science
About the Program
Do you love the water, coasts and aquatic wildlife? Through a collaboration between William & Mary's Batten School & the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), you can learn about the ocean’s biodiversity, its varied habitats and the complex physical, biological and socioeconomic processes that shape marine ecosystems.
What Makes Us Different
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First in Virginia
Study at the first public university in Virginia to offer an undergraduate degree in coastal & marine sciences.
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Full-Tuition Scholarship
Accepted coastal & marine sciences majors will receive a scholarship covering their last four semesters through the Stravitz Scholars program.
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Funding for Applied Learning
Apply for up to $5,000 in active learning funds to use towards research, study abroad and internship opportunities.
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Student Publications
Publish papers as an author or co-author in leading scientific journals before you graduate.
Alumni Highlight
Read about a few of our accomplished graduates.
Applied Learning
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Courses
Get a taste for coastal & marine sciences with Mash-Up (MSCI 201), then dive deeper with our cross-disciplinary fundamentals courses (MSCI 401) or special topics seminars (MSCI 398).
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Field Courses
Gain experience outside of the classroom through our two-week summer field courses based on Virginia's Eastern Shore (MSCI 331) and in North Wales (MSCI 332).
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Research
Collaborate on research with coastal & marine science faculty, staff and graduate students across the Batten School & VIMS and the College of Arts & Sciences. Previous research topics have included coastal dune dynamics and oyster ecology.
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Student Activities
Join the Marine Science Society, the VIMS/W&M student chapter of the US Aquaculture Society or the marine science listserv to attend events or find seminars, volunteer opportunities and more.
Hear from a Student
"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 and Marine Habitats in 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, Maryland
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
Coastal & Marine Sciences
Contact Us
- Get an inside look: Contact a current Coastal & Marine Sciences minor
- Ask the faculty: Contact Coastal & Marine Sciences
Upcoming Events
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.