William & Mary is on track to become the first public university in Virginia to offer a bachelor’s degree in marine science. The university’s Board of Visitors recently passed a resolution to create the new undergraduate program due to the growing demand for professionals with expertise in this field. However, the program still requires final approval from the state before it can move forward.
Currently, William & Mary has existing master’s and doctoral programs in marine science through its Virginia Institute of Marine Science at Gloucester Point. The institute conducts research for state policymakers and provides undergraduate students with opportunities to pursue careers in coastal and marine science through a minor added in 2010. Provost Peggy Agouris stated that the proposed program aligns with the university’s existing work and will provide undergraduate students with a valuable opportunity to pursue a career in this field.
Interest in undergraduate marine science courses at William & Mary has grown significantly over the past five years, thanks in part to the urgent challenges faced by coastal and marine communities worldwide. Virginia, being at the forefront of these challenges, has seen a particular surge in interest. School officials attribute this increased interest to the growing importance of expertise in coastal and marine science for addressing issues such as sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and habitat destruction.
To further enhance student learning and career prospects, William & Mary plans to include an immersion semester at VIMS for students in the proposed undergraduate program. This immersion semester would allow students to participate in research and internships during their junior year, providing them with hands-on experience and valuable connections within the industry. The university is currently working on a proposal to submit to the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia with hopes of launching the program in fall 2025.
