In an effort to become the first public university in Virginia to offer a bachelor’s degree in marine science, William & Mary has recently passed a resolution to create a new undergraduate program. The university’s Board of Visitors made the decision due to the increased demand for professionals in the field. However, final approval from the state is still needed before the program can move forward.
Currently, William & Mary offers 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 has helped to raise awareness about the urgent challenges faced by coastal and marine communities worldwide, with Virginia being at the forefront of these challenges.
Provost Peggy Agouris stated that the proposed program aligns with the university’s existing work and will provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to pursue a career in the field of coastal and marine science. Although William & Mary already offers some undergraduate marine science courses through a minor added in 2010, interest in these courses has grown significantly over the past five years. School officials attribute this increased interest to the urgent challenges faced by coastal and marine communities worldwide, with Virginia being at the forefront of these challenges.
To further enhance students’ learning experience, 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. William & Mary 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.
