In an effort to become the first public university in Virginia to offer a bachelor’s degree in marine science, William & Mary recently approved a resolution to create a new undergraduate program. The school’s Board of Visitors recognized the growing demand in the field and saw an opportunity to provide undergraduate students with the chance to pursue impactful careers in coastal and marine science.
The university already has master’s and doctoral programs in marine science through its Virginia Institute of Marine Science located in Gloucester Point. This institute also conducts research for state policy makers. Provost Peggy Agouris expressed that the proposed program is well aligned with existing work at the university and will provide students with valuable skills and knowledge for their future careers.
Interest in marine science courses has grown significantly over the past five years, according to a university statement. This surge is believed to be driven by pressing issues facing coastal and marine communities around the world, including Virginia’s own challenges with sea level rise and economic dependence on resources from the Chesapeake Bay.
In fact, demand for a marine science program is evident through the Common Academic Market, which offers in-state tuition to students seeking degrees not offered by public colleges in their home states. Marine Science has been identified as the most sought-after program in the Southeast region of the market, indicating a need for such programs.
The envisioned undergraduate program at William & Mary would include an immersion semester at VIMS for students during their junior year to engage in research and internships. The university is currently developing a proposal to submit to the Virginia State Council of Higher Education in hopes of launching the program in fall 2025.