William & Mary is poised 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 in response to the growing demand for professionals in the field. However, final approval from the state is still required before the program can proceed.
Currently, William & Mary has 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 as well. 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 coastal and marine science.
Despite already offering some undergraduate marine science courses through a minor added in 2010, interest in these courses has surged significantly over the past five years. School officials attribute this increase to the urgent challenges faced by coastal and marine communities worldwide, with Virginia being at the forefront of these challenges.
The university 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.
