William & Mary has recently approved a resolution to create an undergraduate program in marine science, making it the first public university in Virginia to offer such a degree. This move comes in response to growing demand in the field, with urgent issues faced by coastal and marine communities worldwide driving interest. The university already has master’s and doctoral programs in marine science through its Virginia Institute of Marine Science located at Gloucester Point, as well as a minor in marine science that has seen significant growth over the past five years.
Provost Peggy Agouris expressed that the proposed program aligns well with the existing work at the university and aims to provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to pursue impactful careers in coastal and marine science. The Academic Common Market, which offers in-state tuition to students seeking degrees not offered by public colleges in their own states, also indicates a demand for such programs, with marine science being identified as the top sought-after program in the southeast region of the market.
The envisioned undergraduate program at William & Mary would involve 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 State Council of Higher Education in Virginia with hopes of launching the program in the fall of 2025.