William & Mary is set to become the first public university in Virginia to offer a bachelor’s degree in marine science. The Board of Visitors at the school recently approved a resolution to create the new undergraduate program in response to growing demand in the field. However, the university still awaits final approval from the state.
The university already has master’s and doctoral programs in marine science through its Virginia Institute of Marine Science located at Gloucester Point. This institute also conducts research for state policymakers, providing a solid foundation for the proposed undergraduate program. Provost Peggy Agouris expressed that the program aligns well with existing work at the university and aims to provide undergraduate students with opportunities for impactful careers in coastal and marine science.
In 2010, William & Mary introduced a minor in marine science, and over the past five years, interest in these courses has significantly increased according to a university news release. The rise in interest is believed to be driven by urgent issues faced by coastal and marine communities worldwide, including Virginia’s extensive coastline, rapid sea-level rise, and economic dependence on resources from the Chesapeake Bay.
The demand for a marine science program is further evidenced by the Academic Common Market, which offers out-of-state tuition waivers to students seeking degrees not offered by public colleges within their own states. Marine science was identified as one of the top sought-after programs in this market region, signaling an increasing need for such programs.
The envisioned undergraduate program at William & Mary would involve an immersion semester at VIMS during junior year for students 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 fall 2025.