The major curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of the processes and functions of coastal, estuarine, and marine environments. Core coursework will educate students in the natural sciences subfields of geology, biology, chemistry, and physics as they relate to the interdisciplinary field of coastal and marine sciences. Students will also explore the effects of marine systems processes on human populations, economies, and societies, and learn how natural and anthropogenic factors shape coastal ecosystems.

Courses for the Coastal & Marine Sciences major will be held in-person at the main W&M Williamsburg campus, with the exception of the required immersion semester experience. All immersion semester courses will be taken in-person at the nearby W&M’s Batten School & VIMS Gloucester Point campus. Opportunities to participate in elective field courses at the VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory campus and on international study abroad programs are also available. 

Total Credit Hours for Major: 36 credits
Proficiency Courses: 18-20 credits (not counted toward the major)

Of the 120 credit hours required for a B.S. degree in Coastal & Marine Sciences, a minimum of 60 credit hours must be earned in a subject field offered outside the Batten School. A maximum of 6 credits of 300-level marine science research and 3 credits of advanced 400-level marine science research may count towards the major. A maximum of 3 credits of marine science internship may count toward the major elective requirement.