W&M Ventures into Marine Science with New Bachelor’s Program
William & Mary is taking a significant step towards expanding its educational offerings by proposing the first undergraduate marine science program at a public Virginia university. This initiative, recently greenlit by the Board of Visitors, is now pending approval from the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV), a vital step before the program’s implementation.
The School of Marine Science at William & Mary, known for its professional master’s degree and research degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.), holds a prestigious ranking among its counterparts in the United States. Provost Peggy Agouris stated, “William & Mary’s School of Marine Science is preeminent in the country. It only makes sense to extend our world-class expertise in coastal and marine science to undergraduate students in a dedicated program that will enable them to enter a deeply impactful career field.“
Since 2010, William & Mary has offered a minor in marine science, witnessing a significant increase in the popularity of undergraduate marine science courses. This surge is attributed to the urgent global issues affecting coastal and marine ecosystems. The university’s strategic plan, Vision 2026, highlights tackling water issues as a key goal.
Students, such as Darius McCallum ’27, a W&M Scholars Undergraduate Research Experience student, express excitement about the major. McCallum shared his lifelong interest in marine science and expressed his excitement for the program, stating it would offer a valuable opportunity to dive deeper into the field.
The new STEM program aims to bridge William & Mary’s liberal arts education with the School of Marine Science’s renowned research capabilities, addressing the accelerating changes faced by coastal communities and marine systems. Derek Aday, dean of William & Mary’s School of Marine Science and director of VIMS, emphasized the essential need for highly trained scientists to tackle these global challenges.
Until now, students in Virginia seeking a bachelor’s degree in marine science had to look out of state or choose other programs. The program’s uniqueness comes from VIMS’s mandate to provide research, education, and advisory services, making the proposed undergraduate degree beneficial for students wishing to explore marine science.
The degree program promises expansive opportunities, including study-abroad experiences through the William & Mary network and a marine science immersion semester at VIMS. This immersive semester is designed to offer undergraduate students a unique experiential learning opportunity, engaging them in classes, research, and internships.
Siddhartha Mitra, associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Marine Science, highlighted the importance of student engagement with researchers and advisory services at VIMS. This interaction aims to introduce students to real-world problems facing Virginia’s coastal communities and the scientific approaches to solve them.
The next steps towards inaugurating this program involve submitting a proposal to SCHEV, with hopes to launch the program by fall 2025. This timeline, however, is contingent upon the review process and finalization of program details.
This bachelor’s program has been in the works since 2019, gaining momentum as interest in marine science exploded among students. With robust support from university leaders and faculty from the School of Marine Science and Arts & Sciences, the program is designed to educate the next generation in marine science. Christopher Hein, VIMS director of undergraduate programs, emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions to the challenges faced by coastal, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. He remarked, “Our William & Mary students recognize that, and more than ever want to be a part of the science tackling challenges and identifying solutions.“
As the program awaits approval, its prospects for offering unparalleled educational experiences in marine science look promising, further enhancing William & Mary’s contribution to environmental stewardship and academic excellence.
