Program Overview

Marine Science is a field that seeks to understand the processes that shape our oceans and coasts, and ultimately our world.  Faculty and students work to understand interactions and changes in these systems from the waves and currents to the algae and animals.  Marine science is highly interdisciplinary and incorporates the tools and insights of physical, chemical, biological, and geological sciences to better understand marine systems and how they interact with and support communities.

How is this emphasis different from the Environmental Science, BS major?

Marine Science Emphasis students have the same preparatory courses, required credits and basic required course structure as all Environmental Science students.  The Marine Science Emphasis provides some additional structure that guides students towards courses that will allow them to acquire the same scientific and problem-solving skills as all Environmental Science graduates, though their studies will be more focused in marine systems. Graduates often go directly into a marine environmental science career such as working for a natural resources department or a non-profit, or on to graduate school to further their study.

As with the general Environmental Science, BS degree, students wishing to complete an Environmental Science - Marine Science degree in four years should complete the general chemistry series during their freshman year and the general biology series during their sophomore year. Prospective environmental science majors are strongly advised to take additional preparatory courses that provide a strong background in chemistry, biology and mathematics. The preparatory courses are listed with the major; preparatory classes may also be used to fulfill GURs. All preparatory courses required for admission should be completed on a lettered or numeric grading scale, not P/NP, and must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

Why Consider an Environmental Science Major with Marine Emphasis
Western is located in the heart of the Salish Sea region, giving students unparalleled opportunities to be involved in hands on learning in a variety of marine environments.  Most of the world’s population lives within a few miles of the ocean. The coasts and oceans have huge impacts on human societies and human impacts on the oceans are growing every day.  As land animals, we didn’t fully appreciate how important the oceans are for a long time, and that means there is still much to discover in the field of marine science.  If you like the idea of using more than one scientific approach to a question, are interested in knowing more about the oceans and coasts, and want to help understand and mitigate human caused problems, the marine science emphasis might be right for you.