Virginians will soon have their first in-state, public option to pursue an undergraduate degree in coastal and marine sciences.
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia gave formal approval last Thursday to William & Mary’s new bachelor’s program, set to launch this fall.
The program will leverage opportunities and expertise available through W&M’s Batten School & Virginia Institute of Marine Science while providing students the flexibility to explore a multitude of evolving careers.
The Batten School ranks among the top coastal and marine science institutions in the nation and currently offers two research degrees (Ph.D. and M.S.), a professional master’s degree (M.A.) and an undergraduate minor. The undergraduate major will provide a foundational education in coastal and marine sciences with an emphasis on experiential learning and research.
Last July, W&M received a $100 million gift from philanthropist Jane Batten, HON ’17, L.H.D. ’19, naming the school an...