Marine and Coastal Science, BS

Western Washington University - International Study Center (StudyGroup)

The B.S. in Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) is a cohort-based, interdisciplinary, and experiential program designed to provide students with the opportunity to engage in coastal and marine-focused research. Students and faculty at Western engage in research and education through a wide array of programs and partnerships, cooperating across fields of study, working in the lab and in the field. Marine and Coastal Science is a joint program of the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, and Geology, and the Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC). Through MACS, we are advancing the state of knowledge about the oceans, coasts, and their ecosystems for the scientific community and for the communities we call home. Our students are learning to understand these systems, engage deeply with them, and become the creative problem solvers of tomorrow. The program brings together expertise in physical, chemical, geological, and biological marine science. Our courses allow students to explore and interpret fundamental observations about our coasts and oceans. Students develop an understanding of the process of science while gaining practical skills in a cohort-based learning environment. The program has a focus on place-based learning that emphasizes connections to people and communities. Each student begins the program with a brief, intensive research and learning experience at SPMC. All the preparatory and core courses for the major are offered on the main Bellingham campus. Many electives are taught on main campus, but some courses, depending on their field and lab needs, regularly visit SPMC in Anacortes, Washington. Other courses are offered entirely at SPMC, generally meeting all day, one day a week to cut down on commuting time, to allow for experiences in the field, and to increase compatibility with other course schedules. Most students are based in Bellingham, but short-term housing is available in dorms at SPMC.