WELCOME to the Department of Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University! We are the largest undergraduate marine science program on the East Coast and one of the lead departments in CCU's new Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies Graduate Program. With our location near the coast and a collection of highly research-active faculty committed to undergraduate teaching, our strength is in providing individual attention and hands-on opportunities for students. Each year, approximately 50 students work individually with faculty to complete semester-long independent research projects for credit. More than half of these present their findings at state, regional, national, and international scientific conferences - activities usually associated with graduate students. Another dozen or more take advantage of off-campus internships locally and around the country. Well over 100 students participate in faculty research outside of the classroom each year. Does this sound like the kind of experience that helps you get into graduate school, get a job, and make contacts in your field? Absolutely!

Marine Science at Coastal Carolina is an interdisciplinary field that employs aspects of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics toward the study of the ocean environment. Lecture, laboratory, and field experiences are integrated to provide an outstanding and well-rounded academic program. Students may choose to concentrate their studies in one of the following areas: Marine Biology, Coastal Geology, Marine Chemistry, Atmosphere/Ocean Dynamics or Marine Analytical Technology.

Two major national reports, from the Pew Oceans Commission and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy , recently documented the critical importance of marine science to our national health and well-being and called for increased efforts in marine science education, research, and funding. This is an exciting and dynamic time for marine science - maybe you can catch the wave, too! Please take a few moments to check out these pages for additional information. We hope to hear from you.

Rob Young

Chair, Department of Marine Science

• PROGRAMS - Find basic information on the marine science program, the marine science academic curriculum, and research and educational facilities.

• FACULTY - The Marine Science department includes 15 full-time faculty (13 tenure-track and 4 instructors) and 2 full-time staff (Student Services Coordinator and Administrative Specialist).

• COURSES - Link to a complete list of marine science courses in the University Catalog or browse through selected course web pages.

• BURROUGHS AND CHAPIN CENTER FOR MARINE AND WETLAND STUDIES - A research arm of the marine science department and College of Natural and Applied Sciences, whose mission also includes community service.

• COASTAL MARINE AND WETLAND STUDIES GRADUATE PROGRAM - For prospective graduate students interested in marine studies.

Looking for us?

Department of Marine Science
Coastal Carolina University
PO Box 261954
Conway, SC 29528

Our departmental offices are in the new Coastal Science Center in the Atlantic Center (refer to the Campus Map).

(843) 349-2219 (tel)
(843) 349-2545 (fax)