This program is available at the following location:

• Corvallis

Marine Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that explores the dynamic relationship between people and the marine environment. The Marine Studies program contributes to this field by emphasizing the human dimensions and perspectives of the coasts and ocean. These human dimensions coalesce in the social sciences, arts, and humanities. This program is for students who are seeking expertise in these liberal arts methods and are keenly aware of the importance of understanding human dimensions to address the growing challenges and opportunities for coastal and ocean sustainability.

This degree includes:

• Foundational coursework to develop critical thinking regarding human interactions with the marine environment that is grounded in knowledge of its natural characteristics.
• Core classes that provide students with interdisciplinary training, including diverse perspectives and methodological approaches to problem solving and decision-making, in marine related fields of inquiry across the social sciences, arts, and humanities.
• Required coastal experience courses offered at Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) or offered at Corvallis or via Ecampus with significant course dimensions integrating with HMSC.
• Advanced elective coursework to contextualize marine-focused courses and gain expertise toward transdisciplinary and liberal arts-based specializations such as, but not limited to: environmental and social justice, politics and policy, arts and literature, entrepreneurship, global and transnational perspectives, and community development. Individual specializations provide students with an opportunity to build their educational experience to meet specific career and personal goals.
• An internship requirement to demonstrate experience in a marine context, and a capstone project to apply a range of methods/tools from the arts, humanities, and social sciences to the study of human interactions with the marine environment.

Major Code: 074

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate critical thinking regarding human interactions with the marine environment that is grounded in knowledge of its unique character and natural properties.
• Critically explore historical and contemporary issues in marine studies.
• Apply a range of social science and art/humanities methods to the study of humans in the marine environment.
• Integrate human interactions with the marine environment from a range of social science and arts/humanities-based perspectives, taking into account matters of ethical, social, and environmental justice.
• Demonstrate experience and professional/personal skill development in a marine context.

BA Requirement

BS Requirement

+

A minor or certificate may supplement or enhance the Marine Studies program and can be included in elective credits. Courses taken to satisfy the baccalaureate core or the liberal arts core may also be used to satisfy requirements for a minor

Marine Studies Major 

*

Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)

^

Writing Intensive Course (WIC)

¹

Each student will work with their advisor to design an Area of Distinction (including electives, internship and capstone) and propose a course of study to be approved by the Marine Studies Degree Coordinating and Oversight Committee

²

Can double-count in both Coastal Experience and Area of Distinction

Major Code: 074

Degree plans are subject to change and the following is only an example of how students may complete their degree in four years. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best degree plan for them. Contact details for advisors can be found on the Academic Advising page.

Marine Studies BA

Marine Studies BS