Program Overview

Introduction to the Marine and Coastal Science Program

The Marine and Coastal Science Program (MACS) is an interdisciplinary program that offers a comprehensive education in marine science. The program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the marine environment, including the biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes that shape our oceans and coasts.

Program Overview

The MACS program is a cohort-based program that allows students to build relationships with each other and with faculty over the course of their undergraduate studies. The program includes a core series of courses that provide a foundation in marine science, as well as elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas of interest.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the MACS program, students must have completed four of the eight preparatory courses, which include:

• BIO 204 Introduction to Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity
• CHEM 161 General Chemistry I
• CHEM 162 General Chemistry II
• CHEM 163 General Chemistry III
• GEOL 211 Physical Geology
• MATH 124 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
• MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
• PHYS 161 Physics with Calculus I Students must also have a grade of C- or better in each of these courses.

Application Process

The MACS admissions application opens on December 15th every year. Western students must submit their application by January 15th, and prospective students must submit their application by March 1st. The application includes questions on academic history and three essay prompts that ask students to discuss their background, goals, and interests.

Program Structure

The MACS program is built around a cohort model, where students who begin the 300-level core series together have a year to build relationships with each other and with faculty. The core series replaces some of the preparatory courses in other programs, allowing MACS students access to the same upper-division electives in Biology and Environmental Sciences.

Research Opportunities

The MACS program offers a range of research opportunities, including hands-on experience at the Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC). SPMC is a center for research and education, and many MACS-affiliated faculty have research programs at the center.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MACS program can pursue a range of career opportunities, including jobs in research, conservation, education, and policy. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in marine science.

Study Abroad Opportunities

While there is no official study abroad program associated with MACS, students can still participate in study abroad opportunities during the summer or after completing their core course series.

Internship Opportunities

The MACS program offers a range of internship opportunities, including internships at organizations such as the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, and the Surfrider Foundation.

Graduate Program

The MACS program is only an undergraduate program, but Western has a graduate program of study called the Marine and Estuarine Science Program (MESP).

Program Details

• Duration: Four years
• Degree: Bachelor of Science
• Specializations: Marine biology, marine ecology, oceanography, and more
• Research areas: Marine conservation, coastal management, marine ecology, and more
• Career paths: Research, conservation, education, policy, and more

Preparatory Courses

• BIO 204 Introduction to Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity
• CHEM 161 General Chemistry I
• CHEM 162 General Chemistry II
• CHEM 163 General Chemistry III
• GEOL 211 Physical Geology
• MATH 124 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
• MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
• PHYS 161 Physics with Calculus I

Core Courses

• MACS 110: Marine Habitat and Diversity
• MACS 301: Marine and Geological Processes
• MACS 304: Marine Ecology
• MACS 496: Communicating Marine Science

Elective Courses

• MACS 210: Introduction to Marine and Coastal Science Research
• MACS 320: Marine Conservation Biology
• MACS 330: Coastal Management and Policy
• MACS 340: Marine Ecology and Conservation

Faculty and Staff

The MACS program has a diverse and experienced faculty and staff, with expertise in marine biology, ecology, oceanography, and more.

Facilities and Resources

The MACS program has access to a range of facilities and resources, including the Shannon Point Marine Center, research vessels, and state-of-the-art laboratories.

Student Life

The MACS program offers a range of student life opportunities, including student organizations, research clubs, and social events.

Alumni Network

The MACS program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a range of fields, including research, conservation, education, and policy.