Address:
Biology Department
College of Science and Engineering
516 High Street, Bldg. BI 315
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-3627
[email protected]
https://biology.wwu.edu
https://cenv.wwu.edu
https://marine.wwu.edu
Shannon Point Marine Center/WWU
1900 Shannon Point Road
Anacortes, WA 98221
(360) 650-7498
[email protected]
Contact:
Brian Bingham, Director
Marine and Coastal Science (MACS)
Shannon Point Marine Center/WWU
(360) 650-2845
[email protected]
[email protected]
Overview of Services:
Biology— Marine Emphasis, BS: Marine biology is the study of the structure and function of marine organisms and their relationship with the environment. The Biology – Marine Emphasis major provides a thorough introduction to the basic areas of biology and supporting sciences while allowing specialization in marine biology.
SAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS: Marine Scientist Fisheries, Biologist, Ecologist, Conservation Biologist, Naturalist and Laboratory Technician.
In the heart of the Salish Sea, Western is in an ideal location for undergraduates studying marine sciences. Courses taught at Western’s Shannon Point Marine Center located in Anacortes, WA (about an hour from Bellingham).
Shannon Point Marine Center @ WWU - Our mission is to increase understanding of complex coastal and marine systems by integrating research with student-centered, immersive education, with a continuing commitment to diversity and mentoring.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates: Shannon Point Marine Center administers an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in marine science each summer.
Credential: YES
- BS - Biology with Marine Emphasis
- BS - Environmental Science with Marine Science Emphasis
- BS - Marine and Coastal Science (MACS)
- Minor - in Salish Sea Studies
- to teach students about the Salish Sea’s history, ecology, culture, and management complexities; an experiential complement to other majors including Marine Sciences, or Environmental Science and Policy.
These degree programs are for students really interested in sciences, EPA, NOAA, tribes and natural resources, fishery observers, resource management.
Equity Lens:
Draw a few students from tribes, but they typically attend NW Indian College on Lummi reservation outside of Bellingham.
DEI is absolute priority for WWU and MACS – all documents include that criterion. 25% students of color & 50% first generation students.
New for freshman year entry is Marine Scholars Program, focused on high achievers from diverse communities. 24 students live at Marine Center for one week before school starts. Learn to do research and meet faculty. Follow up with them throughout fresh, soph and jr. years.
