About this program

Western’s Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) Scholars Program is a distinctive experience for 21 entering first-year students. The program begins prior to the fall quarter with a one-week intensive course at Western’s marine research station and continues into the fall quarter and beyond on campus. The marine science faculty who lead the initial residential course at the Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) continue to work closely with students throughout the program. Students who have gotten to know each other at the marine station continue to meet once a week throughout their first and second years at Western.

Scholars learn about contemporary environmental issues facing our marine and coastal environments, gaining experience, professional development skills, and exposure to scientific research and data collection. This introductory experience at SPMC and the cohort program during the school year can be a valuable initial step into the newly created Marine and Coastal Science degree program.

Criteria

  • First-Year Student
  • 3.0+ GPA
  • First or second academic interest in Marine Biology, Marine & Coastal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or Geology

Cost

The program begins prior to fall quarter with a one-week intensive course at Western’s marine research station, and then continues into fall quarter and beyond on campus.

This course costs $350, which includes food and housing for one week.

Learn more about the Marine and Coastal Science Distinguished Scholars Program

Apply by March 11

Apply Now

This program is exclusively for admitted Western students; you will need to log in to your Admitted Student Portal to register.

Seals in Oak Harbor
Shannon Point Research Center

Benefits

  • Living and learning at the Shannon Point Marine Center for one week, featuring hands-on coursework prior to the start of your first Fall Quarter at Western. The MACS 110 experience begins prior to the start of your first Fall Quarter at Western and continues with group learning during the rest of the Fall Quarter.
  • Exclusive registration for a special series of 1-credit seminars addressing contemporary issues, such as pollution, global climate change, and sustainable fisheries as well as professional skills development.  (MACS 111 for first-year students, MACS 112 for second years)
  • Developing lasting ties with a small cohort that improves student success in academic development as well as an increased sense of belonging and having a place at Western.
  • Close involvement with faculty in the Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) program who instruct courses for the Marine Science Scholars Program.
  • Interaction with invited professionals from a variety of marine science career tracks
  • Staying informed on how to get involved with marine science and conservation through internships, research and outreach opportunities, and lectures
  • If admitted to the MACS major, the entire 9 credits in the program can apply as degree requirements and electives.