Center For Marine Science

Marine science at UNCW spans over 50 years! Our work covers diverse fields, including oceanography, coastal and wetland studies, estuarine science, marine physiology and genetics, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and all aspects of marine biology, marine and atmospheric chemistry, marine geology, environmental science and physical oceanography.

And we keep expanding the breadth of our programs. In 2022, we launched the Ph.D. in Applied Coastal and Ocean Sciences degree program. We also are the first U.S. university to offer a bachelor’s degree in coastal engineering.

We also support research in specialized topics such as coastal policy, geography, economics and health and human services.

Keeping Tabs on Our Oceans & Coast

CMS advances research and teaching of the highest quality, enhancing your UNCW experience whether you are a graduate or undergraduate student in marine science. Our respected faculty support research that addresses current and future questions about the environment and the life and health of our oceans, sounds and tidal waterways.

We are recognized as a world-class site for applied marine science, especially in the areas of biotechnology and drug discovery, mariculture and living resources, and coastal monitoring and technology. Many of our researchers are developing and marketing products from the ocean, such as new pharmaceuticals.

Outstanding Facilities

Our state-of-the-art facilities include ample laboratory space, a shellfish research hatchery, a marine biotechnology building and an aquaculture complex. Docking space and a fleet of research vessels facilitate water-based research activities.

CMS Policy for Tours

The Center for Marine Science (CMS) invites the general public to tour campus each fall at our Open House, typically held on one of the first couple of weekends in October – weather permitting.

CMS does offer tours for prospective students, these tours are conducted by a current graduate student who can share their student experience. Prospective students may register through our form.

Meeting spaces for the general public are limited, the Center does try to accommodate requests from educational, professional, environmental or civic groups when space is available. For availability and fees, contact CMS_EA@uncw.edu.

For more information call 910.962.2301.