The Coastal and Ocean Studies concentration involves integrated interdisciplinary study of the world’s oceans, the coastal zones where land and sea collide, and the intersections with society and people’s livelihoods.
There are many reasons to choose Coastal and Ocean Studies: the oceans control Earth’s climate, provide much of our food, host a wide range of mineral resources, and carry most of the world’s international trade. Sea level rise threatens communities along coastlines everywhere. And embedded in all these topics are questions of environmental justice and equitability. Increasingly, ocean literacy is central to an informed understanding of how the world works: scientifically, historically, artistically, and in terms of policy.
Williams-Mystic is at the Core
Concentrators take four core courses in the Williams-Mystic Coastal and Ocean Studies Program at our coastal campus in Mystic, CT, and three classes here in Williamstown. You can plan to attend Williams-Mystic in either sophomore or junior year.
Thinking About Going Abroad?
CaOS concentrators may take other study away programs in the junior year (in consultation with the Study Away office on campus).
Structure of the Concentration
Coastal and Ocean Studies (still listed in as Maritime Studies MAST in the 2023-2024 catalog) comprises seven courses, spanning all three divisions.
- An introductory oceanography course, which can be either of the two 100-level courses offered on campus (green box above), OR the 200-level Oceanographic Processes course at Williams-Mystic.
- Four courses at Williams-Mystic (purple boxes above).
- One or two electives from any division on campus.
- One 400-level senior seminar from an approved list.
* Students who take Oceanographic Processes at WilliamsMystic will take an extra elective instead of a 100-level on campus oceanography course.
Any questions? Reach out to the CaOS Chair Rónadh Cox