Marine Science
Study the world’s oceans and marine life at Randolph College.
Why Study Marine Science at Randolph?
Randolph’s College’s marine science program is one of the only undergraduate programs of its kind in Virginia, with coursework covering topics in marine geology, marine and coastal ecosystems, oceanography, ocean-atmosphere dynamics, and climate change, with a wide range of hands-on experiences in the classroom, lab, and out in the field.
The curriculum also includes courses in chemistry, data science, geographic information systems, quantitative methods, geology, ecosystem ecology, and special topics that change each year.
The program will prepare you for careers and graduate programs in oceanography, marine biology, coastal ecology, ocean conservation, fisheries management, climate resilience, disaster management, environmental and marine law and policy, ocean engineering, and more.
Degrees offered
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marine Science
Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Science
Minor in Marine Science
Related Programs
The Randolph Experience
An Interdisciplinary Curriculum
The marine science program at Randolph College is a unique opportunity to develop a deep understanding of marine systems.
Our curriculum focuses not only on a typical marine science program, but also on building in-demand skills.
Students will take classes covering the fundamentals of marine science, such as marine ecology, as well as special topics courses that look at specific threats to marine and ocean ecosystems, examine a particular habitat in more detail, or explore another topic of interest.
Hands-On Experience
Every marine science student is expected to get hands-on experience in a marine environment. The program provides every student with low- and no-cost fieldwork opportunities.
Students will learn essential skills, such as GIS, to prepare them for graduate school or careers.
Students find ample opportunities for hands-on research through our Center for Student Research including the Summer Research Program.
The Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) program provides every student a $2,000 grant to fund research, internships, experiential learning and other scholarly pursuits.
Faculty Mentorship
You will work closely with faculty advisors and the marine science program director to plan a Randolph experience that meets your needs and will help you achieve your goals.
This includes both curricular and co-curricular experiences.
Small Classes
Randolph classes are full of engagement and interaction. Students get the full attention of their professors and develop camaraderie with their classmates.
The Honor Code
Randolph students live by our Honor Code and act with the highest integrity in both academic and social life.
Research
Randolph College students conduct advanced research projects in their majors with help from the Center for Student Research. They present their findings at the annual Symposium of Artists and Scholars.
Internships
Randolph students put classroom learning into practice by participating in internships.
With help from the Career Development Center, marine science majors can find internships with the likes of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, STEMSEAS, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sea Education Association and more.
Study Abroad
Opportunities for study abroad through affiliated programs in Costa Rica, Thailand, and others, as well as non-affiliated programs such as Sea Semester and the School for Field Studies are available.
Intercultural Competence
All Randolph students learn global citizenship with the capability to accurately understand and adapt to cultural differences and find commonality.
Unique Opportunities
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Outcomes
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Wanda WildCat ’12, biology major
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Opportunities
Top Ranked Professors
Randolph College’s faculty are consistently recognized as among the best in the nation. The Princeton Review ranked the College in #12 for most accessible professors in the 2023 edition of its flagship college guide, The Best 388 Colleges.
Randolph has been ranked in the top 20 for most accessible professors for six consecutive years.
Faculty
Teresa Angell
Cello Instructor
Leigh Berkeley
Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor
J. Mark Campbell
Trumpet Instructor
Kevin Chiarizzio
Trombone and Low Brass Instructor
Jacob Dishman
Staff Accompanist
Christopher Fosnaugh
Percussion and Drumset Instructor
Kyle Greaney
Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor
Hermina Hendricks
Senior Lecturer in Music
Alycia Hugo
Flute Instructor
Hope Maddox
Costume Shop Supervisor
Nora Moore
Voice Instructor
Kathryn Munson
Adjunct Instructor of Dance
Bill Parrish
Oboe Instructor
Kay Rooney
Violin and Viola Instructor
Rafael Scarfullery
Guitar Instructor
Curtis Smith
Piano and Organ Instructor; College Organist
Current Season
Wildcat Weekend Arts Showcase
September 17, 2022
Fall Music Showcase
October 6, 2022
The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus
by Christopher Marlowe
October 26-30, 2022
Candlelight Concert
December 8, 2022
Performing Arts Cabaret
February 23-25, 2023
Winter Music Showcase
March 4, 2023
A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L’Engle
Adapted by Morgan Gould
May 5-7, 2023
Spring Concert
May 6, 2023
Only at Randolph
Randolph students can take advantage of unique programs which give them a more enriching education than can be found anywhere else.
Two courses per half-mester means you get to focus in and dig deep into your coursework while still having time for the rest of the college experience. Two classes. Seven weeks. Repeat.
Randolph graduates learn to think critically, solve problems and work well with others. They are prepared to succeed in all aspects of life.
The Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) program provides every student a $2,000 grant to fund research, creative work, experiential learning or other scholarly pursuits.
Randolph students work with faculty mentors to explore a broad range of disciplines as they chart their academic path.
