The Coastal Studies curriculum provides a solid foundation to prepare you for a rewarding career or further graduate studies. The following mandatory classes and optional courses and programs will allow you plenty of opportunities for hands-on field and lab work, as well as chances to actively explore your individual interests and career goals. For a sample of the range of courses you may take as a Coastal Studies major, see Sample Plans of Study.

Foundation Courses - These general courses provide solid preparation for your more advanced classes in Coastal Studies. They include Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math as well as an introduction to Oceanography.

General Education Requirement Courses - These University requirements help you to develop verbal and quantitative skills, curiosity, versatility, critical judgement, moral sensitivity and research skills. You can choose from a wide range of courses including Classical Mythology, History of Modern Africa and Introduction to Anthropology.

Marine Science Courses - The marine sciences foundation courses were selected to give you a solid undergraduate background in marine biology, chemistry, geology and physics.

Social Science Courses - The social science classes offer you opportunities to integrate a thorough understanding of economics, policy, law and regulation as it relates to our coastlines and oceans with your expanding knowledge of the marine sciences.

Marine Science Electives - You will choose three advanced courses in marine physics, biology and chemistry. Your choices will help you develop areas of expertise as well as build on the topics explored in the foundation courses.

Electives* - We have left room in your plan of study to pursue electives. These electives can be chosen from any department, giving you an opportunity to tailor your educational experience to your own interests and career goals.

Undergraduate Research Program - This funded research programs provides you with an opportunity to explore, first hand, your chosen field of study. As an undergraduate researcher, you will select a field of study, find an advisor, select a research topic, conduct your own research and possibly present your findings at an appropriate colloquium.

Internships* - We have an optional internship program for additional hands-on experience for juniors or seniors. Students can choose to work on campus at one of the campus-based operations or off-campus at a local business, a non-profit organization, or a federal or local government agency.

Certificates* - The certificate programs can provide you with additional knowledge to prepare you for your future career. They include a Small Boat Handling class and certification in SCUBA.

Minor in Marine Biology* - Also available to Coastal Studies students is a minor degree in Marine Biology. The degree requires at least 15 credits of 200-level work chosen from a list of courses in marine sciences and biology.

Study Abroad* – UConn offers a wide range of opportunities for students to spend a semester in another country earning credits toward the Bachelor’s degree. Coastal Studies has specific connections with programs in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Turks & Caicos.

*optional opportunities