Capstone Research Options

Senior Research provides students with the opportunity to conduct mentored, independent research in Coastal & Marine Sciences under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students develop and carry out an original research project, gaining experience in formulating research questions, synthesizing scientific literature, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating results. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and professional research skills. The course culminates in a written Senior Research Thesis and an oral presentation of findings. Research activities are conducted independently in consultation with the faculty mentor; no regular class meetings are held.

Before enrolling in Advanced Senior Research, students are strongly encouraged to complete MSCI 390, although it is not required. Students entering Advanced Senior Research should have already identified a faculty mentor, developed a research question or hypothesis, and prepared a research proposal that will serve as the foundation for their senior research project.  Once the semester begins, students should establish a regular meeting schedule with their faculty mentor and begin implementing their research plan. Throughout the semester, students are expected to work semi-independently while maintaining consistent communication with their mentor, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results, and making steady progress toward completion of their senior thesis and oral presentation.

The Honors Program in Coastal & Marine Sciences provides highly motivated and academically qualified students the opportunity to pursue a sustained, semi-independent research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The program emphasizes substantial background reading, original research, and close faculty mentorship, culminating in a written thesis and an oral defense before an examining committee. Students must meet rigorous academic and research standards administered by the Batten School in partnership with the Charles Center.

Honors research is a year-long, self-directed course of study intended for students with a strong interest in a specific area of Coastal & Marine Sciences, particularly those considering graduate or professional school or seeking an intensive research experience beyond standard coursework. Because the program demands a level of independence, depth, and commitment that exceeds typical course expectations, it is best suited for students who are prepared to take ownership of a significant scholarly project from conception to completion.

Most students begin preparing for Departmental Honors by participating in undergraduate research during their sophomore or junior year. Building a relationship with a faculty mentor and gaining research experience are important first steps before applying to the program.

The Departmental Honors Program is administered by the Charles Center, which oversees Honors policies, eligibility requirements, and thesis deadlines for William & Mary. Students interested in pursuing Honors should review the Where to Start information on the Charles Center Honors website and discuss their plans with a prospective faculty research advisor early in the process.

Once an honors research project is identified, complete the application for honors through the Charles Center. Students are eligible to apply for Honors in the spring semester of their junior year (and are encouraged to apply as soon as they decide on this pathway); and they can apply as late as noon on the first day of classes in their penultimate semester. Students are to inform the Associate Director for Undergraduate Student Success of their application upon submission.

• Funding Opportunities: Charles Center
• MSCI students may opt to use the Batten Experiential Learning Fund but may not receive both Charles Center funding and Batten Experiential Learning Fund together.  Pre-approval for use of the Batten Experiential Learning Fund is required.