The Coastal Environmental Science and Society program is a Bachelor of Science degree that focuses on natural environmental processes (physical, chemical/biogeochemical, and geological) and social issues (policy, management, economics, law, etc.) related to the development and exploitation of oceanic and coastal resources and ecosystems. The Coastal Environmental Science and Society curriculum provides a solid foundation in oceanography, geology, chemistry, biology and physics with additional coursework in economics, policy and management. The curriculum is specifically geared towards understanding the societal and environmental impacts of resource development and exploitation, with the focus on environmental pollution, sustainable development, biological diversity, fisheries and mariculture development and management, or oil and gas extraction and exploration, wetlands, and global climate change.

There is a growing demand for trained entry-level professionals from both government and industry who understand and can use scientific information in the planning and management processes. With a solid scientific foundation, the Coastal Environmental Science and Society graduates are ideally poised to pursue their careers at the interface between government and businesses operating in marine realm. With suitably chosen electives, our graduates are well qualified to enter Master or Ph.D. programs in marine resource management and policy, environmental sciences, oceanography or related disciplines.

Students in Coastal Environmental Science and Society may choose to establish a minor field of study, for example, in Economics (TAMU) or in Maritime Business Administration (TAMUG) through completion of credits as outlined in the available minors' curriculum pages. Obtaining a minor from a department located at TAMU in College Station with coursework completed in Galveston is also possible. An advisor in the MCES Department can help with course selection and facilitate the minor approval process through another department.