Marine and Environmental Sciences
Marine and Environmental Sciences (MES) is a study of the complex relationships between humans and the land, oceans and atmosphere. The MES major integrates oceanography, chemistry, biology, physics, and math to provide a technical, multidisciplinary education closely aligned with the Coast Guard missions of fisheries law enforcement; environmental response management; search and rescue operations; oil spill cleanup; and iceberg tracking.
- MES involves considerable amount of time spent conducting hands-on laboratory experiments using the latest technology and fieldwork often onboard the Marine Science research vessel, the Michael J. Greeley
- Courses take advantage of the CGA’s proximity to the Thames River estuary for field studies
- Open elective allows students to specialize in areas such as toxicology, astronomy, arctic science or to pursue independent research
Areas of Specialization
Beginning in your 2nd class (junior) year, and continuing through the first semester of your 1st class (senior) year, MES majors specialize in two of the following three areas of specialization. Each area consists of a three-course sequence and hands-on fieldwork laboratory experiences.
- Environmental Science
- Marine Science
- Marine Environmental Physics
Geospatial Intelligence
Open to cadets in all majors, the Geospatial Intelligence Plan of Study is a sequence of specialized courses that cuts across several officer specialty fields. Completion of this program expands assignment opportunities in the Coast Guard, and opens a diverse range of career pathways in the civilian sector. Learn more.
Resources
MES majors have access to exceptional resources, including the R/V Michael J. Greeley, our 36-foot marine science research vessel; laboratories with state-of-the-art, research-grade equipment; and, very importantly, abundant waters – the Academy sits on the Thames River and is just miles away from the Long Island Sound, gateway to the Atlantic Ocean.