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The purpose of the Marine and Estuarine Science Program (MESP) is to provide a coherent program of study in coastal marine and estuarine sciences at the Master of Science level. The MESP focuses resources of existing M.S. degree programs in the Biology Department and the Department of Environmental Sciences at Western Washington University to shape a high quality, research-oriented program in the marine and estuarine sciences.

Human impact on coastal systems cannot be properly evaluated without a scientific understanding of their fundamental physical, chemical and biological processes. The goal of the Marine and Estuarine Science Program is to produce well-trained specialists qualified to study fundamental features of these systems and the relationship between natural processes and perturbations from human activity. Program graduates will be qualified for technical positions in the profession and will be competitive in pursuit of the doctorate.