Academics & Field Seminars
Academics
At Williams-Mystic, we study the nation’s oceans and coastlines firsthand. We work across disciplines, exploring the literature, science, history and policy of the sea. Our classrooms range from Mystic Seaport Museum's unparalleled Collections and Research Center to our 8,000-square foot James T. Carlton Marine Science Center. We also explore field sites locally and across America's coasts.
Research and Courses
Top scholars from a variety of backgrounds collaborate on our rigorous curriculum, and students produce independent research in all four of their courses. You’ll make connections across disciplines while getting a clearer view of the big picture: the ocean.
No matter your academic and career goals, Williams-Mystic teaches you to lead and listen, to consider and create, and to reach outside the traditional classroom. Our coursework prepares you for life beyond graduation. For example, a number of our alumni have gone on to write dissertations stemming from work they did at Williams-Mystic.
To enhance our students’ understanding of the oceans and coasts of the United States, we journey to several of America's coasts for field seminars during the semester. To learn more about them and when they fit into the academic calendar, visit our field seminar page.
Our interdisciplinary philosophy serves our alumni well, whatever their future studies and career goals may be. They learn to lead and to listen, to consider and create, to research beyond hallowed halls and out into the real world. Williams-Mystic’s coursework readies our students not just for graduation or graduate school, but also for a meaningful and purpose-filled life.