Since 1968 The Marine Science Consortium has educated and inspired thousands of children, youth, and adults about the marine and coastal ecosystems along the Mid-Atlantic Region through place-based, hands-on experiences.  

The bays, marshes, beaches, maritime forests, and off-shore waters of Virginia’s Eastern Shore are The Marine Science Consortium’s classroom. Whether you are an individual interested in learning more about coastal and marine systems or seeking to pursue a career in marine sciences, The Marine Science Consortium offers a wonderful variety of opportunities to meet your educational and/or research goals.

In 1968, The Marine Science Consortium was founded by a consortium of three Pensylvania state colleges as “The Marine Science Consortium of Pennsylvania State Colleges and Universities” First located in Cape May, NJ, and then Lewes, DE, the Consortium expanded to 14 member colleges and universities. In Spring 1971, the Consortium became a Corporation, changed its name to “The Marine Science Consortium, Inc.” and, in 1971, moved to its permanent site in the area of Wallops Island, VA. The campus, located next door to NASA’s Goddard Flight Facility was named “Wallops Island Marine Science Center”.

For the next few decades the Marine Science Consortium quietly taught thousands of school age, college, and adult students the wonders of what lies beneath the waters of the bays, marshes, and ocean surrounding Chincoteague and Assateague islands as well as coastal land communities such as maritime forests and dunes.

The membership has changed over the years and now consists of 13 member universities and colleges. Current members are: