Coastal Course Roster
All students can explore, experience, and engage in coastal and ocean learning. Oregon State University academic programs offer a wide diversity of field-based courses hosted at the Hatfield Marine Science Center that immerse students in research, teaching, and hands-on fieldwork.
These courses accommodate different learning styles, schedules, and academic disciplines, offering opportunities for interested students to incorporate the ocean into their major.
See below for registration and general admissions information, especially for summer. See the summer tab under Courses by Term for more information.
New! Filter courses by term, topic, and more – making it easier to find options that match your interests and learning needs!
Study at the Coast
At Hatfield, students engage in hands-on learning at the forefront of ocean and coastal research, policy, and management. Newport’s dynamic coastal environment and active working waterfront serve as a living laboratory where students translate classroom knowledge into real-world solutions. With access to expert faculty, a collaborative community, and state-of-the-art facilities, students gain the skills and experience needed for impactful careers dedicated to ocean stewardship.
- Course options are available every term – Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring.
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Diverse offerings allow students from all majors and class standings to fulfill degree requirements while studying at the coast.
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Explore various topics, including marine mammals, oceanography, phycology, science communication, art, marine and coastal ecosystems, sharks, human dimensions, and more!
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Learn from renowned ocean experts and expand your professional network.
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Gain field and lab experience to strengthen your resume across various disciplines.
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Join a community of ocean enthusiasts passionate about marine science.
Talk to your academic advisor about integrating a coastal experience course into your degree.
Students have the option to live at the coast while participating in marine and coastal learning experiences based at Hatfield Marine Science Center. Hatfield housing options support both short- and extended stays and are conveniently located near classes, field sites, and research facilities within a welcoming, inclusive community supported by dedicated housing and student support staff.
The Harborton Street Housing Complex is Hatfield’s new primary residential site, offering modern apartment-style living just outside the tsunami zone and designed for longer-term stays.
Historic Hatfield housing may also be available for graduate students, visiting professionals, or students participating in short-term programs such as workshops and weekend courses.
Students who prefer to commute can park for free at Hatfield Marine Science Center or take the Coast to Valley Express Shuttle. This shuttle runs four trips between the Central Valley and Newport daily, with multiple pick-up locations, including OSU's McNary Hall.
MACO offers financial support to assist students and faculty with housing and transportation costs while being at the coast.
Various scholarships and financial assistance awards are available to help students pursue their academic interests and goals by providing support for housing, transportation, coursework, and more!
Field Housing:
Travel:
Academics and Others:
Courses by Term
Priority Registration: May 19, 2025
Fall term at Hatfield offers unique course structures, including full and hybrid courses within the super term, NEW five-week 5A Fall term course and more! Studying on the coast provides hands-on field experience in a small class environment, along with the opportunity to live on the Hatfield campus in the hear of the Oregon Coast. For commuting students, the Coast-to-Valley Shuttle and travel assistance are available.
| Super Term Extension Courses (9/10 - 12/12) | Credits | Dates/Times |
|---|---|---|
| FW 469 / 569 - Methods in Physiology and Behavior of Marine Megafauna | 3 | In-person requirement at Hatfield 9/20 – 9/22. Remainder of course completed online. |
| FW 426 / 526 - Coastal Ecology and Resource Management | 4 |
In-person requirement at Hatfield 9/17 – 9/19. Remainder of course completed online or in-person on Wednesdays (10 am- 12:50 pm) at Hatfield during Fall term (9/24 - Dec 12) . |
| Fall 5A Term (9/24 - 10/31) | ||
|
FW 457 / 557 - Biology, Ecology, and Conservation of Marine Mammals Scholarship Available - Priority Deadline June 13 |
9 |
Mon/Th/Fri 9 am – 2:20 pm Tu 9 am – 3:50 pm |
| Regular Term (9/24 - 12/12) | ||
| FW 407 / 507 - Seminar: Marine Science | 1 | Th 3:30 – 4:20 p.m. |
| FW 115 - Introduction to Sharks | 2 |
In-person meeting: 9/24 5 pm – 6:20 p.m. Weekend dates TBD |
| OC 434/534 - Estuarine Ecology | 4 |
Weekend at Hatfield: 10/11 – 10/12 |
| PAC 247 - Surfing | 1 | See class schedule |
Opportunities for Research/ Internship
BI / ENSC / FW / OC 401 - Research and Scholarship credit available for all terms*
BI / ENSC / FW / OC / MAST 410 - Internship credit available for all terms*
*Contact your academic department advisor and [email protected]
Priority Registration: November 17, 2025
| Course | Credits | Dates/Times |
|---|---|---|
| BI 111 - Introduction to Marine Life in the Sea: Marine Habitats | 1 | Weekends at Hatfield: 1/31 - 2/1, 2/7 - 2/8, 2/21 - 2/22, or 2/28 - 3/1 |
| MAST 399 - Special Topics: Ocean and Film Literacy | 2 | Weekend at Hatfield: 1/23 - 1/25 |
Opportunities for Research/ Internship
BI / ENSC / FW / OC 401 - Research and Scholarship credit available for all terms*
BI / ENSC / FW / OC / MAST 410 - Internship credit available for all terms*
*Contact your academic department advisor and [email protected]
Priority Registration: February 23, 2026
Each spring, marine biology students live and study at Hatfield for OSU's BI 450 - Marine Biology and Ecology course. This 15-credit immersive experience allows students to fully engage - eat, sleep, breath - marine biology for ten weeks, dividing their time between lectures, coastal field studies, and hands-on work in the wet lab. Students observe, identify, and collect seaweed and invertebrates from the intertidal, trawl for fish aboard the R/V Elakha, and explore mudflats and estuaries, gaining real-world experience in marine research.
| Course | Credits | Dates/Times |
|---|---|---|
| BI 450 - Marine Biology and Ecology | 15 | At Hatfield over Spring Term: 3/30 – 6/5 |
| FW 113 - Introduction to Marine Life in the Sea: Marine Birds and Mammals | 1 | Weekends at Hatfield: 5/2 - 5/3 |
| FW 115 - Introduction to Sharks | 2 | Weekend field trip: 6/5 - 6/7 |
| MAST 399 - Special Topics: Culture and History of Marine Mammals | 2 | Weekend field trip: 4/24 - 4/26 |
| HC 407 - To Stir Curiousity: Steinbeck and Ricketts Expedition to the Sea of Cortez | 2 | Weekend field trip: Mid May |
| FW 430/530 - Introduction to Scientific Diving | 4 | Includes required field trips to dive in freshwater and marine habitats, with practice diving from small research vessels |
Opportunities for Research/ Internship
BI / ENSC / FW / OC 401 - Research and Scholarship credit available for all terms*
BI / ENSC / FW / OC / MAST 410 - Internship credit available for all terms*
*Contact your academic department advisor and [email protected]
Priority Registration Opens: April 13, 2026
Housing Applications: Opens April 14, 2026 and Closes May 2, 2026
Summer at Hatfield Marine Science Center offers the most diverse selection of marine and coastal courses, taught in short, intensive sessions of one, three, or four weeks. Taking summer courses at Hatfield provides students with an unparalleled hands-on learning experience, allowing them to step beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in Oregon’s dynamic coastal environments and communities.
Students develop practical skills in field research, data collection, science communication, conservation, art, and philosophy. Small class sizes ensure direct access to Hatfield’s expert faculty and researchers, fostering mentorship and collaboration. Whether engaging in coursework or other experiential learning opportunities, students become part of a vibrant, research-driven community that enhances both their academic and professional growth.
Summer Highlights:
- All students pay OSU in-state tuition.
- Live onsite in Hatfield Housing for easy access to classes.
- Summer housing is limited—apply early!
- Housing scholarships available through:
- MACO Coastal Field Housing Awards for Students
- Opens April 13, 2026 and Closes May 15
- Cecil and Martha MacGregor Summer Housing Scholarship in Marine Science
- Application deadline - May 15
- MACO Coastal Field Housing Awards for Students
- Study at the Guin Library, the largest marine science library on the West Coast.
- Explore cutting-edge coastal and ocean research through weekly seminars and connect with leading research scientists.
- Learn about the travel options available for getting to the Hatfield campus, including the Coastal Travel Assistance Program through MACO.
- Course information is subject to change. Learn more about OSU's summer sessions here.
Anyone can take courses at the coast!
OSU Students: Talk to your advisor and contact MACO about how courses on the coast can advance your degree. Registration is identical to registration for all OSU classes.
Non-OSU students: We look forward to meeting you in Oregon! Many schools have tuition and credit transfer agreements with OSU. Please talk with your advisor and contact MACO for more information.
| Session 6: June 15 - June 19 (1 week) | Credits | Dates/Times |
|---|---|---|
| ART 360/460 - Creative Field Work (Pending) | 4 |
Camp at Cape Perpetua TBD |
| PHL 472 - Thinking with Oceans (Pending) | 4 |
Mon-Fri TBD |
| Session 2: June 22 - July 17 (4 weeks) | ||
| BI 353 - PNW Coastal Ecosystems | 4 |
Tue/Th 8:00am – 1:50pm |
| FW 302 - Biology and Conservation of Marine Mammals (Pending) | 4 | TBD |
| FW 325 - Seeking Solutions to Global Crises in Resource Ecology (Pending) | 3 | TBD |
| FW 289 - Communication Skills for FW Professionals (Pending) | 4 |
TBD |
| FW 331 - Ecology of Marine and Estuarine Birds (Pending) | 4 |
TBD |
| Session 4: July 20 - August 14 (4 weeks) | ||
| Z 461 - Marine & Estuarine Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
Mon/Wed/Fri 8:00am – 11:50am |
| FW 315 - Ichthyology (Pending) | 3 |
TBD |
| OC 332 - Coastal Oceanography | 3 |
Meeting Times TBD Research Cruise: Sat 8/8 Departures: 8am and 1pm |
| FW 461x/561x - Introduction to Marine Bioacoustics (Pending) | 3 | TBD |
| Session 5: August 17 - September 4 (3 weeks) | ||
|
FW 568 - Human Dimension of Marine Mammal Conservation |
4 |
Mon/Wed/Fri 12:30pm – 4:50pm |
| OC 396x - Coastal Oceanography Field Methods | 4 |
Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm (Weeks 1 and 2) 9:00am - 12:00pm (Week 3) |
Opportunities for Research/ Internship
BI / ENSC / FW / OC 401 - Research and Scholarship credit available for all terms*
BI / ENSC / FW / OC / MAST 410 - Internship credit available for all terms*
*Contact your academic department advisor and MACO.
For a visual of the summer schedule please use this link.