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Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Understanding Our Planet

The oceans, atmosphere and landscape all influence one another. Faculty and researchers in our department work across these environments to tackle the grand scientific challenges of today and tomorrow. MEAS is dedicated to excellence in research, teaching and promoting an inclusive environment that allows all members of the department to thrive.

Puerto Rico field trip

Undergraduate Students

Your studies in the MEAS department build a strong foundation for future graduate study or work in the field.

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Will McClure - Marine Science research

Graduate Students

Joining the MEAS department opens many opportunities for your academic and professional career.

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Carli Arendt Explains Sea Level Rise Using Legos

Faculty and Researchers

Faculty, graduate students and other researchers represent a wide array of expertise in an ever-changing field.

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Blue Economy Innovation Program

Entrepreneurship-
NC State’s Blue Economy Innovation Program

The Blue Economy Innovation Program is solving problems on North Carolina’s coast by innovating sustainable solutions for coastal communities and marine ecosystems.

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95% Placement

Nearly all MEAS graduate degree recipients in the past five years found employment in their fields or went on to further graduate study.

Explore MEAS graduate studies

MEAS Monthly

Three images. One shows student Stephanie Ortiz holing hands in a heart shape while smiling and dressed in graduation regalia. The second image shows student Katherine Fowler making a wolfie hand sign while smiling and dressed in graduation regalia. The third image shows a student's red graduation cap decorated with blue felt and plastic sea creatures, with text reading 'sea yall later'

MEAS Monthly | Graduation Edition Spring 2026

We celebrate our grads in this semester’s departmental commencement ceremony.

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Upcoming Events

All Events
Jun 15

Monday12:00 PM

Dissertation Defense, Erin Voigt

What’s Happening

News and Features
Chris Osburn

June 03, 2026

Marine Science Professor Osburn Named Goodnight Distinguished Chair in Sustainability

The professorship reflects NC State’s priority to recruit and retain outstanding senior faculty.
Jenna Holt holds up a rock in the geology lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

June 01, 2026

Discover Our Majors: Geology

There’s a whole world out there, and a geology degree can help you explore it. Follow Jenna Holt’s geology journey — and start your own.
An illustration depicting digital Earth 5G AI technology

May 27, 2026

College Names First Directors of AI Hub for Science

Paul Liu and Emily Griffith will catalyze AI interdisciplinary research, thoughtfully expand the use of AI in education and training, and build strategic partnerships that position NC State at the forefront of AI-enabled scientific innovation.

In the News

Recent Research