UNCW Campuses

The Center for Marine Science (CMS) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is a dedicated research and education facility focused on advancing knowledge of marine and coastal environments. Located near the Intracoastal Waterway, this campus serves as a critical hub for specialized graduate and undergraduate programs in marine science, offering unique opportunities for hands-on learning and cutting-edge research.

• Marine Biology: Students explore marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation through field studies and lab research.
• Oceanography: Programs cover physical, chemical, and biological oceanography with access to advanced research vessels and equipment.
• Coastal and Marine Policy: This interdisciplinary program focuses on environmental policy, management, and sustainable practices for coastal regions.
• Environmental Chemistry: Research and coursework emphasize the chemical processes affecting marine environments and pollution mitigation.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture: Students study sustainable fishing practices and aquaculture techniques to support marine resource management.

The CMS campus is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, aquaculture facilities, and direct access to coastal waters, making it an ideal setting for marine research. It supports collaborative projects with government agencies, industry partners, and other academic institutions. Students and faculty engage in impactful studies addressing critical issues such as climate change, habitat restoration, and marine biodiversity. While primarily a research and graduate education center, CMS also offers select undergraduate courses and opportunities for experiential learning. Its proximity to diverse marine habitats enhances its role as a leader in marine science education and innovation within the UNCW system.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Main Campus offers a wide array of academic programs designed to cater to diverse student interests and career goals. As the primary campus, it serves as the hub for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies across multiple disciplines. UNCW is particularly renowned for its strong emphasis on marine science, given its coastal location, alongside other key areas of study.

• Marine Biology and Oceanography: UNCW is a leader in marine sciences, offering hands-on research opportunities through the Center for Marine Science.
• Business Administration: The Cameron School of Business provides comprehensive programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
• Nursing: The School of Nursing offers highly regarded programs with state-of-the-art simulation labs for practical training.
• Education: Programs in elementary, middle, and secondary education prepare future educators with innovative teaching methods.
• Film Studies: UNCW’s film studies program benefits from Wilmington’s status as a major film production hub, often called 'Hollywood East.'
• Environmental Sciences: Students engage in fieldwork and research focused on sustainability and coastal ecosystems.
• Psychology: The psychology department offers robust programs with opportunities for clinical and research experience.

Additionally, UNCW provides interdisciplinary programs and a strong liberal arts foundation, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. The campus fosters experiential learning through internships, study abroad programs, and community engagement initiatives. With over 90 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs, the Main Campus supports a vibrant academic community dedicated to innovation, research, and student success in a picturesque coastal setting.

The Onslow Extension Site of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, located in Jacksonville, NC, serves as a regional campus designed to provide accessible higher education to students in the Onslow County area, particularly military personnel and their families associated with nearby Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. This campus focuses on flexible learning options, including online and hybrid courses, to accommodate non-traditional students and working professionals.

• Business Administration: Offers degree completion programs with a focus on management and leadership skills tailored for career advancement.
• Nursing: Provides RN-to-BSN programs and other nursing education opportunities to meet regional healthcare demands.
• Elementary Education: Degree programs designed for aspiring teachers, with an emphasis on local school system needs.
• Criminology: Courses focus on criminal justice and sociology, relevant to military and civilian communities in the area.
• Interdisciplinary Studies: Allows students to customize their education with a focus on liberal studies and professional skills.

The Onslow Extension Site primarily offers upper-level undergraduate courses for students who have completed foundational coursework elsewhere, often through partnerships with local community colleges like Coastal Carolina Community College. The campus emphasizes programs that align with the needs of the military community and regional workforce, providing pathways to complete bachelor’s degrees. With a commitment to student support, the site offers academic advising, tutoring, and resources tailored to adult learners and military-affiliated students. This extension campus plays a vital role in expanding UNCW’s reach and mission of accessible, high-quality education in southeastern North Carolina.