The university's focus on marine science has a history that spans over 30 years. In the 1970s, what is now CMS began as the Marine Biomedical Institute, then in the 1980s was called the Center for Marine Science Research (CMSR). After the Master of Science in Marine Science graduate degree was adopted in 2000, the center's name was shortened to the Center for Marine Science (CMS).

The turn of the new century brought increased marine science activity at the state, national and international levels, and in response to this a new $17.5 million facility was completed in 2000.  This facility in the Myrtle Grove area of Wilmington is directly accessible from the Intracoastal Waterway, has docking facilities, and currently offers 100,000 sq. ft. of net indoor space; construction on the 11,000 square foot Oyster Hatchery project will begin August 2009.

A distinct Business of Biotechnology program, started in 2005, offers post-doctoral fellows the chance to work on the most advanced research in marine biotchnology while getting their Master of Business Administration degrees at UNCW.