Green River Community College is known for its strong science programs offering classes in biology, chemistry, anatomy-physiology, physics, geology, environmental science, microbiology, oceanography, water/waste water, and astronomy. To support these programs Green River is opening a brand new 70,000 square foot science center. The Marv Nelson Science Learning Center features three stories of classrooms, laboratories and faculty offices.

The new building was named after retired physics instructor Marv Nelson, who was instrumental in helping Green River Community College receive its first National Science Foundation grant for school teacher preparation in 1998. In 2000, Mr. Nelson was named Outstanding Undergraduate Physics Teacher of the year by the American Association of Physics Teachers. He began his teaching career at Green River Community College in 1966.