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Degree programs of the School of Marine Science (SMS) are intended primarily for those who wish to specialize in marine science at the graduate level. Degrees offered are the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science. Faculty of four departments offers research opportunities and instruction: Biological Sciences, Environmental and Aquatic Animal Health, Fisheries Science and Physical Sciences. A joint program between the SMS and the Thomas Jefferson Program in Public Policy (TJPPP) at the Williamsburg campus enables SMS students interested in resource management and policy to complete additional course work for a subconcentration in marine policy or, with successful application to both the SMS and TJPPP degree programs, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Marine Science and Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.).
An undergraduate minor in marine science (18 credit hours) is jointly offered and administered by the School of Marine Science and the Department of Arts & Sciences (main campus). The minor provides interested students with an interdisciplinary introduction to the marine sciences that supplements the strong education they receive in a disciplinary science major. Courses are offered both at the VIMS Gloucester Point campus and the main campus. The undergraduate minor in marine science addresses the growing national demand for undergraduate education in the earth and environmental sciences in general, and in the marine sciences specifically.
Advanced undergraduates (juniors and seniors) who receive permission of the instructor may also participate in some SMS graduate level courses. For instance, biology, chemistry, and physics majors may enroll in suitable 500-level marine science courses for credit towards the bachelor’s degree and to fulfill the requirements of the undergraduate minor in marine science provided certain conditions are met (see College of William and Mary Undergraduate Program Catalog for more details). Undergraduates also may enroll for credit to conduct research projects in marine science. The student is responsible for making the necessary arrangements with an individual School of Marine Science faculty member, and the consent of the chairperson of the student’s major department is also required.
General Requirements
Students interested in pursuing marine science as a profession should consult with their academic advisor, or the School of Marine Science, Office of Academic Studies (AD-AS@vims.edu), early in their college careers to identify an academic program that will prepare them for graduate study in marine science. All potential students should have a strong background in basic science, including a suite of contemporary biology courses, physics and chemistry (through organic), and mathematics through calculus and differential equations. The prospective Chemical, Geological or Physical Oceanography student should
have an undergraduate degree with appropriate course work in chemistry, geology or related geophysical science, physics, meteorology, mathematics or engineering, and a solid quantitative background. Course work in statistics is recommended. |
