Graduate Program
The primary mission of the School of Marine Science is to provide graduate students with education and training that will allow them to achieve their full intellectual potential and successfully pursue careers in marine science.
To accomplish this, the SMS Faculty:
- provides instruction in the fundamentals of marine science so that students gain a general understanding of oceanic, coastal and estuarine systems,
- offers advanced courses tailored to each student’s area of research specialization, and
- encourages students to develop a specialization that is informed by basic and applied principles of marine science and facilitates the development of independent, as well as collaborative and interdisciplinary research perspectives.
Placed within the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s tripartite mission of research, education and advisory service, the SMS offers exposure to a variety of career options while providing students with the education and research skills necessary to meet present and future societal needs. In addition, SMS graduate students perform or assist with research and teaching activities that directly benefit the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation.
Undergraduate Program
Building on the successes of our graduate education program, the School of Marine Science entered a partnership with Arts and Sciences to offer undergraduates the opportunity to minor in marine science. The undergraduate minor in marine science provides interested students a coherent experience in this interdisciplinary subject. More information on the minor is available at: http://www.wm.edu/as/marinescience/
Public Education and Outreach
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science offers marine science education for a wide variety of audiences and age levels. VIMS and its federal partners work closely with schools, businesses, government agencies, and individuals to provide information and guidance on a wide range of marine-related programs and activities. The School of Marine Science encourages its faculty and students to engage in outreach activities that serve to strengthen marine science education at all levels.
In addition to the information contained in this catalog, more information on the education activities and academic programs of VIMS/SMS can be found at: http://www.vims.edu/education/ |
