The School of Marine Science (SMS) is one of William & Mary’s five graduate and professional programs. As the second oldest university in the nation, William & Mary is known as both a “Public Ivy” and a leading research university. The SMS is also an integral part of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), which is located in Gloucester Point, only 16 miles from the William & Mary campus in Williamsburg. VIMS is one of the largest marine science and research education centers in the United States and is at the forefront of coastal and estuarine science research. The VIMS commitment to its three-part mission – to conduct interdisciplinary research in coastal ocean and estuarine science, educate students and citizens, and provide advisory service to policy makers, industry, and the public – creates a unique and dynamic training ground for students who want to interface science and its application in service to the global community. The first VIMS marine science master’s was awarded in 1943 and the doctoral program was inaugurated in 1964. We celebrate over 1,000 VIMS alumni, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in academia and research-focused institutions, government agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and corporate and private sectors.

The SMS offers three advanced degree programs in marine science, a professional master’s degree (M.A.), a thesis-based master’s degree (M.S.) and a doctorate degree (Ph.D.). All offer options for disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies. Students entering without a M.S. are offered a M.S. bypass option. SMS also offers a sub-concentration in marine policy. Interested students also have a wealth of opportunities to participate in areas of applied research and advisory service to government and other organizations.

An undergraduate minor in marine science is jointly offered and administered by the SMS and Arts & Sciences. More information on undergraduate courses and the marine science minor is available at: http://www.wm.edu/as/marinescience/