The Virginia Institute of Marine Science

As one of the largest marine science centers in the United States, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a long history of excellence in coastal and estuarine science. Founded in 1940, the Institute’s strength lies in its diverse faculty and interdisciplinary approaches to   complex scientific questions combined with an ability to provide practical advice on issues that have important implications for society. Faculty members lead global efforts to understand the coastal environment and to provide independent scientific information that informs policy solutions nationally and internationally. VIMS also takes a leading role in identifying and addressing the problems of Chesapeake Bay.

School of Marine Science

The School of Marine Science (SMS) is an integral part of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. It is also one of five graduate and professional schools of the College of William and Mary. The campus is in Gloucester Point, approximately 20 miles from the main campus located in Williamsburg, Virginia. VIMS awarded its first master’s degree in 1943 and inaugurated a Doctoral program in 1964. More than 900 marine scientists have earned graduate degrees over the Institute’s history. At present SMS has 110 graduate students, with about half working towards a Master of Science (M.S.) degree and half towards a Doctorate (Ph.D.). Our alumni have gone on to distinguished careers in academia and research-focused institutions, regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal levels and in the corporate and private sectors.