VIMS

School of Marine Science

The School of Marine Science (SMS) confers a professional master's (M.A.) degree and two research (M.S. and Ph.D.) degrees in marine science. These programs prepare students to address societal and global challenges in estuarine, coastal, and marine systems. The SMS fosters academic excellence and provides a core graduate education program encompassing knowledge, scholarship, communication, and professional development.

Matriculating Class of 2023

The SMS has granted over 1,000 graduate degrees, making it one of the largest marine science graduate programs in the United States. SMS graduates have sought and achieved diverse career paths in colleges and universities, government agencies, consulting firms, marine education and outreach organizations, NGOs, and industry around the world. We have alumni in faculty positions at major universities and colleges in the U.S. and abroad. A significant percentage of our graduates seek and attain research, management, and policy positions in federal agencies such as NOAA, NMFS, EPA, and USGS. More than 90% of SMS graduates have a job in the field of marine science at the time of graduation.

The SMS is one of the five graduate and professional programs at William & Mary, a world-class university.  Founded in 1940, VIMS is one of the largest marine science centers in the U.S., with a focus on coastal and estuarine science. The SMS is a vibrant scholarly community that is characterized by a high level of collegiality and a commitment to student professional growth.