Graduate Program

The School of Marine Science (SMS) is the academic program within the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and is one of four graduate and professional schools of the College of William and Mary.  SMS/VIMS offers a unique research and educational opportunity to students seeking advanced degrees in marine science.   Graduate studies and research opportunities for students pursuing either Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy Degrees are offered in four major program areas:  biological sciences, environmental and aquatic animal health, fisheries sciences and physical sciences. 

Research at SMS/VIMS emphasizes the study of marine environments from estuaries to the open ocean, with special emphasis on coastal systems. Interdisciplinary studies are encouraged. In addition to teaching and conducting basic research, many faculty members are engaged in applied research of concern to industry and management agencies. Students often find that their assistantship duties and/or research activities offer opportunities that bring them in close contact with other departments at the SMS and William and Mary, marine related industries, and state, regional, federal and international management agencies.

Mission of the School of Marine Science

The 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 we:

• provide instruction in the fundamentals of marine science so that students gain a general understanding of oceanic, coastal and estuarine systems,
• offer advanced courses tailored to each student's area of research specialization,
• encourage 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.