Summer Intern Program

Each year the Summer Intern Program (SIP) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) places 12 to 15 undergraduates with faculty mentors for a summer research experience. Internships are available in many areas of marine science, including biological, geological, chemical, and physical oceanography; environmental science; fisheries; and resource management.

The program is funded by the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, VIMS, The College of William and Mary (W&M), private donors, and grants to individual faculty.

All students, including those traditionally under-represented in the marine sciences, are encouraged to apply. In general, rising juniors and seniors are preferred because of their better course preparation. Due to funding constraints, we are generally unable to consider applications of foreign students unless they are permanent residents or already in possession of a F1 Student visa to attend a college or university in the U.S. 

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, located in Gloucester Point, Virginia, is one of the largest coastal and estuarine science institutions in the world, with more than 65 faculty and a graduate student body of more than 120.

VIMS houses state-of-the-art oceanographic instrumentation and analytical facilities, a large fleet of coastal research vessels, a world-class marine science library, and is within close proximity to a variety of habitats ranging from freshwater tributaries to the coastal ocean. The School of Marine Science is a part of the College of William and Mary, one of the most highly rated public universities emphasizing undergraduate education in the United States.

Are you a former intern visiting the web site? If so, please send us an update! Also, find us on Facebook - VIMS Summer Intern REU Alumni.