Apply to the Coastal & Marine Sciences Major
What You Need to Know Before Applying
Program & Admissions Overview
Current William & Mary students who want to declare the Coastal & Marine Sciences major must apply to the program. The major is designed to start with a small cohort and grow thoughtfully over time by balancing student interest with the Batten School’s high‑engagement educational approach. Most applicants apply in the spring of their sophomore year for entry in the fall of their junior year.
The application for Fall 2026 is no longer active for current William & Mary students, check back in November for additional information and timelines.
Tentative Admissions Timeline
Information Sessions | Late Fall
Information sessions are generally held in late fall. Students are encouraged to attend so that questions about the application process can be answered.
Application Period | Mid January-early February
Applications for current William & Mary students open in early January and are due in early February for example, the application deadline for Fall 2026 admission was Sunday, February 1, 2026 at midnight.
Interviews | Late February
The admissions committee will hold in‑person interviews in late February for a portion of applicants.
Decision Notifications | Before spring break
Decision letters are typically sent before William & Mary’s spring break (before student course “cart building” begins) so admitted students can plan their schedules and fall Immersion Semester.
Responding to Offers I Before spring registration opens
Students who receive an offer of admission will need to formally respond within a specified timeframe outlined in their decision communication.
Eligibility Requirements
Current William & Mary students must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for entry into the Coastal & Marine Sciences major. Students admitted to the major will participate in the Immersion Semester at the Batten School & VIMS Gloucester Point campus the following fall.
- Junior Standing: Students must have earned at least 54 credits (junior academic standing on their W&M transcript) by the summer after they apply.
- MSCI 230 or Equivalent: Students must complete MSCI 230 (Introduction to Marine Science) or an approved equivalent by the end of the summer after they apply.
- CHEM 103 or Equivalent: Students must complete CHEM 103 (General Chemistry I) or an approved equivalent by the end of the summer after they apply.
Information for Transfer Students
Transfer students should plan early to ensure prerequisite coursework is completed prior to applying. Students must first be admitted to William & Mary before applying to the Coastal & Marine Sciences major.
- Applications typically open in late May
- Transfer applicants must meet the same eligibility requirements as current William & Mary students
- Admission timing may vary depending on when students enroll at William & Mary
Questions? Please contact Chris Wlosinski, Associate Director for Undergraduate Student Success, at cmwlosinski@vims.edu.
Application Components
The admissions committee uses a holistic review process and begins reviewing applications shortly after the submission deadline.
Required Materials (All documents must be uploaded as a single pdf packet and uploaded for consideration) Please note these are the components from the last admissions cycle. Some components may change for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Unofficial William & Mary transcript
- Resume (1-2 pages)
- Academic Planner
- Short Essay Responses (200 word limit for each question)
- Describe your particular interests within the broad and interdisciplinary field of marine science and how these interests developed over time.
- How does a bachelor's degree in coastal and marine sciences help you reach your long-term goals?
- Explain your thoughts on the role of multiple perspectives in science and describe an experience that has prepared you to work effectively on teams with different backgrounds and experiences.
- Describe what you have learned from a previous challenge that will help you to succeed in the major.
- Recommendation letters are not a part of the application, and will not be accepted.
Interviews
The admissions committee conducts in-person interviews with a portion of applicants. Interviews are typically held in late February.
Questions?
We’re happy to help! For questions related to course planning or the application process, please contact the Batten School & VIMS Associate Director for Undergraduate Student Success, Chris Wlosinski, at cmwlosinski@vims.edu.