M.S. & Ph.D. Degrees
Program Overview
The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are designed for students who wish to pursue science-focused careers at an advanced level. The School of Marine Science offers diverse course work in marine science, as well as advanced quantitative method courses, and courses or training programs that help students develop the technical and professional skills that employers seek. Graduates of the M.S. degree are well-prepared for further graduate study or for marine science careers in academia, government, and other employment sectors. Graduates of the Ph.D. program are well-prepared for advanced science careers and leadership, including at colleges and universities, federal agencies, and in the private sector.
Interested in a professionally focused degree? Check out our M.A. program!
The M.S. and Ph.D. Program overview can be found through our Program Brochure.
Program Curriculum
The M.S. program (32 credits) normally requires 2.5 to 3 years for degree completion. In addition to coursework, students are required to pass a qualifying exam, give a public seminar and successfully defend a research prospectus and an original thesis. Students must also complete two semesters of full-time residency on the VIMS campus. Further program requirement information can be found in our Course Catalog.
The Ph.D. program (42 credits) normally requires 4 to 6 years for degree completion, depending on a student’s prior preparation for advanced studies in marine science. In addition to coursework, students are required to pass a comprehensive exam and an oral qualifying exam, give a public seminar and successfully defend a research prospectus and an original dissertation. Students must also complete two semesters of full-time residency on the VIMS campus. Further program requirement information can be found in our Course Catalog.
Admissions
Applicants for the M.S. and Ph.D. program should have a strong background in basic science, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, and contemporary biology courses. Previous course work in statistics and using R are recommended. The prospective student must have a B.A. or B.S. from an accredited institution and should have completed undergraduate course work to match their graduate academic interests.
Prospective students for the M.S. or Ph.D. programs in the School or Marine Science must identify and contact a potential faculty advisor to verify if space and funding is available. Visit the department website to identify research opportunities and contact VIMS faculty members directly with inquiries about available research opportunities.
Financial Aid
VIMS recognizes the importance of supporting students in their study of marine science, and has fellowships, scholarships, and work-study opportunities available to help reduce the costs. Funding for students in the M.S. and Ph.D. programs comes from various sources, including institutional assistantships, fellowships, and tuition waivers; research grants and contracts awarded to the advisor; and external fellowship and research awards to the student. In order to assess funding availability in a faculty-led research group, prospective students should contact faculty members directly. Additional information on cost and funding availability can be found here.
Contact Information
Website | The Office of Academic StudiesEmail | admissions@vims.edu
Phone | (804) 684-7105