About

The Virginia School of Marine Science (SMS)/Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) is William and Mary's graduate school in marine science. It is one of the leading marine research and education institutions in the United States and has a critical responsibility to provide high-quality educational resources concerning the marine environment.

 Arts and Sciences (A&S) is the home of the W&M undergraduate programs. Response to related courses offered in the A&S departments have indicated a strong interest among students in marine science.   In spite of this interest, undergraduate students' access to VIMS facilities and courses has been historically limited to the few students who have pursued individual research projects with VIMS faculty.

In Spring 2010, W&M initiated a three-year pilot program that gives undergraduates the opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary minor in marine science.  The proposed curriculum includes courses that are presently taught at VIMS and the Williamsburg campus.