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Application Information

The online application is open for Fall 2025 admission to graduate programs at William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences, located at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).  Prospective students may apply to one of our three graduate marine science degree programs:

Key Dates
  • August 1, 2024 - Application opens
  • December 1, 2024 - Deadline for submission of the online application, this includes:
    • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
    • The online payment of the $44 (US) non-refundable application fee.  The application is not complete until the fee has been paid or waived.
    • TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)
    • All letters of recommendation from your references
  • April 15, 2025 - Latest date for notification of admission
Single column table for formatting purposes
Application Components
  • Prior to matriculation, M.S. or M.A. applicants must complete a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and Ph.D. applicants must have completed a Master's degree from an accredited institution. Students interested in pursuing our M.S. to Ph.D. bypass track need only to have completed a Bachelor's degree. 
  • There is no minimum GPA requirement for admission to the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences, however, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
    • All applications are holistically reviewed to assess preparation for graduate-level study in marine science. The Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences recognizes that GPA may not be fully reflective of an applicant's ability or academic preparation and encourages applicants to provide any additional relevant information within the Personal Statement.
  • Unofficial transcripts uploaded for all completed course work (official transcripts will be requested if your application is selected for further review)
  • TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores, for all international applicants
    • TOEFL School code - 5115
  • Resumé or CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Supplemental Question Responses (see Application Components document)
  • Personal Statement (Optional)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Non-refundable application fee of $44 (US).  The application is not complete until the fee has been paid or waived.
GRE Scores

GRE scores are not required for admission to the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences.  They are not used by the Admission Committee nor the Office of Academic Affairs to evaluate or rank applicants, and cannot be submitted through the application website.  Individual faculty members may wish to see unofficial GRE scores, but they will not be shared with the Admissions Committee or other faculty members.  We recommend that applicants for the M.S. or Ph.D. programs contact prospective faculty advisors to inquire if they wish to see GRE scores.  Applicants for the M.A. program do not need to submit unofficial GRE scores to the M.A. Program Director.
M.S. & Ph.D. Applicants Only

As you apply, please review descriptions of the research programs of our faculty and contact faculty members with whom you share research interests.  Discuss with them specific research areas, funding opportunities, and program information.

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