Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact if I have questions about the Minor in Marine Science?

Students should contact the co-directors Dr. Chris Hein or Dr. Junping Shi with any questions.

I am a prospective William & Mary student interested in Marine Science. How can I visit and tour VIMS?

Unlike William & Mary, VIMS is primarily a research and graduate campus. We do not offer regular tours to prospective undergraduate students (information on tours of the William & Mary campus can  be found on the Undergraduate Admissions website). Prospective students are encouraged to first explore this webpage in full and to contact the co-directors Dr. Chris Hein or Dr. Junping Shi with any questions. VIMS does offer several public programs such as summer tours and our large open house, Marine Science Day. We fully welcome prospective students to all of these!

When should I complete the paperwork for declaring a minor in marine science?

 Students can declare a minor in marine science up until their final semester at William & Mary. However, we encourage students to declare their minor early so that we can provide advice and guidance throughout their degree program.

If you are interested in declaring a Minor in Marine Science, please email co-directors Dr. Christopher Hein or Dr. Junping Shi.

Declaration of Academic Minor Form

Do I need to travel to the VIMS campus to take marine science courses?

With the exception of field courses at the Eastern Shore Lab and in Wales, all marine science courses are offered on the Williamsburg campus. The majority are offered in-person. Several are delivered from VIMS through distance learning technology. These distance-learning classes include regular participation by a teaching assistant who serves as a liaison between the campuses and interacts directly with undergraduates on the Williamsburg campus.

However, to complement coursework, we encourage students to visit the VIMS campus and explore the many opportunities it offers including world-class research facilities, opportunities to participate in research with faculty and graduate students, and an interesting and diverse program of seminars and public presentations.

Is transportation available between the Williamsburg and VIMS campuses?

 Transportation is currently not available. The Marine Science Society currently operates an informal carpool between the campuses. Reach out to their leadership, or to co-director Dr. Christopher Hein, with questions.