Major Admissions
Current W&M students wanting to declare a major in coastal and marine sciences will be required to apply to the program. An application process will be announced later this spring. The intention is to start small and slowly increase the class size in the coming years by balancing student demand and the Batten School's high-engagement approach.
Interested students should plan to apply to the major program in the spring of their sophomore year, for entry in fall of their junior year. Admitted majors will participate in a fall semester immersion experience at the Batten School & VIMS Gloucester Point, VA campus, during which all of their fall of junior year courses will be taken at the Batten School & VIMS campus.
Application Requirements
The Batten School will announce the details on our holistic application process in the near future. At a minimum, students should expect to submit a personal statement, resume and academic transcript as part of their application packet. Additional guidance and details are forthcoming.
Application Deadline
More information coming soon!
Information Sessions
More information coming soon!
Freshmen and sophomores are strongly encouraged to review the anticipated curriculum to ensure the necessary marine science proficiency courses (those courses that are prerequisite courses for required immersion semester courses) will be completed prior to the start of their junior fall immersion semester experience. Questions related to course planning should be directed to your academic advisor, the Coastal & Marine Sciences Undergraduate Program Director Dr. Christopher Hein or the Batten School & VIMS Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs Jennifer Dahnke.