- About
- With 500+ faculty, staff and students and three campus locations, the Batten School & VIMS are equipped to tackle pressing challenges through research, education and advisory service.
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- Research & Advisory
- Purple marsh crabs are significantly disrupting carbon cycling in salt marshes along the East Coast of the U.S., according to a study led by Batten School & VIMS scientists.
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- Batten School
- The R. Todd Stravitz Scholars Program will provide full tuition support for students pursuing the new bachelor’s degree in coastal & marine sciences at the Batten School & VIMS.
  
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- Engage
- Popular, free camps enable rising third through eighth graders to learn about the Chesapeake Bay, coastal ecosystems and environmental stewardship.
  
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- News & Events
- National TRAP Program funds large-scale cleanup of discarded fishing gear, first round of subawards totaling more than $1.4M supports 11 projects focused on removing derelict fishing gear from coastal waters in nine U.S. states and Palau.
  
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- Giving
- Lifetimes dedicated to environmental science inspired Fu-Lin Chu Ph.D. '82, P '97, P '12 and William Chu P '97, P '12 to create a fellowship for graduate students.
  
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New! Major in Coastal & Marine Sciences

Major FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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I am a current W&M student interested in the Coastal & Marine Sciences major. Who do I contact if I have questions? We plan to offer several information sessions in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, current W&M students may contact the Coastal & Marine Sciences Undergraduate Program Director Dr. Chris Hein or the Batten School & VIMS Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs Jennifer Dahnke (804-684-7256) with any questions.
I am a current high school or prospective transfer student interested in studying coastal and marine sciences. Who do I contact if I have questions? All prospective undergraduate students can learn more about W&M through the university's Undergraduate Admissions Office. There are several main campus visit opportunities available. The Coastal & Marine Sciences program will be part of the Day for Admitted Students event this spring.
How can I visit and tour the Batten School & VIMS? The W&M Batten School for Coastal & Marine Sciences is located at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science campus in Gloucester Point, VA (about 30 minutes from the W&M Williamsburg main campus). The Batten School & VIMS is primarily a research and graduate campus. We do not currently offer regular tours to prospective undergraduate students (information on tours of the W&M Williamsburg main campus can be found on the Undergraduate Admissions website). 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!
How do I declare a major in Coastal & Marine Sciences? Students wanting to declare a major in Coastal & Marine Sciences will need 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's School's high-engagement approach. We anticipate students will apply to the program during their sophomore year for entry in their junior year.
Will majors need to travel to the Batten School & VIMS campus to take marine science courses? With the exception of the required immersion semester and optional field courses, all courses in the Coastal & Marine Sciences major are offered in-person on the W&M Williamsburg campus. During the majors immersion semester, students will be expected to attend all classes at the Batten School & VIMS campus. Daily return trip transportation from to the Batten School & VIMS Gloucester Point campus from the W&M Williamsburg campus will be provided to students during their immersion semester.
Will the Coastal & Marine Sciences major be a primary major? Yes! The Coastal & Sciences major is available as a primary major at W&M. Students may also choose to pursue a second major or a minor in a different discipline. Coastal & Marine Sciences majors are not permitted to also have a Marine Science minor.
Are their any W&M student organizations I can join to explore my interests? Yes! The Marine Science Society (MSS) welcomes students who are passionate and curious about the field of marine science. Members are introduced to resources in marine sciences and connected with others interested in discussing topics related to today's ocean and coastal environments. The group meets regularly throughout the semester.