Academic Program

General Program Description

 The academic program of the School of Marine Science is intended primarily for the student who wishes to specialize in marine science at the graduate level. Degrees offered are the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science. The school offers research opportunities and instruction at the graduate level in five general areas: Fisheries Science, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Resource Management and Policy.

Though the courses offered by the School are primarily for graduate students, advanced undergraduates (juniors and seniors) may participate. For instance, biology, chemistry, and physics majors can enroll in suitable 400 level marine science courses for credit toward the bachelor's degree provided certain conditions (see College of William and Mary Undergraduate Program Catalog) are met. Undergraduates also may enroll for research credit to work on problems in marine science. The student is responsible for making the necessary arrangements with an individual School of Marine Science faculty member, and the consent of the chairperson of the student's major department is also required.

General Preparatory Requirements

Students who are interested in pursuing marine science as a profession should consult with their academic advisor or the Dean of Graduate Studies, School of Marine Science, early in their college careers to identify an academic program that will prepare them for graduate study in marine science.

Students interested in biological sciences, environmental sciences, or fisheries science should have a strong background in basic sciences, including a suite of contemporary biology courses, physics and chemistry (through organic), and mathematics through calculus and differential equations. The prospective chemical, geological or physical oceanography student should have an undergraduate degree with appropriate course work in chemistry, geology or related geophysical science, physics, meteorology, mathematics or engineering, and a solid quantitative background. Course work in statistics and competence with computers are particularly important for prospective resource management and policy students, but also are considered beneficial to students in all other fields of concentration as well.

Degree Requirements

General

 Students generally are bound by the requirements stated in the catalog in effect when they enter the School. The department in which the student specializes and individual advisory committees may prescribe additional requirements for their students.

Residency

To fulfill the full-time academic residency requirement of the School of Marine Science, students must
  1. Successfully complete the core course requirements;
  2. Be a full-time student in good standing for two
consecutive semesters.

Satisfactory Progress

To continue in a degree program, a student must make satisfactory progress towards the degree. If the faculty of a program in which a student is enrolled determines that satisfactory progress is not being made, a student may be required to withdraw because of academic deficiency. A student may appeal to the Academic Status and Degrees Committee.

Qualifying Exam

Each student must satisfactorily complete a qualifying examination that indicates a proficiency in the student's particular field of study. This examination is typically coupled with a presentation of the student's thesis/dissertation prospectus. Qualifying exams usually are completed by the end of the third semester (M.A.) or fourth semester (Ph.D.).

Registration Requirements

All active students (i.e. those working toward completion of a degree program who have not been granted leave), must register for a minimum of nine paid hours each semester, and one paid hour for each term of the summer session. Students must be registered in the semester during which they graduate. For a single semester, the student may be given research student status. This generally would be the semester in which the student completes the thesis and graduates.

System of Grading and Quality Points

The grades A (excellent), B (good), C (satisfactory), P (pass), in certain courses, D (unsatisfactory), and F (failure) are used to indicate the quality of work in a course. þWþ indicates that a student withdrew from the College before mid-semester or dropped a course between mid-semester and the last day of class and was passing at the time that the course was dropped. For each semester credit in a course in which a student is graded A, 4 quality points are awarded; A-, 3.7; B+, 3.3; B, 3; B-, 2.7; C+, 2.3; C, 2; C-, 1.7. P carries credit but is not included in a student's quality point average; D and F carry no credit but the hours attempted are included in the student's average. In addition to the grades A, B, C, P, D, F, and W, the symbols þGþ and þIþ are used on grade reports and in the College records. þGþ indicates that the instructor has deferred reporting the student's grade since there is insufficient evidence on which to base a grade. þIþ indicates that because of illness or other major extenuating circumstances, the student has postponed, with the explicit consent of the instructor, the completion of certain required work. þIþ automatically becomes þFþ at the end of the next semester if the postponed work has not been completed.

Transfer of Graduate Credit

On the recommendation of the Academic Status and Degrees Committee and the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies, a regular student may apply up to six hours of graduate credit earned at another accredited institution of higher learning toward an advanced degree at the College of William and Mary, School of Marine Science. The credits must have been earned in courses appropriate to the student's program in the School and must fall within the time specified by the general college requirements for degrees. Credit may be transferred only for courses in which the student received a grade of þBþ or better and may not be counted in compiling his or her quality point average at William and Mary.

Retaking a Course

Degree credit is granted only for coursework in which a student earns a grade of þCþ or above. A graduate student may repeat one course in which a grade of þCþ or lower is received; however, the initial grade earned remains a part of the student's record and is included in computations of quality point requirements. Any student receiving more than one þDþ or þFþ in a program of study will not be permitted to continue in the School of Marine Science.

Changes in Registration

All changes in students' schedules after the close of registration require approval of the instructors involved and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students may not add courses after the last day for changes in registration as indicated in the calendar. If the student drops a course or courses before mid-semester but remains registered for other academic work, the course or courses dropped will be removed from the student's record. If the student drops a course or courses after mid-semester through the last day of classes but remains registered for other academic work, the grade of "W" or "F" will be awarded by the instructor in the course depending upon whether or not the student was passing at the time the course was dropped. A student wishing to withdraw from a course (or courses) due to medical reasons after mid-semester may apply to the Academic Status and Degrees Committee for approval. If the Academic Status and Degrees Committee approves the request, a grade (or grades) of þWþ will appear on the transcript. Students may not drop a course after the last day of classes. If for medical reasons a student does not complete a course, þWþ with appropriate notation will be entered on the record upon approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies and the appropriate authorities at the College.

Leave of Absence

A student may request a leave of absence from the program for a specific period of time. Leaves of absence will relieve the student of the obligation of paying tuition while still remaining as a student in good standing. A student must terminate the leave of absence and be a registered student in the semester in which his or her degree requirements are completed or in which he or she graduates.

Probation

A student will be placed on probation for: receipt of a grade below a C (<< 2.0) or a cumulative average less than a B (<< 3.0). Probation will last until a student's cumulative average is raised to at least a B (3.0), and will in no circumstances last longer than one calendar year. If, during probation, the student receives a grade less than C (<<2.0), receives a semester average less than a B (<<3.0), or fails to raise cumulative average to at least a B (3.0), the penalty is automatic dismissal from the School of Marine Science, with the possibility of appeal to the Academic Status and Degrees Committee for reinstatement.

Withdrawal from the Program

Withdrawal from the program constitutes termination of the student's program of study in the School of Marine Science. Withdrawal may be voluntary on the part of the student or be imposed by the School of Marine Science for reasons of academic deficiency. A student who fails to register for a regular semester (fall or spring) once the student has begun his or her graduate study, who has not requested a leave of absence or permission to withdraw, will be placed on a leave of absence for one semester by the Dean of Graduate Studies. If the student has not applied for a leave of absence prior to the end of registration for the next regular semester, or if the Dean of Graduate Studies is not able to justify continuing the leave of absence, the student's record will be marked withdrawn unofficially. If the student withdraws from the College before mid-semester, a grade of "W" will appear on the record for each course in progress at the time of withdrawal. After mid-semester through the last day of classes, students who withdraw from the College will be awarded a "W" or "F" by the faculty member teaching each course in progress at the time of withdrawal.

Reinstatement After Withdrawal

A student wishing reinstatement after withdrawal must reapply to the School of Marine Science under the procedures in effect at the time of reapplication.

Extension of Time Limit

Classified (regular) students who have exceeded the time limit for degree completion and who have not been granted a time extension will not be permitted to register in the School of Marine Science.

Required Courses

All students

By the end of a student's second year in the School, the student must have passed the following core courses, MS 501, MS 502, MS 503, MS 505. Exemptions may be granted only under exceptional circumstances.

Students in Biological Sciences

MS 526.

Students in Environmental Sciences

Students in Fisheries Science

Must take one of the following: MS 625, MS 667, MS 669 or MS 672.

Students in Physical Sciences

Students must take one course from each of the following sequences:
  1. MS 524 or MS 520 or MS 522
  2. MS 555 or MS 613
  3. MS 626 or other quantitative course
  4. MS 601 (seminar)
In addition, Ph.D. students in Marine Chemistry must take MS 630.

Students in Resource Management and Policy

MS 542.

Language Requirement

Reading knowledge of one foreign language is required for either the M.A. or Ph.D. degree. Candidates for the doctorate who have passed a language examination for the master's degree in the School of Marine Science need not take another language examination. Individual committees may adopt additional language requirements at their discretion.

This requirement may be satisfied by achieving a C grade or better in two semesters of any major modern foreign language or may be satisfied for bilingual students by an oral examination. A student not meeting this qualification may be granted provisional admission but will not be allowed to be admitted to candidacy until a proficiency has been demonstrated.

Students whose native language is not English may, with the permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies, use English to fulfill the foreign language requirement. Proficiency in the use of the English language may be demonstrated by the completion of twelve credit hours of formal class work with grades of B or higher in the School of Marine Science. Upon recommendation of the Academic Status and Degrees Committee of the faculty, the Dean of Graduate Studies may approve alternate methods.

Degree of Master of Arts

The steps to be accomplished and requirements for the degree are:
  1. The student must select a suitable major professor, who must be a faculty member of the School of Marine Science, as soon as possible following admission. The student and the major professor will choose an Advisory Committee, which must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. The major professor and Advisory Committee direct the student's program.
  2. The Advisory Committee, chosen by the student and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies, must consist of at least five members. A majority of the committee's members must be members of the faculty of the School of Marine Science, although persons with appropriate qualifications from outside the School of Marine Science may serve on the committee. For students with a specialty in biology or fisheries science, at least one member must be from the discipline of physical or environmental science. For students with a specialty in physical or environmental science, at least one member must be from the discipline of biological or fisheries science. For students with a specialty in resource management and policy, at least one member must be from another discipline within the School of Marine Science.
  3. At least one year of each student's program must be spent as a full-time resident student as defined in the general degree requirements.
  4. At least 36 credit hours of advanced work, of which at least 9 credit hours must have been earned in courses numbered 550 or above with a grade point average of 3.0 or better, are required for the M.A. degree. In addition, a student must have registered for thesis (MS 599) for at least one semester. No more than six thesis credits may be counted toward the minimum 36 credits required for the M.A.

    Credits more than seven (7) years old and earned in the program in which the student is currently enrolled will be deleted from the accumulation of credits required for a degree. Credits acquired while enrolled in previous programs here or elsewhere will not be subject to this limitation.

  5. Upon a favorable recommendation of the student's Advisory Committee and the Academic Status and Degrees Committee, followed by a majority vote of the Academic Council and the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies, a student may be admitted to candidacy after completion of the following requirements:
    1. The student must have achieved a grade point average of B (3.0) or better, averaged over all courses taken for credit at the time of application for admission to candidacy.
    2. All core courses required by the School of Marine Science (MS 501, MS 502, MS 503, MS 505) must be passed with a grade of B or better or officially exempted, and all other courses specifically required by the student's department and Advisory Committee must be completed.
    3. The language requirement and the qualifying examination must be satisfactorily completed.
  6. The student must present a seminar to the marine science faculty, staff and students on a thesis topic approved by the major professor, the Advisory Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies, and must defend this thesis before his or her major professor and committee. The defense of the thesis shall be separate from any other examination. Full details of this requirement can be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  7. All requirements for the degree must be completed within three calendar years after commencing graduate study. In exceptional cases, if recommended by the Academic Status and Degrees Committee, time extensions may be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

 The steps to be accomplished and the requirements are:
  1. The student must select a suitable major professor, who must be a faculty member of the School of Marine Science, as soon as possible following admission. The student and the major professor will choose an Advisory Committee, which must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. The major professor and Advisory Committee direct the student's program.
  2. The Advisory Committee, chosen by the student and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies, must consist of at least five members, at least one of whom must be from outside the College of William and Mary. A majority of the committee's members must be members of the faculty of the School of Marine Science, although persons with appropriate qualifications from outside the School of Marine Science may serve on the committee. For students with a specialty in biology or fisheries science, at least one member must be from the discipline of physical or environmental science. For students with a specialty in physical or environmental science, at least one member must be from the discipline of biological or fisheries science. For students with a specialty in resource management and policy, at least one member must be from another discipline within the School of Marine Science.
  3. A minimum of three years of graduate study beyond the baccalaureate is required. At least one academic year must be or have been spent in residence as a full-time M.A. or Ph.D. student of the College of William and Mary at either the Williamsburg or the Gloucester Point campus, or both, as defined in the general requirements above.
  4. At least 42 credit hours of advanced work, of which at least 9 credit hours must have been earned in courses numbered 600 or above with a grade point average of 3.0 or better, are required for the Ph.D. degree. In addition, a student must have registered for at least 9 credit hours of dissertation (MS 699).

    Credits more than seven (7) years old and earned in the program in which the student is currently enrolled will be deleted from the accumulation of credits required for a degree. Credits acquired while enrolled in previous programs here or elsewhere will not be subject to this limitation.

  5. Upon a favorable recommendation of the student's Advisory Committee and the Academic Status and Degrees Committee, followed by a majority vote of the Academic Council and the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies, a student may be admitted to candidacy after completion of the following requirements:
    1. The student must have achieved a grade point average of B (3.0) or better, averaged over all courses taken for credit at the time of application for admission to candidacy.
    2. All core courses required by the School of Marine Science (MS 501, MS 502, MS 503, MS 505) must be passed or officially exempted, and all other courses specifically required by the student's department and Advisory Committee must be completed.
    3. The language requirement and the qualifying examination must be satisfactorily completed.
  6. The student must present a seminar to the marine science faculty, staff and students on a dissertation topic approved by the major professor, the Advisory Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies, and must defend this dissertation before his or her major professor and committee. The defense of the dissertation shall be separate from any other examination. Full details of this requirement can be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  7. All requirements for the degree must be completed within the following time frame:
  8. In exceptional cases, if recommended by the Academic Status and Degrees Committee, time extensions may be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  9. Dissertations will be published by having a master microfilm negative made from each original dissertation. These negatives will be stored and serviced by "University Microfilms" of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and positive microfilms or enlarged prints will be produced to order at the standard rate for other scholars who desire access to any dissertation. Each dissertation, when submitted, must be accompanied by two copies of an abstract of not more than 350 words. This abstract or summary will be published in Microfilm Abstracts for national distribution. No dissertation will be accepted without this abstract. A fee for the above services must be paid by the candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree before it is conferred. All dissertation research, however, should be planned, conducted and reported with a view toward publication of the results in a legitimate scientific journal.