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Application Components & Deadlines

The School of Marine Science (SMS) online application for Fall 2025 admission is available and welcomes applicants for the Professional M.A. and the M.S. and Ph.D. in 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 referees
  • April 15, 2025 - Latest date for notification of admission
Single column table for formatting purposes
Application Components
  • Completed a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • There is no minimum GPA requirement for admission to the School of Marine Science, 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 SMS 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
  • 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 School of Marine Science (SMS).  They are not used by the SMS or Admissions Committee 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.

See our Application Instructions for more details. 
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.

Information about the online application system is available here. 
Contact Information for Application Materials
Office of Academic Affairs - Admissions
School of Marine Science
Gloucester Point, VA 23062  USA
e-mail: [[admissions, Office of Academic Affairs - Admissions]]
 Telephone: (804) 684-7105

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