Exploring Academic Pathways: A Guide to Undergraduate Majors at William & Mary

William & Mary, chartered in 1693, stands as one of the nation's oldest and most selective public universities. With a commitment to rigorous, interdisciplinary academics, the university attracts curious and accomplished students eager to learn beyond traditional textbooks. A hallmark of the William & Mary experience is hands-on research, extending across humanities, STEM, and computational fields. The administration actively supports student involvement at every level, fostering opportunities for study abroad, faculty-student research, authorship, and conference presentations.

Discovering Your Academic Home

At William & Mary, students begin their academic journey without a declared major. This allows for exploration and discovery across various disciplines. By the third year, students choose a major, double major, or a major and a minor that aligns with their interests, or even design a custom major. This approach fosters well-rounded students exposed to diverse perspectives, ways of thinking, and areas of knowledge.

The COLL Curriculum is a cornerstone of the undergraduate experience. It's a set of specially designed classes that connect and integrate learning across academic disciplines. Direct experience is highly valued, opening doors and paving the way for career success. William & Mary encourages students to view the university as their "personal exploration university."

Experiential Learning and Global Engagement

A significant portion of undergraduate students engages in faculty-mentored research, with a notable percentage having their work published before graduation. William & Mary is recognized for its impact, offering numerous community-engaged learning opportunities that support students' development as active and educated citizens.

The university excels in study abroad participation among public universities, with approximately half of the undergraduate students receiving credit for global experiences. This commitment to global engagement enriches the academic experience and broadens students' perspectives.

Read also: William and Mary Law

Academic Support and Resources

From day one, William & Mary provides robust academic support. Students work with peer advisors and faculty advisors to assess their academic goals. The university ensures students stay informed about opportunities and resources, guiding them toward a future that’s uniquely theirs.

A Diverse and Motivated Student Body

Students at William & Mary hail from across the country and the world, forming a group of unique individuals with diverse passions. They are united by their motivation to perform and excel in their chosen fields. This energy creates a vibrant social fabric where students are open to friendships with peers and faculty alike.

Career Preparation and Networking

William & Mary students are well-prepared for the job market. The university's strong reputation assures employers and graduate schools of students' abilities to excel in real-world situations. The Cohen Career Center offers top-notch services, including resume reviews and mock interviews, providing students with valuable insight and support. William & Mary excels at connecting students with alumni, further enhancing career prospects.

Departments and Schools

Academic life at William & Mary is organized across six schools and numerous academic departments. These units provide learning opportunities both in Virginia and around the world.

Faculty of Arts & Sciences (A&S)

The largest academic unit on campus, A&S offers a wide range of programs, including over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. It also houses 11 graduate programs and 20 research centers and institutions.

Read also: Funding Your Education at WPU

Mason School of Business

Undergraduate students can choose from four majors, eight minors, and nine concentrations. The school also offers several MBA options and four specialized master’s programs, delivered both in the classroom and online.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)

VIMS offers graduate studies and an undergraduate major and minor in coastal & marine sciences. Students have the opportunity to study at one of the nation's largest and most prestigious centers for coastal and marine research and education.

The College of William & Mary's Newest School

Expanding the university's ability to prepare students to thrive in a data-rich world, the new school brings together four of the university's units: applied science, computer science, data science and physics.

School of Education

Undergraduate teacher preparation and advanced degrees in curriculum and instruction, counseling, school psychology, and educational leadership are offered both in-person and online.

School of Law

Steeped in history and always innovative, the law school offers J.D., combination degrees, LL.M., and online programs.

Specific Majors and Programs

Business Majors Program

All William & Mary students interested in a business major or minor must apply for admission to the Undergraduate Business program. All majors complete coursework in the core curriculum, which provides a strong foundation in concepts and practices central to all business disciplines.

Foundation Semester

Students participate in the Foundation Semester during their first semester of the Business Majors Program. This course complements the core courses in the BBA program by integrating disciplines, ethical considerations, and business communications. The course includes business simulations, team interaction, and presentation skills.

Core Courses

The business core program includes courses such as:

A study of the role of marketing in business and the economy.
An examination of the finance function in the firm.
Instruction in the use of application software, including presentation software, spreadsheets, and database application.
An introduction to the concepts of business analytics, operations management, and information systems.
Development of the ability to recognize and manage human and behavioral factors in work settings.
An introduction to the law and the legal process.
A focus on operations knowledge essential to successful management.
Advanced skills in Excel and its companion programming language, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).
Exposure to global issues that influence the competitive behavior and performance of firms.
Skills for conducting strategic analysis in a variety of industry and competitive situations in the global economy.

Accounting Major

The accounting major is designed to provide students with fundamentals of business while preparing them for a variety of careers both in business and in the public sector. The accounting major requires 15 credit hours in addition to the undergraduate core curriculum.

Business Analytics Major

In addition to the core curriculum, students majoring in business analytics may choose an emphasis in either data science or supply chain.

Finance Major

In addition to the core curriculum, students majoring in finance complete 12 credits in the discipline. The Boehly Center for Excellence in Finance provides opportunities for advanced financial training, career exploration, networking, and experiential learning through financial firm-sponsored competitions as well as through industry-leader and dedicated faculty-taught courses.

Marketing Major

In addition to the core curriculum, students majoring in marketing complete 12 credits in the discipline.

Concentrations

A concentration allows Business Majors to study a business discipline outside of their major by taking 6-9 additional credits of coursework. Students majoring in another business discipline may add a concentration in Accounting by completing an additional six credits of coursework in the area beyond Principles of Accounting.

tags: #William #and #Mary #undergraduate #majors #list