William & Mary

Academic Programs

The College of William and Mary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates, Master’s Degrees, post-masters certificates and Doctorates. The school is noted for the Law School and Psychology programs; the largest programs on campus are in Social Sciences, Biology and Bio-Medical fields, and Business. The school is comprised of one “faculty” and four schools: Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Mason School of Business, School of Education, School of Law and the School of Marine Science (Virginia Institute of Marine Science) located at Gloucester Point, VA. Approximately 60% of graduates continue their formal education in graduate school. Per their Mission Statement, “teaching, research, and public service are linked through programs designed to preserve, transmit, and expand knowledge. Effective teaching imparts knowledge and encourages the intellectual development of both student and teacher. Quality research supports the educational program by introducing students to the challenge and excitement of original discovery, and is a source of the knowledge and understanding needed for a better society. The university recognizes its special responsibility to the citizens of Virginia through public and community service to the Commonwealth as well as to national and international communities. Teaching, research, and public service are all integral parts of the mission of William & Mary.”

Student Life

There are over 6000 undergraduate students at the College of William and Mary, and there are extensive residence options available ranging from traditional dormitories to apartments and special interest housing. There are many student-run clubs and organizations including club and intramural sports. For the varsity athlete, the Green, Gold and Silver ‘Tribe’ field teams in 12 sports and participate in NCAA Division I-AA competition. Among the many traditions is the Christmas Yule Ceremony involving Administrators dressing up and reading ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ and ‘The Night Before Christmas.’ Students learn the school’s vision redefining “the academic community: building on more than 300 years of innovation and excellence, we break the boundaries between research and teaching, student and teacher, living and learning. People come to William & Mary wanting to change the world – and together we do.” As part of this, the college’s stated goals include: attracting outstanding, diverse students; developing an excellent, diverse faculty; provide challenging undergraduate program that encourages creativity, independent thought, and intellectual depth, breadth, and curiosity; instill an appreciation for the human condition, a concern for the public well-being, and a life-long commitment to learning; and further human knowledge and understanding, and to address specific problems confronting the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world.