Student Demand
Student demand in Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Science and Physics has skyrocketed at William & Mary in recent years, with continued growth projected on the horizon. This is reflected in the number of degrees conferred to students at William & Mary and an increase in undergraduate majors.
Increase in Degrees Conferred
Over the past decade, while the number of degrees conferred in Arts & Sciences overall grew by 5.4%, degrees in Computer Science grew by 217% and those in Physics grew by 186%, making them the highest in A&S. Data Science did not exist in 2013, but added a robust 49 new majors in 2023. Applied Science does not currently maintain an undergraduate program.
Bachelor's Degrees Conferred 2013-2023
| Unit | 2013 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 30 | 95 | +216.7% |
| Data Science | -- | 49 | -- |
| Physics | 14 | 40 | +185.7% |
| Arts & Sciences Total | 1,693 | 1,785 | +5.4% |
In terms of graduate degrees in 2023, Computer Science, Applied Science and Physics conferred 39% of all graduate degrees in Arts & Sciences. Focusing on doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in particular, the 24 conferred by these three units in 2023 represent 80% of the overall conferred by A&S.
Increased Undergraduate Majors
Computer Science, Data Science and Physics were home to 598 majors as of Spring 2023, a 15% increase over 2022. The university-wide growth in majors was 3.5% over the same period. Applied Science does not currently have an undergraduate program, though it does have a minor track.
Declared Majors, 2022-2023
| Unit | 2022 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 295 | 331 | +12.2% |
| Data Science | 119 | 155 | +30.2% |
| Physics | 106 | 112 | +5.7% |
| University Total | 6,370 | 6,593 | +3.5% |
