Your Major
Undergraduate students at William & Mary begin their liberal arts education without a declared major. Courses you take in your first and second years will explore a variety of academic disciplines and give you a better sense for where you want to focus this part of your undergraduate studies.
The major represents more than 25 percent of your undergraduate coursework, and we recommend that you think carefully about how to choose your major.
Your major provides a deep dive into a specific area. Within the academic discipline you choose, you'll learn the knowledge needed to take your next step, whether it be launching your career or pursuing further study at the graduate level. You'll also refine certain skill sets (e.g., communication, critical thinking, research) in the context of your major. These skills are broadly transferable across the disciplines and are valued by employers in every field.
Students sometimes believe that declaring a second or "double" major or minor is somehow better or counts for more. More important, though, is the kinds of knowledge and skill sets you've acquired, and how these have prepared you for employment or further study.
Planning for Specific Careers
William & Mary doesn't offer set programs like "pre-med" or "pre-law." Instead, our pre-professional program advisors can help you plan your undergraduate coursework so you're fully prepared to take whatever next step you have in mind.
