Core Requirement #2.7.3 (General Education)
The Institution requires in each undergraduate degree program the successful completion of a general education program at the collegiate level that (1) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for course equivalency.
Compliance Certification
The College of William and Mary is in compliance with this requirement.
Explanation
All bachelor's degree programs require completion of the general education requirements. These requirements exceed the SACS minimums and include approximately 36 semester credits. The general education requirements are listed below. (All of the identified courses are three- or four- credit courses, except courses that meet the Creative and Performing Arts requirement, which range from one- to three- credits.)
| General Education Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning | One course |
| Natural Sciences | Two courses, one biological and one physical, with at least one having a laboratory component |
| Social Sciences | Two courses |
| World Cultures and History | Three courses, one in a European tradition, one in a non-European tradition, and one elective |
| Literature and History of the Arts | One course |
| Creative and Performing Arts | 2 credit hours |
| Philosophical, Religious and Social Thought | One course |
The policy governing course equivalency is found in the College of William and Mary 2004-2005 Course Catalog in the section entitled Placement, Credit by Examination and Transfer Credit.
In addition to these, undergraduate degrees require the following:
A. Foreign Language Proficiency
Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language commensurate with the 202 level at William and Mary. Completion of the foreign language requirement is accomplished in several ways: a) completion of Level IV in high school of an ancient or modern foreign language; b) a score of at least 600 on the College Board SAT II achievement test in a modern foreign language or 650 on the test in Latin; or, c) completion of a college language course at or above the 202 level. See Undergraduate Degree Foreign Language Requirements.
B. Writing Proficiency
(1) Lower Division Writing Requirement : All students must satisfactorily complete with a grade of C- or better, by the end of their fourth semester and normally during their first year at the College, a one-semester course in writing—either Writing 101 or a freshman seminar or a lower-division course designated "W". The only exemptions to this requirement are through AP, IB or transfer credit (see Placement, Credit by Examination and Transfer Credit).
(2) Major Writing Requirement: In addition, all students must satisfy the Major Writing Requirement described by each department, program or school. Students must satisfy the lower-division writing proficiency requirement before attempting the Major Writing Requirement. If the department, program or school specifies a graded course or courses to satisfy the requirement, the student's grade(s) in that course or those courses must be C- or better. The purpose of the Major Writing Requirement is to ensure that students continue to develop their ability to write in clear, effective prose, which contains sustained and well-developed thought. The Major Writing Requirement must provide students with a series of opportunities to practice their writing, especially as commented upon by an instructor. Each student is expected to complete the writing requirement before the beginning of the graduating semester, normally during the junior and senior years; where the requirement may be met through a Major Honors paper, a senior paper, or the like, it may be completed as late as the end of the graduating semester. When a student has a double major, the requirement applies in each major.
C. Computing Proficiency
All students must satisfy a Major Computing Requirement. Each department and program or school has described how the Major Computing Requirement is fulfilled. (College of William and Mary 2004-2005 Course Catalog).
D. Freshman Seminar Requirement
Each entering undergraduate student is required to pass one freshman seminar. The only students who are exempt from this requirement are transfer students who enter the College with at least 24 semester credits earned after graduation from high school, which have been accepted for credit at the College of William and Mary. College credits earned through Advanced Placement or other placement tests will not be counted towards the 24 semester credits required for exemption. The freshman seminar requirement should be completed during the freshman year. A student may not declare a major until this requirement is completed. Freshman seminars are usually numbered 150 and are offered in most departments and programs. Freshman seminars designated "W" and other lower-division courses designated "W" may be used to satisfy the lower-division writing requirement when the student earns a C- or better.
In addition to the individual review of courses, the College accepts courses from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) under the provisions of the State Policy on Transfer. The agreement outlines the requirements that are fulfilled and not fulfilled by students transferring to the College with an associate's degree. The Guide for Transfer Students offers detailed information on transfers, including a description of the State Policy. The College maintains an articulation table, updated yearly, of VCCS courses and their William and Mary equivalents. This can be found at Virginia Community College Evaluations.
All policies governing transfer of credit or taking courses through consortia are the same as for courses taken on campus.