About Us
The Applied Science Department is an interdisciplinary field that bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application. In a department with mostly graduate students, the focus tends to be on advanced, specialized topics that are designed to prepare students for careers in research, industry, and academia. Our mission is to equip students and researchers with the skills, tools, and mindset to drive scientific progress, contribute to technological advancements, and improve the well-being of society.
Graduate students in Applied Science often overlap with diverse fields such as engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science. The department emphasizes the application of scientific principles to solve real-world problems, integrating theory and practical skills.
As graduate students typically pursue a Ph.D., research is a core component. Research may focus on emerging technologies, sustainable practices, medical advancements, or innovation in engineering and technology.
Graduate students take advanced courses that delve deeper into specific subjects like materials science, bio-materials, data science, biotechnology, and more. These programs are designed to develop critical thinking, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills.
Why choose Applied Science at William & Mary?
- An academic program tailored to each student's needs. The coursework component of each student's curriculum is highly flexible and is planned individually with his or her faculty advisory committee.
- Outstanding research opportunities in internationally recognized laboratories. Applied Science students perform their research in the laboratories at William & Mary, Jefferson Lab, and NASA Langley.
- Yearly stipends and full-tuition scholarships. The Research Assistant stipend is approximately $31,000 plus tuition and health insurance.
- A delightful location adjacent to historic Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg is located in a beautiful area with the Atlantic Ocean beaches and the Chesapeake Bay an hour's drive to the east, the Blue Ridge Mountains two and a half hours to the west, and Washington, D.C. two hours to the north.
Prospective students are highly encouraged to visit the Department and meet with faculty and students whose research is most of interest. It works best to contact a faculty member in advance to request additional information and arrange a meeting or lab tour. Faculty members can be contacted directly via phone, email or Skype and look forward to hearing from you.
General inquiries can be directed to our Graduate Program Coordinator, Mariasole Sirianni, via email at msirianni@wm.edu or phone at 757-221-4357.