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• COLL Planning Guide

COLL Planning Guide

The guide below describes the types of courses and proficiencies that comprise the College Curriculum for students entering in academic year 2021-22 and following. You can use the Academic Planner [pdf] to help map these out, along with requirements for the major you choose and courses you take to explore, create, and connect.

COLL Courses and the Knowledge Domain Electives

See the Course Catalog or use the Dynamic Schedule to search for COLL courses and Knowledge Domain electives (ALV, CSI, NQR).

• COLL 100 (one course, must pass with at least C-)
• COLL 150 (one course, must pass with at least C-)
• Knowledge Domain Electives (3 courses)
  • ALV (minimum of 3 credits)
  • CSI (minimum of  3 credits)
  • NQR (minimum of 3 credits)
• COLL 200 (9 total credits)
  • COLL 200 ALV (minimum of 3 credits)
  • COLL 200 CSI (minimum of 3 credits)
  • COLL 200 NQR (minimum of 3 credits)
• COLL 300 (1 course or more, totaling 3 credits)
• COLL 350 (1 course or more, totaling 3 credits)
• COLL 400 (1 course, minimum of 3 credits)

Proficiencies

1. Foreign Language. A proficiency level of 202 (Level IV) in a foreign language, a natural language other than English, is required of all students. If you have not satisfied this proficiency, you should register for a language class that will begin the process of completing the requirement. You may satisfy the requirement by:
   • Taking 4 years of a foreign language (one language) in high school.
   • Receiving AP, IB or transfer credit for the 202 level or higher.
   • Completing a college-level course at the 202 level or above.
   • Petitioning for a proficiency exemption [pdf] if your native language is not English.
   If you have already satisfied the requirement through one of the methods above, you do not need to take any more language courses; but note that for students majoring in Global Studies, International Relations, or Medieval and Renaissance Studies there are additional language requirements, and check the Undergraduate Catalog.
2. Mathematics. You may satisfy this proficiency by:
   • Pre-matriculation transfer or test credit for a course in calculus or statistics.
   • Any William & Mary course in calculus or statistics.
   • Any William & Mary course with the "MATH" attribute.
3. Creative and Performing Arts. You may satisfy this requirement by completing a course with the "Arts Proficiency" attribute.

Planning Tips

• Note that a single course can fulfill both a proficiency and a COLL requirement. BUT a single course can't serve as both a required COLL course and a Knowledge Domain elective.
• Take your COLL 100 and COLL 150 courses in the first year.
• Plan to take at least one COLL 200 course in your second year; your other COLL 200 courses can be taken up to the second semester of your senior year. 
• Begin planning for your COLL 300. Will you study abroad? Do a campus COLL 300 course?
• Learn the requirements of majors you're considering, including courses with prerequisites, and schedule accordingly. Plan to complete COLL 400 in your senior year.