Breadth vs Depth

The Joint Degree Programme at William & Mary emphasizes both breadth and depth, encouraging students to explore a wide range of disciplines while delving deeply into their chosen fields. 

Breadth

This is what will be accomplished in your sub honors years (years 1&2). Here you will take a wide variety of classes some in and some outside of your major.  

You will satisfy the Programme's breadth requirement by taking six courses that meet the knowledge-objectives that underlie the College's existing COLL Curriculum:

• An understanding of the world of nature;
• An understanding of individual and social behavior;
• A general historical knowledge of Western civilization;
• An acquaintance with a non-Western cultural tradition;
• A general knowledge of masterworks, genres and movements in art, music, and literature;
• A general knowledge of major philosophical and religious systems.

You will work with your advisor to choose courses that fulfill these objectives as well as your academic goals.

Depth

This will accomplished during your honors years (years 3&4) and will be a deep dive into your major. The average William and Mary student takes 36-40 credit in their major. As a JDP Student you will be taking 54-60 credites in your major.

We also require a Fourth Year Research Experience which is not required of all regular William and Mary majors. The option for this vary depending on the institution that you are at in your fourth year.

• St Andrews- Dissertation
• W&M- Honors Thesis, Independent Study, or Capstone.