News Summary
William & Mary is set to establish its first new academic school in five decades, the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics (CDSP). This innovative institution will merge several academic units and offer a range of degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence. Dean Douglas C. Schmidt aims to enhance interdisciplinary education and research opportunities, preparing students for diverse career paths. CDSP will also introduce holistic advising practices and annual festivals to showcase student projects and foster community engagement.
Williamsburg, Virginia – William & Mary is set to launch its first new academic school in 50 years with the introduction of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics (CDSP) this summer. The establishment of CDSP marks a significant expansion in the university’s academic landscape, merging four distinct academic units: applied science, computer science, data science, and physics. This innovative school aims to enhance the university’s reputation for cutting-edge research while offering new pathways for students.
The new dean of CDSP, Douglas C. Schmidt, is an alumnus of William & Mary with over three decades of experience in academic leadership and government. Recognized internationally for his scholarly contributions, Schmidt will spearhead the initiative to integrate technology and liberal arts education, fostering an environment that encourages both critical inquiry and technological proficiency.
Undergraduate candidates will not apply directly to CDSP. Instead, students in their second year who maintain good academic standing will have the opportunity to join based on specific criteria. To support students with a GPA lower than 3.0, the school will implement holistic advising practices, helping these students create tailored success plans for their academic journeys.
CDSP is set to offer an array of degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, with further degree offerings pending approval. This will provide students with a diverse range of academic paths, including the possibility of pursuing double majors or minors in other departments at William & Mary. The curriculum is designed to overlap with general education requirements, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Non-majors will also benefit from the school’s varied course offerings.
Beginning in the Fall of 2025, students enrolling in selected courses will be subject to a fee of $250 per credit hour. This fee will help support the school’s mission to enhance educational quality and expand research funding opportunities, aimed at elevating William & Mary’s profile within both academic and professional spheres.
The core of CDSP’s curriculum will focus on interdisciplinary courses, preparing students for versatile careers across multiple fields, including science, government, and education. The school is committed to promoting collaborative research opportunities, allowing undergraduate students to work alongside faculty members on inventive projects and research initiatives.
In an effort to position the university as a leader in merging arts and sciences with advanced technology education, CDSP plans to host annual “Innovation on the Green” festivals. These events will showcase student research, projects, and initiatives, fostering community engagement and highlighting the innovative work being conducted at William & Mary.
The infrastructure and resources supporting CDSP will be built on collaborations with existing academic departments, enhancing interdisciplinary synergy and resource access for students and faculty alike. The aim is to create a dynamic educational environment that supports research and innovation while addressing the ethical and policy implications surrounding technology and data sciences.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the new school is dedicated to preparing students for adaptable careers that respond to changing job markets and societal needs. The leadership of Douglas Schmidt is expected to guide CDSP in its mission to provide a forward-thinking education that balances technological mastery with a foundational understanding of the humanities.
The establishment of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics at William & Mary reflects a broader commitment to fostering an educational landscape that is not only innovative but also deeply integrated within the values of the liberal arts. By emphasizing interdisciplinary studies and advanced technological education, CDSP aims to prepare the next generation of scholars and professionals for success across diverse career paths.
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- Wydaily: William & Mary Launching First New School in 50 Years
- Wikipedia: William & Mary
- Daily Press: William & Mary Announces Inaugural Dean of New Computing Data Sciences School
- Google Search: William and Mary School of Computing Data Sciences
- Wavy: WM Opens New School for Computing, Data Sciences and Physics
- Google Scholar: William and Mary Computing Data Sciences
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: William and Mary
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- Google News: William and Mary Computing Data Sciences
