Online STEM Programs
Did you know that STEM degree holders have the *top earning potential of any career category? William & Mary’s Pre-College Online Program is designed for motivated high school students to experience STEM-related subjects like medicine and psychology, with more to come. Test out various STEM subjects before committing to a major. Study with renowned faculty at this preeminent teaching, learning and research university in the U.S., and gain insights from experts in your field of interest. Our flexible format lets you study anywhere, anytime and at your own pace. This allows you to take multiple STEM courses and explore a variety of subjects. If you are considering a STEM enrichment program, start your future now at William & Mary.
*SOURCE: CNBC
Program Dates
Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1495
Current Courses Available
Medicine
Medicine: Disease, Diagnostics and Interventions
Discover Pathogenic Microorganisms and How They Infect Humans
Thinking about a future in medicine? The foundation of every doctor’s understanding of medicine is the study of pathogens so here’s a great place to start. In this course, you’ll learn how viruses, bacteria and parasites infect different areas of the body, and how they spread among people. You’ll discover how doctors use these insights to treat disease and answer key questions. How do the characteristics of a disease lead to a diagnosis? What are the potential risks for other diseases? We’ll delve into the battle against antibiotic resistance and see how public and global health organizations access new treatments from microbiology, biotechnology and gene therapy. If modern medicine is in your future, this course is for you.
Psychology
Cognitive Psychology: How the Brain Works
Understanding How the Brain Works
Do the workings of the human brain fascinate you? Are you curious about the functions of decision making and reasoning? This course is designed for motivated students with a passion for how the brain functions and its influence on language, perception, decision-making and emotions. Learn the history of cognitive psychology and define distinct systems of the brain and the processes of human cognition. Understand how the brain uses memory and its connection to attention. Identify the functions of the frontal lobe, like emotions and reasoning. You’ll even have the opportunity to create a map of your brain and show how it makes decisions. From law and medicine to research, data analytics and more, a wide variety of fields benefit from a background knowledge of cognitive psychology. If you hope to pursue any of these topics in college and beyond, this course is for you.
Hear from William & Mary
How You Will Benefit
- Narrow your focus on what STEM subjects interest you to better determine what you might choose to study in college.
- Experience what it’s like to take a STEM course designed by William & Mary faculty while you’re still in high school.
- Flexible learning: lectures by professors are delivered through dynamic videos, so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows — the ultimate in flexibility.
- Work with mentors who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience.
- Complete a Final Project to demonstrate what STEM skills and knowledge you’ve learned.
- For each course, earn a Certificate of Completion from William & Mary for your college application.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Project
All STEM courses culminate in a special Final Project that allows you to:
- Demonstrate what you’ve learned in a presentation.
- Get feedback from your mentors on your work.
- Choose from a variety of topics covered in your course to show what you’ve learned.
- Use any media you prefer — text, video, photography or PowerPoint.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support and deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Expertise in your course’s particular field of STEM.
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies.
- Brainstorming and ideation to help you prepare for your Final Project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lectures. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- Multiple courses can be taken to maximize your learning experience.
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and activities per course, including engaging multimedia, simulations and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.