Program Overview

Introduction to the Monroe Scholars Program

The Monroe Scholars Program is a prestigious program offered by the College of Arts & Sciences. It is designed for rising sophomores and transfer students who demonstrate intellectual depth, curiosity, concern for community, and devotion to learning.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Monroe Scholars Program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Rising sophomores (enrolled as first-year students during the Charles Center Summer Research Grant application period)
• Transfer students graduating no earlier than May 2027
  • Transfer students still enrolled at William & Mary for the school year may choose to wait to apply until Spring 2027

Selection Process

Students will be selected on the basis of:

• Strong research project proposal with faculty mentor support
• Potential for growth and development in their chosen research area
• Potential to contribute to the engaged community of Monroe Scholars

Program Benefits

Selected students will receive a $4,000 Monroe Scholar Summer Research Grant to carry out their research project during the summer and present at the Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium. Starting in the fall, new Monroe Scholars will also have access to all the benefits of the Monroe Scholars Program, including the Monroe Enrichment Series.

Application Process

First-year or transfer students applying for a Charles Center Summer Research Grant or Honors Fellowship may choose to be considered for admission into the Monroe Scholars Program. On the application, they will be asked to respond to the following question: "Monroe Scholars demonstrate intellectual depth, curiosity, concern for community, and devotion to learning for learning's sake. Why are you interested in becoming a Monroe Scholar? How would your unique attributes and experiences allow you to contribute to this engaged community?" (350 words)

Departments and Programs

The College of Arts & Sciences offers a wide range of departments and programs, including:

• Africana Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Art & Art History
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Business
• Chemistry
• Center for Geospatial Analysis
• Classical Studies
• Computational & Applied Mathematics & Statistics
• Economics
• Education
• English
• Environment & Sustainability
• Film & Media Studies
• Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies
• Geology
• Global Studies
• Government
• Health Sciences
• History
• Integrative Conservation
• International Relations
• Judaic Studies
• Linguistics
• Marine Science
• Mathematics
• Medieval & Renaissance Studies
• Military Science
• Modern Languages
• Music
• Neuroscience
• Philosophy
• Psychological Sciences
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Religious Studies
• ROTC (Army)
• ROTC (Navy)
• Self-Designed
• Sociology
• Speech
• Theatre & Performance