WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) — The William & Mary’s School is expanding its university by opening a new school, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) approved William & Mary’s School of Computing, Data Sciences and Physics.

The school combines four units: applied science, computer science, data science and physics. The school plans to make the switch in fall 2025, and they are actively searching for a dean.

“I appreciate SCHEV’s shared commitment to preparing broadly educated, forward-thinking citizens and professionals,” said President Katherine A. Rowe. “The jobs of tomorrow belong to those prepared to solve tomorrow’s problems. Machine learning, AI, computational modeling — these are essential modes of critical thinking and core to a liberal arts education in the 21st century.”

In the new structure, high-impact research in data-intensive fields will further converge with academic and professional career preparedness, meeting increased student and employer demand while achieving goals from the university’s Vision 2026 strategic plan, a release states.

Undergraduate candidates will not need to apply to the school directly. W&M second-year students in good standing will be able to enter the school as long as they meet criteria established by the school and the major, and will continue to have the opportunity to double major or minor in areas offered by other W&M programs.