Hi all! I'm considering Hampshire College and was curious about their most popular majors. Also, how easy is it to switch majors if you change your mind halfway there? Appreciate any inputs!
Hi there! At Hampshire College, the concept of "majors" as traditionally defined in other institutions is somewhat different. They do not offer pre-defined majors as you'd find in most universities. Instead, they use a unique academic plan where students create their own self-defined concentration of study, which could combine areas of interest that might typically be in separate departments at other colleges. This is made possible through the Divisional system, which involves creating your own concentration with faculty oversight.
This approach encourages students to think across disciplines and focus on how different areas can intersect, thereby facilitating unique academic journeys. With this model, you have the power to completely design your academic journey throughout your time at Hampshire.
To your second question, because of this self-designed concentration model, shifting your focus or expanding your areas of study can be quite seamless and should not be a major issue. It's essentially about shifting your academic plan more than "switching majors" per se. Hampshire's educational framework encourages fluid exploration of ideas and fields, making changes to your academic concentration relatively easy and straightforward.
Remember, though — this unique approach to academics requires personal initiative, ability to work independently, and strategic thought, so do keep that in mind as you consider Hampshire College. But if you're a free-thinking, self-driven individual who enjoys a liberal arts education, Hampshire could be a great fit for you!
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