Hamilton’s open curriculum gives you the freedom to choose courses that reflect your interests, while still fulfilling the faculty’s expectation that you study broadly across the liberal arts. But with freedom comes responsibility to meet the high expectations our faculty will have for you as a critical and creative thinker, writer and speaker.
As a student at Hamilton you’ll work closely with a faculty advisor to create an individualized plan of study specific to your interests and goals. That plan may include studying abroad, doing independent research or pursuing a multitude of other academic opportunities.
*Minor only, **Not offered as a major or minor
Advising at Hamilton will help you make responsible, informed decisions about your intellectual development.
Hamilton provides an increasing number of opportunities for our students to engage in significant career-related experience and often publishable research.
Our international and domestic off-campus study programs will provide you with new perspectives and new ways to challenge yourself. About two-thirds of our students study off campus before graduating.
Whether you decide, after four years, to pursue a graduate degree or enter the work force, you will be prepared for a lifetime of meaning and purpose.
Hamilton College has earned a national reputation for teaching students to communicate clearly, because our faculty believe writing well and speaking well are evidence of one’s ability to think well.
Government Major
Class of 2018, congratulations. As I pondered how to address 477 graduates, each representing a unique series of adventures and misadventures, I contemplated the common threads of a Hamilton experience that connect us—other than these spiffy rental robes, that is. I thought of walking down Martin’s Way, eating in Commons, and enduring the everlasting winter. It was passing the swim test, though, that reminded me of a great piece of advice I once received: when presented the choice, always go swimming.
Now the advice was excellent, but it isn’t quite right for this group of passionate and proactive Hamilton graduates. Instead, I entreat you the following: find the biggest, scariest swimming pool you can, and jump in.
