Hampshire College

Hampshire College students qualify for the Bachelor of Arts degree by completing a full time program composed of three levels or “divisions” of study with the aim of accomplishing Hampshire's learning goals:

• Learn to read and interpret intellectual or artistic works.
• Write critically and analytically.
• Understand quantitative methods of analysis.
• Develop creative abilities in expressive modes (e.g. creative writing, visual and performance arts, and music).
• Effectively present ideas orally.
• Conceive and complete project-based work.
• Understand multiple cultural perspectives on intellectual or artistic subjects.

In Division I – Basic Studies – students pursue foundational studies in the liberal arts by designing a first-year curriculum in which they satisfy a distribution requirement and make progress toward Hampshire College's learning goals.

In Division II they explore their chosen field(s) of emphasis (the concentration) through an individually designed program of courses, independent work, and internships or field studies.

In Division III – advanced studies – students complete a major independent study project centered on a specific topic, question, or idea as well as two advanced learning activities.

In addition to these requirements, students must include volunteer service to Hampshire or the surrounding community as a part of their Hampshire education and, in Division III, are asked to look beyond the specific focus of their work by integrating their work into the larger academic life of the College through an advanced seminar. The faculty also expects all students to consider some aspect of their Hampshire work from multiple cultural perspectives.

• Hampshire's Five Interdisciplinary Schools
• Divisional System
• Division I
• Division II
• Division III
• Areas of Study
• Courses
• Centers and Programs
• January Term