Randolph-Macon College

Accounting

The study of accounting at Randolph-Macon College provides students with the opportunity to become fluent in the language of business within the unique setting of a liberal arts education. A major in accounting prepares students for a career in all business environments and provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in such fields as accounting, business, taxation, and law.

Applied Mathematics

The major in applied mathematics combines classical study of mathematics with modern computational methods and applications to other disciplines. Students develop multiple modes of evidence including proof, simulation, computation, and visualization, and apply their skills to real-world problems in a chosen cross-disciplinary area.

Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of the human past through material remains, drawing on history, art history, biology, chemistry, geology, anthropology, and religious studies. The archaeology major provides students with a coherent, interdisciplinary introduction to the practice, theory, methods, regulations, and ethics of archaeology.

Art History

Art history is the study of the expressions of social values and personal ideas through the arts, spanning the entirety of human experience from Paleolithic times to the global variety of arts in contemporary times. Art history engages the student in the search for what unites peoples across time and space, and what makes each culture unique.

Arts Management

This program aims to merge a knowledge and appreciation of the visual and performing arts with a foundation in the operating methods and business practices of the organizations and institutions which support and administer the arts. Students electing the arts management major select an emphasis from among art, theatre, music, or film.

Asian Studies

An Asian Studies major lays the groundwork for a career of specialized engagement with Asia: language, popular culture, art, society, religion, economy, philosophy, and history are all facets of a core curriculum that leads students toward careers as journalists, public policy experts, government analysts, and teachers. Majors may also be enriched by a travel experience to Asia.

Behavioral Neuroscience

Behavioral Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary course of study within the broader framework of neuroscience that explores the impact of behavior and environment on the brain's functions. The major exposes students to the fundamental elements of the discipline, bolstered by opportunities to conduct relevant original research and complete internships in professional settings, with coursework in psychology, biology, and chemistry.

Biology (BA)

Biology invites students to participate in the scientific study of living organisms in all their fascinating complexity, from molecular and cellular processes to the functioning of entire ecosystems. The curriculum develops the values, habits, and practices of a scientist through discovery-based laboratory work beginning in the freshman year and culminating in a senior-level capstone experience.

Biology (BS)

The Bachelor of Science in biology builds on the same foundation in cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology as the BA, while requiring additional coursework in cognate sciences and mathematics. Each student works closely with a departmental adviser to select upper-level courses for an individualized curriculum preparing for careers or graduate studies in fields including medicine, allied health science, ecology, and environmental science.

Black Studies

The major in Black Studies presents an interdisciplinary understanding of Black histories, cultures, and politics through an examination of Black experiences in Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, and other areas of the world. Black Studies prepares students for positive community change by tackling historic and contemporary issues of racial inequality and justice.

Business

A major in business offers students the opportunity to explore theories and concepts from accounting, business, and economics, and to understand the complex nature of business organizations through applied economic theory. The major requires a common core of courses plus one of three concentrations: Finance, Management, or Marketing.

Chemistry

The chemistry major requirements are designed to meet the educational needs of students interested in careers in chemistry, medicine, K-12 education, forensics, business, and law. Chemistry majors can select among five different programs of emphasis, all of which are ACS certified.

Classical Studies

Classics

Students in the Department of Classics pursue a major in classics in order to explore the ancient Mediterranean world through the interdisciplinary study of language, literature, material culture, history, and reception. Students read the actual words of ancient Greek and Latin texts and engage in literary, historical, and archaeological analysis.

Communication Studies

The communication studies discipline is in rhetoric, a time-honored art central since Classical times to a liberal arts education, and today sits at the juncture of the humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. The major introduces students to theory and research in rhetoric, mass communication, and human communication, and serves as a foundation for careers in media, public relations, politics, healthcare, and business.

Computer Science

The computer science curriculum integrates theory and practice by including foundational topics that underpin the discipline and by emphasizing the value of abstraction and good engineering design in project development. An important part of the curriculum is the inclusion of professional practice activities such as research experience, teamwork, oral communication and technical writing, and project development.

Criminology

Criminology explores social structure and social processes in relation to crime, criminality, and punishment. The major provides students with an understanding of crime from both a structural and individual perspective, and prepares students for careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, victim advocacy, case management, data analysis, and graduate school.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a computing-based discipline that involves the creation, operation, analysis, and testing of secure systems, networks, and applications to protect against a variety of digital threats. The curriculum is based on national standards, builds on a computer science foundation, and emphasizes information security, software security, network security, and system security.

Data Science

Economics

Economics is the study of scarcity, choice, and tradeoffs. The major in economics develops the essential skills for understanding economic problems in many contexts and prepares students for careers in all business environments as well as graduate studies in economics, business, public policy, and law.

Education

Education Studies

The education studies major prepares graduates to be discerning communicators, critical thinkers, and reflective problem-solvers committed to creating supportive and collaborative learning communities that value diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

Elementary Education

The elementary education major consists of required education courses as well as affiliated courses from departments across the College which develop students' breadth and depth of content knowledge. The sequence of required courses is informed by the state and national accrediting agencies, the VDOE and CAEP, and leads to eligibility for Virginia teaching licensure.

Engineering

Engineering is the practical application of mathematics and science in order to make structures, machines, products, systems, and processes which are useful to humankind. By combining the fundamentals of science with creative hands-on design and a strong background in the liberal arts, students gain the technical, problem-solving, communications, and professional skills needed to succeed as practicing engineers or in graduate school.

Engineering Physics

Engineering Physics is a multidisciplinary field of study with a curriculum that has the essential core coursework in engineering, coupled with elective courses in physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental studies, or geology that complement the student's intended engineering field of interest. Students explore the various fields of engineering through one-on-one interactions with faculty and practicing engineers.

English

Through the study and creation of literature, English majors deepen their understanding of human nature, society, and history, while at the same time honing their powers of expression. The major consists of thirty credit hours in ten courses numbered 186 and above, including a literary survey, upper-level British and diversity-focused literature courses, and a capstone seminar.

Environmental Studies

It is the mission of the environmental studies program to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain the earth and its resources. The interdisciplinary program grounds students in the traditional disciplines related to environmental issues and gives them experience making connections among disciplines in order to solve complex environmental problems, combining a problem-solving core with an Area of Expertise.

Exceptional Education

The exceptional education major consists of required education courses and affiliated courses from departments across the College, with a sequence informed by the VDOE and CAEP. Students who complete this major are eligible to apply for Virginia licensure in Special Education (General Curriculum, K-12).

French

In its full range of courses, the French section of the Modern Languages Department offers a program that balances language, civilization, and literature, developing student proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. French majors are required to have a study abroad experience in a country where French is the native language, preferably for an entire semester.

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies examines the way gender and sexuality, along with race, class, ethnicity, and religion, have shaped and continue to shape the world in which we live. Through the lens of history, religious studies, literature, art history, Black studies, and sociology, students study the gendered nature of societies and movements that aim to address inequity and injustice.

German Studies

The German program of the Modern Languages Department seeks to develop student proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while nurturing critical thinking and synthesis in a program balancing language, civilization, and literature. Students must complete a study abroad experience in a German-speaking country in Europe or a German J-Term travel course.

Greek

Hispanic Studies

The Hispanic Studies program exposes students to the reality that the Hispanic world extends beyond the political borders of Spain and Latin America to include the United States. The program nurtures critical thinking and synthesis in a curriculum balancing language, civilization and culture, literary and linguistic skills, and professional skills.

History

The history major aims at more than guiding students toward learning about the past; it also trains students to think critically, research effectively, and write lucidly. A major in history consists of 33 credit hours in eleven courses, and can also include a study-abroad and/or an internship experience.

International Relations

International Studies

Latin

Mathematics

Mathematics is the language of the sciences and the analytical tool of many disciplines. Students pursuing the mathematics major are expected to gain an appreciation of mathematical rigor, and the curriculum includes courses in both theoretical and applied mathematics that serve as a foundation for graduate work or for a career requiring well-developed analytical skills.

Music

The music program at Randolph-Macon offers students the hands-on opportunity to explore the creative process of music, to form an understanding of the relationship between art and society, and to develop personal musicality. Study includes participation in ensembles, applied study, coursework in music history and music theory, technological applications, music industry coursework, research, internships, and pedagogy coursework.

Nursing

The Department of Nursing offers a pre-licensure bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) major, approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The nursing sequence includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical courses; upon successful completion graduates are eligible to apply for registered nurse licensure and to take the NCLEX-RN examination.

Philosophy

The aim of the philosophy department is to introduce students to the inquiries of important philosophers and to aid them in developing and exercising their own critical, independent thought. The requirements for a major in Philosophy consist of a minimum of 34 semester hours in philosophy.

Physician Assistant Studies

Randolph-Macon College offers a single graduate program in Physician Assistant Studies in which students pursue the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The immersive 24-month curriculum is designed to prepare learners for tomorrow's medical practice environment through self-directed learning, practical training sessions, and immersive clinical rotations.

Physics

The department offers a program of lecture and laboratory courses to guide students on an exploration of the basic processes in their physical environment. A major in physics prepares students for entry-level positions in research, development, scientific programming, technical writing, and teaching, and is appropriate for students wishing to pursue graduate study in physics or related professions.

Political Science

Political science in the broadest sense is the study of the institutions of power in society. The department strives to impart knowledge and understanding of these institutions, the habits and skills of lifelong learning in the discipline, and an appreciation of the responsibilities of citizenship, preparing students for graduate study and professional careers in public service, politics, business, journalism, and teaching.

Psychology

Psychology focuses on the nature and causes of action, experience, and mental activity. The curriculum provides intensive instruction in psychological theory and methodology, extensive experience in research design and the scientific method, and exposes students to important applications of psychological knowledge.

Religious Studies

Through the academic discipline of religious studies, the student confronts religion and spirituality in all its complexity and diversity and develops critical and analytical skills. Students must complete 30 hours of work in religious studies or related subjects, with coursework drawn from biblical studies, the world's religious traditions, and religion and culture.

Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology and anthropology involve the systematic study of social life and culture in order to understand the causes and consequences of human behavior. The curriculum prepares the student for both academic and applied research careers and offers an essential liberal arts background for many careers and professions, including public service, law, business, medicine, and journalism.

Spanish

Studio Art

Studio art is the discipline of making and creating works that have a visual and conceptual validity. The powers of observation and contemplation are vigorously trained and bonded to the forces of the intellect and the creative act.

Theatre

The Theatre Program emphasizes a balance between history, literature, theory, and creating for the stage within a liberal arts context. Students participate directly in collaborative theatre-making practices, with numerous opportunities for hands-on experiential learning in an environment that nurtures creativity.

Writing