Washington College

American Studies

An interdisciplinary major examining American culture, history, and society.

Anthropology

Anthropology graduates gain the knowledge to understand human behavior and the practical skills to conduct research into the environmental and social forces that influence human cultural development. The major exposes students to multiple perspectives through the subfields of sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and biological anthropology.

Art

The Art major offers concentrations in Art History and Studio Art (which may be combined), developing modes of critical seeing and greater awareness of historical and cultural diversity. Students engage with contemporary artistic thought and practice through art historical methods and rigorous studio investigation.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

An interdisciplinary major combining the study of biology and chemistry at the molecular level, offered jointly by the Biology and Chemistry departments.

Biology

The Biology major develops a strong and broad background in biological science and emphasizes that biology is an inquiry-based discipline. Students learn to read and analyze biological literature, design and analyze experiments, and appreciate the connections between biology and other academic areas.

Business Management

Viewing business as the active liberal art, the Business Management major prepares graduates to lead in finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, international business, government, law, and nonprofit organizations. The major includes economics and business core courses, a Global Learning requirement, and the Senior Capstone Experience.

Chemistry

The Chemistry department offers an ACS-certified major accredited by the American Chemical Society and a more flexible non-ACS certified major. Both provide foundational courses across the major areas of chemistry and prepare students for graduate study and careers in industrial, government, and allied professional fields.

CHINESE STUDIES

Communication and Media Studies

An interdisciplinary major in communication and media studies; students may declare a concentration within the major.

Computer Science

The computer science curriculum is consistent with the principles of a liberal education while providing meaningful preparation for graduate school, professional programs, and the work environment. The B.S. consists of twelve courses including the Senior Capstone Experience and a three-course track.

Data Science

Rooted in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, the data science major draws on these subjects for the core of the program and adds domain-specific electives. A data practicum and Senior Capstone Experience bring together the technical and domain-specific knowledge.

Economics

Economics is a social science that seeks to explain human behavior and examines the impact of decisions and policies on individuals, households, businesses, the environment, and the world. The major relies on a quantitative analytical method requiring knowledge of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, mathematical modeling, statistics, and logic.

Education

The Education major provides comprehensive preparation for prospective elementary school teachers and can be pursued with or without teacher certification. It includes sequenced study in educational foundations, pedagogical theory and practice, and multidisciplinary courses, culminating in a significant independent project.

EDUCATION STUDIES

ENGLISH

ENGLISH,GENERAL

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science major evaluates the interactions of humans and the natural world through an interdisciplinary scientific lens. It prepares students to critically analyze and investigate potential solutions to local, regional, and global environmental issues.

Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies major evaluates the interactions of humans and the natural world through an interdisciplinary lens. Broad in perspective, it uses courses in the humanities and the social sciences as well as the natural sciences.

Experimental Psychology

The Experimental Psychology major emphasizes empirical testing of theoretical psychological models and offers broad exposure to many disciplines within psychology. It is especially recommended for students who wish to double major or who are not interested in the clinical/counseling or behavioral neuroscience concentrations.

French Studies

The French Studies major requires at least eight courses (32 credits) at the 200, 300, and 400 levels and completion of the Senior Capstone Experience. The department strongly encourages students to complete a study abroad semester or year in France.

FRENCH STUDIES

German Studies

The German Studies major requires at least eight courses (32 credits) at the 200, 300, and 400 levels and completion of the Senior Capstone Experience. The department strongly encourages students to complete a study abroad experience in German.

GERMAN STUDIES

Hispanic Studies

The Hispanic Studies major requires at least eight courses (32 credits) at the 200, 300, and 400 levels and completion of the Senior Capstone Experience. Requirements vary slightly for students who complete a study abroad experience.

HISPANIC STUDIES

History

Historical studies at Washington College prepare graduates for careers in secondary and college teaching, archival, curatorial, and museum work, law, journalism, publishing, business, and government. Students may complete internships and pursue regional minors administered through the International Studies Program.

Humanities

An interdisciplinary major in the humanities.

Independent Major

A self-designed interdisciplinary major developed by the student in consultation with faculty advisors.

Intermediate Language Micro-credential

A micro-credential in intermediate language skills that can be pursued in Chinese, French, German, or Spanish. It teaches linguistic skills of speaking, reading, listening, and writing through intermediate-level proficiency via four introductory and intermediate language courses plus an oral presentation and interview.

International Literatures and Cultures

The interdisciplinary International Literatures and Cultures major requires nine upper-level courses chosen in consultation with the advisor, drawn from department courses or related courses in other subjects, plus the Senior Capstone Experience. Prerequisites include Introduction to Anthropology and study of a foreign language through the 202 level.

International Studies

An interdisciplinary major examining global political, economic, and cultural systems, with regional and language components.

Mathematics

The mathematics major builds from foundational calculus courses through advanced coursework in areas such as abstract algebra and real analysis. It is compatible with extended courses of study such as the Combined Plan in Engineering at partner universities.

Music

The music department's flexible BA degree program serves students preparing for a professional career as well as those pursuing music as an interest or avocation. Advisory tracks include performance, music education, music history and criticism, world music and ethnomusicology, theory and composition, and the traditional liberal arts.

Neuroscience

An interdisciplinary major examining the biological bases of behavior and the nervous system, drawing on biology, chemistry, and psychology.

Philosophy

Philosophy asks some of the most difficult and searching questions about human existence, the nature of the universe, right and wrong in human conduct, and the basis of social and political arrangements. The major develops students' capacities for clear thinking and critical analysis.

Physics

The Physics Department prepares its majors for any career where problem-solving skills are required. Popular post-graduation options include graduate study in physics or engineering, industrial research, secondary school teaching, and professional careers in engineering, medicine, information technology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and business/finance.

Political Science

The Political Science major combines core courses in American government, world politics, and political thought with distributed study across subfields including comparative politics and international politics. Students also complete an experiential learning activity connecting politics to the world outside the classroom.

Psychology (B.A.)

The Clinical/Counseling concentration of the Psychology major prepares students interested in the helping professions and human services. Coursework provides a foundation for graduate work in counseling, school psychology, clinical psychology, and the allied health fields.

Psychology (B.S.)

The Behavioral Neuroscience concentration of the Psychology major is designed for students with a focused interest in the biological bases of behavior and thought. Because concentrators have additional laboratory requirements beyond other Psychology majors, students in this track earn a Bachelor of Science.

Secondary Education Certification Program

Prepares students to be certified to teach middle or high school students through foundational coursework, practical field experiences, and a full-time teaching internship. Washington College offers fifteen Maryland Approved Secondary Certification Programs across subject areas, and completers also finish the Education Studies Minor.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of human social interaction, helping students understand how individuals' lives are shaped by social forces. The major develops theoretical and analytic skills appropriate for graduate or professional school and careers in social service and allied fields, business, and industry.

STUDENT DESIGNED PROGRAM

Theatre

A total of eleven courses are required for the Theatre major, including core courses, a history/theory course, electives, experiential learning, and the Senior Capstone Experience. The SCE may take the form of a research thesis, a playwriting thesis, or other project.