You’ll start by exploring broadly and end by diving deep in an area that might not be on your radar yet.
The Academic Experience
Academics
The Barnard Degree
Critical thinking is at the core of Barnard’s interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum. It’s fueled by faculty-student interaction that develops thoughtful risk-takers.
Barnard’s professors are researchers and mentors who’ll work closely with you, inspire you, and learn from you.
With nearly 50 fields of study in the sciences, humanities, and arts, the hard part is choosing your major.
You’ll look at the Course Catalog and fill your schedule with 70 credits before remembering you’re human and no, you can’t take four classes at the same time.
Willa Smith ’20
Welcome to Class
In the Introduction to Philosophy course, my favorite topic was Descartes’ theories on consciousness, and I was convinced there exists a neuroscientific basis to consciousness. I became intrigued and ... began pursuing a major in neuroscience and behavior.
Chelsea Sinclair '21
My favorite class has been The Gendered Memoir with Jennifer Boylan, Anna Quindlen Writer-in-Residence and professor of English. She has taught me how to be a better writer and to think critically of my role as a black woman in this world.
Phanesia Pharel ’21
My favorite thing [about Art History] is that there is always a story behind what you see, and getting to learn all the different facets of that and how they visually manifest is fascinating. It’s like being a detective in history.
Ellie Harrison '21
An Education for Tomorrow
Off-campus, hands-on academic experiences right in the heart of New York City highlight cultural context.
Barnard is one of the first colleges to make digital fluency a requirement.
You’ll learn to communicate ideas in myriad ways so you can be heard and lead change.
The Columbia Connection
At Barnard, you can create an educational experience that combines small, intimate classes in a collaborative setting dedicated to women with the vast resources of a major research university.
Through Columbia’s Language Resource Center, you can apply to be matched with a Columbia graduate student to practice your target language. In a typical semester, there are tutors for around 37 languages.
Cassandra Clifford ’21
Research
Research & Scholarship
Barnard’s faculty members conduct groundbreaking research in every discipline. And because of the College’s teacher-student model, you’ll have the chance to do faculty-mentored research.
Global Focus
Study Abroad
Develop a global perspective with dozens of approved programs offered on four continents, plus themed faculty-led programs every year.
Pre-College in the City
Jump-start your Barnard+NYC experience with high-school students from around the world, pursuing rigorous academics in one of the world’s great multicultural cities.