The Academic Experience

Undergraduate research opportunities

Barnard’s research programs, like the prestigious Beckman Scholars program, provide opportunities to conduct hands-on research with mentorship from the College’s esteemed faculty members.

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.

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

Sinclair

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

Clouds reflected on Diana Center

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

Ellie Harrison

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.