 A Unique
Academic Culture
Barnard offers all of the special benefits of a small, distinctive
liberal arts college, in addition to the advantages of an Ivy
League research university. The rigorous, broadly based framework
of general-education requirements is built around nine Ways
of Knowing, a focused inquiry into major subjects, and a range
of electives that allow for substantial personal choice. With
an average class size of 21 students, dedicated scholar-teachers,
and an emphasis on one-on-one advising, Barnard challenges the
intellect and encourages growth and discovery.
"I
have seen the ‘Barnard effect’
transform women, my daughter included, into
individuals who have a clear sense of self,
a sense of self-worth, and a sense of community
that cannot be altered or diminished. It
is a remarkable legacy for a college, this
college, to offer its students."
-- Elaine Ullian, parent of a 1999 graduate
From the
start, Barnard’s advising system puts students in close
touch with faculty members. An academic adviser works with each
student during her first two years to offer guidance, support,
and encouragement as she explores Barnard’s unusually wide
range of academic and cocurricular choices. Once a student declares
her major, she chooses a major adviser prepared to address specific
needs in her field of study.
Barnard
students are taken seriously by a faculty of exceptional quality
and commitment, whose members must meet the demanding tenure
requirements of both a first-rate liberal arts college (Barnard)
and a world-class university (Columbia). Barnard courses are
taught by regular members of the faculty—never graduate
students. Faculty are hired and rewarded for dedication to
undergraduate education, as well as for scholarly excellence.
The
Barnard/Columbia Partnership
Barnard is one of three traditional undergraduate colleges
within the Columbia University community. (The others are
Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering
and Applied Science.) Barnard has its own campus as well as
its own faculty,
administration,
trustees, endowment, and operating budget; its bachelor of
arts degree is awarded by Columbia University.
Through
this strong partnership with Columbia, students on both campuses
take advantage of the vast resources that include seven million
library volumes,
advanced science and technology facilities, and thousands
of courses. Barnard students can take courses at Columbia,
while Columbia students can take courses at Barnard. Barnard
provides undergraduate education for the entire university
community in architecture,
dance,
education, theater,
and urban
studies.
Beyond
academics, Barnard students engage in a lively and diverse
student life and a coed social life, leading and taking part
in more than 200 student organizations on both campuses. Barnard
athletes enjoy a range of opportunities to play intramural,
club, and varsity sports. At the varsity level, they compete
on 14 teams through the Columbia University/Barnard College
Athletic Consortium, at the NCAA Division I level and in the
Ivy League.
To learn
about Barnard's academic departments and programs, outstanding
faculty, special learning opportunities, and much more, please
visit our academics
web page.
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