Dickinson College - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Dickinson’s status as a prominent liberal arts institution rests on its challenging and enriching learning environment. The College demands excellence from each student, and the faculty and administration go to great lengths to see that this is achieved. Through cross-curricular learning and emphasis on a global education, the College ensures that its students walk away with more than just a degree—students are given all the tools they'll need to accomplish their academic and career goals, regardless of their chosen field of study.

So don’t be surprised to find yourself assigned with relatively large amounts of work. At Dickinson, class doesn’t end in the classroom. Many professors feel that it is important for students to be immersed in subject material and often assign readings and projects outside of the syllabus to further students’ understanding of the course matter. Professors also expect students to be able to think critically about what they are learning—discussion and debate are much more common in the classroom than lectures. Learning at Dickinson isn’t an option, it’s a requirement. When you come to this school, expect to be included in every step of the academic process, from course selection to class discussion, because no student succeeds here by sitting back and watching their four years float by.

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Students Speak Out

DicMC says: Dickinson College 2013 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities

My professors are highly engaged... My professors are highly engaged in their research and their teaching. My experience has been that professors always make themselves accessible outside of class, and their comments on written work are the driving force of the curriculum in most departments. Dickinson's strong emphasis on "global education" was very attractive to me, and I was able to study abroad in Toulouse, France, a beautiful city with no other American study abroad program. 12345 Academics: February 20, 2009 Report

DicKM says: Dickinson College 2015 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

I have had almost universally... I have had almost universally fantastic professors at Dickinson. I came here because of the international studies program and the school's global focus—it tries to integrate a global aspect into almost every facet of life on campus. I have had two classes with six or less people, and I'm only a sophomore! The professors are great about encouraging you to come in to talk to them about classes, life, or whatever's going on with you. The workload is tough but manageable. You'll be challenged, but you'll also have a lot of time for extracurriculars and getting involved in the community. 12345 Academics: February 20, 2009 Report

DicBC says: Dickinson College 2015 Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Every professor is different, but... Every professor is different, but most of them are really smart and will always help you if you need it. In arts and humanities, most of your classes are pretty small—around 20 students—so you get to know your classmates and professors, which is nice. Dickinson is known for its study abroad programs, which are supposed to be great. 12345 Academics: February 17, 2009 Report

babybl1115 says: Dickinson College 2016 Social Sciences

I have never had a problem... I have never had a problem accessing my professors outside of class. Most are easygoing, accessible during their office hours, and interested in helping, as long as you put in the effort. They're not going to help if you don't ask. Dickinson is definitely known for its language programs and political science program. I know its reputation as one the best poli sci/liberal arts colleges was the big draw for me. 12345 Academics: February 17, 2009 Report

S0M31 says: Dickinson College 2016 Other

For me, Dickinson is the perfect... For me, Dickinson is the perfect place. I knew I wanted to major in medieval and early modern studies, but I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. I was able to take classes in other departments that allowed me to decide what I wanted to do and still relate to my MEMS major. The faculty is amazing—you can ask them anything, and your professors always speak to you when you see them outside of the class. The workload is challenging and has made me expand my thinking and improve as a scholar. 12345 Academics: February 17, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Dickinson runs 35 international programs in 25 countries on six continents. These include learning centers in Cameroon, China, England, France, Italy, Germany, India, Korea, Mexico, Russia and Spain. Dickinson has a study abroad rate of over 65%, with the majority of students spending a whole year overseas.

In 2004, Dickinson was ranked 8th nationally for study abroad participation by the Institute of International Education, in addition to being number one in Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Over one third of students go abroad for a full year, and 65% are science majors, compared the national average of 13%. Also, more Dickinson students study in Africa than most schools, with approximately 10% of abroad students studying in Cameroon, West Africa.

In 2003, NAFSA: Association of International Educators selected Dickinson as one of six schools in the country that has best internationalized its campus.

Dickinson was the first college chartered in the United States after the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.

Dr. Benjamin Rush, the college’s founder, signed the Declaration of Independence, while John Dickinson, the college’s namesake, was a signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Three members of the U.S. Congress are Dickinson alumni: James Greenwood, Bill Shuster, and Jim Gerlach.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Rachel Warzala
Hometown: Somerset, NJ
Major: English/Political Science

Rachel is a campus tour guide and a member of the Orientation Committee. So if you decide to come to Dickinson, either to visit or to stay, make sure you say hi

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