The Divisional System

  • As you create your own studies, you’ll walk through our three-part structure known as the Divisional System 
  • In Division I, you’ll learn new ways to approach your interests, solve problems, and see the world around you. Working with one faculty advisor, you’ll complete skill-based distribution requirements, a tutorial course for incoming students, and 40 hours of Campus-Engaged Learning. 
  • In Division II, you’ll dive deeply into your own interests, answering a question that drives you. Division II can be comprised of traditional coursework, independent or group studies, field work, internships, study abroad opportunities, research assistantships, and more. You’ll also connect your interests to the larger community through 40 hours of Community-Engaged Learning. 
  • In Division III, you’ll create new knowledge in your field. Everyone completes a Division III project, mirroring the scope of a Master’s thesis.
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Taking a class and studying for a test, and taking that test and that being the extent of your educational experience, Div III is nowhere near like that.

The divisional system is a three-part framework that guides you in creating your own concentration. In division I, the first year, you're introduced to various ways of thinking, learning, and knowing, building essential skills for research, discussion, and exploration.

In Division II, the second and third years, you'll begin deep inquiry into your own interests and the larger questions that drive you. You'll make connections across disciplines through rigorous coursework and projects, independent studies, community engagement and more.

Division III, the final year, culminates in a year-long project, mirroring a master's thesis. You're asked to create new knowledge and better the communities around you.

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