Haverford College

Academics

• What are the general education requirements at Haverford College?

  • Students must fulfill requirements across three domains of knowledge: Meaning, Interpretation, and Creative Expression; Analysis of the Social World; and Physical and Natural Processes, Mathematical and Computational Constructs. Each domain requires 2 course credits, covering a minimum of 4 departments.

• How do students declare their major?

  • Students declare their major by the end of their sophomore year and must apply for written approval of a plan of courses for their final four semesters from the chair of the department they wish to major in.

• What is the senior thesis requirement?

  • Every student must complete a senior thesis, which involves original independent research in partnership with faculty members. This thesis is a culmination of the academic experience and is typically at a level reserved for graduate students.

• Can students take courses at other colleges within the consortium?

  • Yes, Haverford students can take courses at Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore, and the University of Pennsylvania through the Tri-College Consortium and the Quaker Consortium.

Future Development

• What graduate study opportunities are available through Haverford?

  • Haverford has forged partnerships with top academic institutions to offer accelerated-degree programs, allowing students to get a head start on their master’s degrees.

• How does Haverford support students in their postgraduate careers?

  • Haverford provides employer networks, postgraduate connections, and hands-on guidance to help students and alumni discover and make their next career moves.

Campus Environment

• What academic centers and resources are available on campus?

  • Haverford has three Academic Centers that host influential speakers, events, and symposia, and serve as the primary funding source for internships and externships.

• What is the Honor Code at Haverford?

  • The Honor Code is a unique aspect of Haverford that guides academic affairs, debates, and peer support, fostering a community of trust and integrity.

Daily Life

• What are the physical education requirements?

  • Physical education is a graduation requirement but does not count as academic credits. Students must contact the Athletics Department for details.

• Can students study abroad?

  • Yes, studying abroad is an option that expands students' worldviews and can be part of their academic program, including language study and other curricular activities.

• What is the typical course load for students?

  • The normal course load is 4 credits per semester. Students can adjust their load under certain conditions, such as having excess credits or disabilities accommodations.