Goucher College: A Liberal Arts Education Focused on Global Engagement and Problem-Solving

Goucher College, situated just outside Baltimore, Maryland, is a small, innovative liberal arts institution known for its welcoming atmosphere, emphasis on collaborative learning, and a unique requirement that all students study abroad. The college's curriculum is designed to foster interdisciplinary thinking and complex problem-solving skills, preparing students to be engaged and informed citizens of the world.

A Foundation in the Goucher Commons Curriculum

At the heart of Goucher's academic experience is the Goucher Commons curriculum. This program creates shared, problem-based learning experiences across various disciplines, ensuring that all students develop a strong foundation in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

First Year Experience (FYE)

To help students transition into college life, Goucher requires all first-year students to participate in the First Year Experience (FYE) program. During FYE, students meet with mentors to discuss campus resources, safety protocols, and topics related to racial identity, facilitating their adjustment to the new environment.

Academics: Rigor and Personalized Attention

Goucher College offers a wide array of "very interesting" classes, and students report that "it is easy to enroll in a class that is either full or that you don't have the prerequisites for." Small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 foster intellectual curiosity and encourage students to actively participate in discussions. Approximately 79.9% of classes have fewer than 20 students, allowing for personalized attention and a more engaging learning environment. Professors are highly regarded for their commitment to students, getting to know them on a personal level and valuing their unique perspectives. They "want everyone to share their opinions and certain personal experiences that go along with the topic" at hand.

Popular Majors

Goucher College offers a variety of academic programs, with the most popular majors including:

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Social Sciences
Psychology
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
English Language and Literature/Letters
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
History
Visual and Performing Arts
Education

Combined-Degree Programs

Goucher College offers multiple combined-degree programs, including:

3+2 Dual Degree with Columbia University - Engineering (BA/BS)
4+1 MA with Middlebury College - French Transnational Studies & Spanish
4+1 Master of Health Science with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
4+1 Master’s Degree with University of Maryland School of Public Health - Public Health
4+1 MBA with Loyola University Maryland, Sellinger School of Business
4+1 MS with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School - Business
BA + Master of Bioethics with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
BA/MA/M.Ed.

History Program

During the 2021-2022 academic year, Goucher College handed out 8 bachelor's degrees in history. About 63% of these graduates were women and the other 38% were men. The majority of bachelor's degree recipients in this major at Goucher are white. The history major at Goucher is not ranked on College Factual’s Best Colleges and Universities for History. This could be for a number of reasons, such as not having enough data on the major or school to make an accurate assessment of its quality.

A Diverse and Engaged Student Body

Goucher students are described as "engaged, trust each other, and are brave enough to dialogue in a way most campuses don't seem to be anymore." The student body is politically open and tends to include "alternative, creative, artistic people who aren't afraid to express themselves." Diversity and inclusivity are strong at Goucher, with 45 percent of the student population being people of color. The Center for Race, Equity, and Identity supports the sizable BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities on campus. Students generally come from middle to upper-middle-class backgrounds and are often from the East Coast.

Campus Life: Collaboration and Community

The Goucher campus is described as "beautiful," and students enjoy spending time outside when the weather is pleasant. During the week, the library is a popular place for studying, while weekends are typically reserved for socializing. Parties are not very common, and students tend to form small groups and attend open mics. A sense of collaboration and mutual support permeates the campus culture. As one student put it, "There is no internal competition at Goucher; we all work together," embodying the idea that "a rising tide lifts all boats." This collaborative spirit may contribute to the absence of Greek life on campus and the less prominent role of sports, although Goucher does have 20 Division III athletic teams and a co-ed equestrian team.

Rankings and Recognition

Goucher College's ranking is based on research output, non-academic reputation, and the impact of notable alumni.

EduRank rated Goucher College 645th in the United States and 2561st in the global rating.
Goucher College ranked 783rd for Liberal Arts & Social Sciences in the United States and 3692nd in the World.
Goucher College ranked 908th for Computer Science in the United States and 4601st in the World.
Goucher College ranked 797th for Environmental Science in the United States and 4371st in the World.
Goucher College ranked 811th for Biology in the United States and 4346th in the World.
Goucher College ranked 798th for Physics in the United States and 4364th in the World.
Goucher College ranked 869th for Engineering in the United States and 4798th in the World.
Goucher College ranked 857th for Psychology in the United States and 3760th in the World.
Goucher College ranked 723rd for Art & Design in the United States and 3111th in the World.
Goucher College ranked 1115th for Medicine in the United States and 5095th in the World.
Goucher College ranked 773rd for Chemistry in the United States and 4415th in the World.
Goucher College ranked 878th for Economics in the United States and 4103rd in the World.
Goucher College ranked 907th for Business in the United States and 4505th in the World.
Goucher College ranked 884th for Mathematics in the United States and 4489th in the World.

Notable Alumni

Goucher College has produced a number of notable alumni, including:

Jane Levy, an American actress known for her role in the ABC comedy series "Suburgatory."
Margaret G.

Access and Location

Goucher College is located in a northern Baltimore suburb in Maryland, sitting on a 287-acre piece of land. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is 25 miles from campus. Reservations for an airport shuttle to a local hotel can be made at airportshuttle.com. Taxis are also available on the lower level near baggage claim. From I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), take Exit 27A (Dulaney Valley Rd. S.). The Sheraton Baltimore North (903 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson; 410-321-7400) is within walking distance of Goucher.

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