Hampshire College: Revolutionizing Education Through Innovative Degree Programs and Courses
Hampshire College, since its inception in 1970, has been at the forefront of transforming higher education. It redefines how progress is made by empowering students to become entrepreneurs of their own education. This article delves into the unique structure of Hampshire College's academic programs, courses, and the overall student experience.
A Curriculum Unbound: Learning Collaboratives
Hampshire College recognizes that traditional models of departments and schools are often inadequate to address the complex challenges of today's world. In response, the college has developed Learning Collaboratives. These structures are designed to address timely topics without being constrained by traditional majors. This approach enables students to engage with global challenges effectively. Hampshire College is committed to evolving its curriculum to meet the changing needs of students and the world.
The Divisional System: A Journey of Self-Directed Learning
Unlike traditional colleges with freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, Hampshire College operates on a divisional system. Students advance through three divisions, each culminating in a portfolio review. This review includes narrative feedback from all courses, final papers, or projects, as well as Community-Engaged Learning and a retrospective.
Division I: Exploration and Skill-Building
The first year emphasizes learning across a wide range of critical, scientific, and creative approaches through a multidisciplinary curriculum. Students gain skills for learning in community with others and engage in project-based learning in supported contexts. This division focuses on exploration and the development of foundational skills.
Divisions II & III: Deep Inquiry and Independent Learning
The second and third years are dedicated to students' deep inquiry into their own interests. Guided by a team of advisors, students design a unique academic path, strengthen connections in communities of learners, and grow toward independent project-based learning. These divisions foster self-directed learning and specialization.
Read also: Inside UNH's Student Body
Division IV: Independent Project and Meaningful Challenge
The fourth year provides students with the opportunity to push their learning further, take risks, and tackle a meaningful challenge they've envisioned from concept to completion. This division is about applying knowledge and skills to create impactful projects.
Narrative Evaluations: Beyond Letter Grades
Hampshire College replaces letter grades with written evaluations. These evaluations provide students with detailed feedback on their performance and progress. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of the material and promotes a growth mindset.
Hampshire College Courses: A Multi-Level Approach
Hampshire College courses are divided into three levels: 100 (exploratory), 200 (foundational), and advanced courses. The 100 and 200-level courses are open to all students, providing a broad foundation for further study. Staff educators on the teaching teams support workshops that orient students to Hampshire’s academic program and available resources.
Exploratory Courses (100-Level)
These courses explore subject matter needed by students in any division. They can include "skills courses," such as statistics, ethnographic methods, or dance techniques.
Foundational Courses (200-Level)
These courses can be general surveys or introduction-to-the-field courses, designed to convey a large body of information (e.g., Introduction to Economics) or cover a body of central theories or methodologies. They can be "foundational" in that they present the combination of skills and concepts that are required for any further work in the area (e.g., Film or Photo I). Or, they can approach a question or topic by integrating multiple areas and methodologies.
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Credit and Transfer Policies
Hampshire College operates on a divisional system, not a credit hour system. However, students from one of the other four colleges in the Five College Consortium who take Hampshire College courses and Hampshire students who transfer to other institutions generally receive four credits per academic course. Hampshire does accept AP and IB scores, as well as college credit, for Advanced Standing. Students may use up to eight courses and exams as described below. Regular academic courses taken from an accredited college or university during high school, graded C or better as evidenced by a college transcript, may be used: For up to three Division I electives approved by both the advisor and CASA. In Division II approved by both the Division II committee and CASA.
Preparing for Graduate School: Building on a Hampshire Foundation
Hampshire College prepares students comprehensively for graduate studies. The Hampshire transcript provides a lot of good information to graduate programs. Evaluations usually speak volumes about the type of work students are capable of and the probability that they will do well in graduate school.
Standardized Tests: GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT
For students considering graduate school, it's important to understand the required standardized tests.
- GRE (Graduate Record Exam): The GRE General Test is commonly used for graduate school admission. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytic writing skills. GRE Subject Tests are offered in math, physics, and psychology.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): The GMAT is for anyone applying for a master's in business administration.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): The MCAT is for those applying to medical schools.
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test): The LSAT is for law school.
Letters of Recommendation
Typically, two to three academic references from people who can write about your skills as a student are needed. One of these references may include an employer or supervisor if you have had work experience in a related field. It is a courtesy to your recommenders that you speak with them beforehand about writing a letter for you.
Crafting a Compelling Essay
A beautifully prepared essay will confirm that you are a serious student and a thoughtful and interesting person. You have enjoyed a fabulous undergraduate education and have completed a Div III project that helps you to stand out. You will be an asset to your graduate program and to your chosen profession. Write in a positive and upbeat tone; project confidence and enthusiasm. Be honest. Are you being yourself and revealing yourself? Organize your thoughts - clear writing is a result of clear thinking.
Read also: Tuition at Hampshire
Campus Life and Community
The Hampshire campus is specifically designed for forging friendships and building community. Students can pick veggies in the community garden, explore nature trails through campus, or check out the college farm.
Success Stories: Hampshire Alumni
Hampshire graduates have gone on to leadership roles in hundreds of fields. Alum Michele Mirisola 08F, painter and sculptor, created the homeware company Chell Fish.
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