The Colleges

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Catalogue PDF Version

Catalogue - PDF Version

Overview

Hobart and William Smith Colleges prepare students to lead lives of consequence. A liberal arts and sciences institution, HWS is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. The faculty are nationally recognized and accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. Emerging world challenges are previewed in the classroom while critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills are honed. More than 60% of students study abroad, spurring cultural exploration and global citizenship. The Colleges’ sophisticated career services program includes a guaranteed internship with funding opportunities.

Hobart and William Smith offer more than 70 academic programs; the most popular include Economics, Media & Society, Environmental Studies, Psychology, English, Biology and Health Professions, Management and Entrepreneurship, and Architecture. Graduate programs include a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Science in Management.

Students complement their broad interdisciplinary study through programming provided through 13 HWS Centers for research, action and thought:

  • Abbe Center for Jewish Life
  • Adams Intercultural Center
  • Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship
  • Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
  • Center for Global Education
  • Center for Teaching and Learning
  • Finger Lakes Institute for Environmental Research
  • Fisher Center for Gender and Justice
  • LGBTQ+ Resource Center
  • Office of Spiritual Engagement
  • Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education
  • Trias Residency for Writers

Originally founded as two institutions (Hobart College for men and William Smith College for women), today’s institution – Hobart and William Smith Colleges – is united with one campus, one faculty and one administration. Historical traditions are maintained, providing a unique and invaluable opportunity for exploring questions of gender and difference.

Located on the shore of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes, the campus is situated on the traditional territory of the Onondowaga or “the people of the Great Hill.” The location allows faculty, staff and students an opportunity to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake.

Hobart and William Smith sponsor 30 varsity sports, which compete in NCAA Division III – with the exception of Hobart Lacrosse which competes in Division I. Student-athletes play for championship caliber teams without sacrificing academic pursuits. The Statesmen and Herons have a legacy of success in the athletic arena that boasts 24 team national championships, including the 2023 NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, and nearly 700 All-Americans.

Accreditation

Hobart and William Smith Colleges is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: New England Commission of Higher Education, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514; (781) 425 7785; E-Mail: info@neche.org

Registered Programs

The following is Hobart and William Smith Colleges' inventory of registered programs approved by the New York State Education Department. The listing contains program title, degree awarded, and HEGIS code number.

Undergraduate Programs

Africana Studies, B.A., 0305
American Studies, B.A., 0313
Anthropology, B.A., 2202
Anthropology and Sociology, B.A., 2208
Architectural Studies, B.A., 0202
Art History, B.A., 1003
Asian Studies, B.A., 0301
Biochemistry, B.S., 0414
Biology, B.A., B.S., 0401
Bodies, Disabilities, and Justice, B.A. 2299
Chemistry, B.A., B.S., ACS B.S. 1905
Classics, B.A., 1504
Comparative Literature, B.A., 1503
Computer Science, B.A., B.S., 0701
Dance, B.A., 1008
Economics, B.A., 2204
Educational Studies, B.A., 0801
English and Creative Writing, B.A., 1501
Environmental Studies, B.A., B.S., 0420
European Studies, B.A., 0310
French and Francophone Studies, B.A., 1102
Gender and Feminist Studies, B.A., 4903
Geoscience, B.A., B.S., 1999
Greek, B.A., 1110
History, B.A., 2205
Individual Studies, B.A., B.S., 4901
International Relations, B.A., 2210
Latin, B.A., 1109
Latin American Studies, B.A., 0308
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Studies, B.A., 4903
Management and Entrepreneurship, B.S., 0506
Mathematics, B.A., B.S., 1701 
Media and Society, B.A., 0699 
Music, B.A., 1005
Philosophy, B.A., 1509
Physics, B.A., B.S., 1902
Politics, B.A., 2207
Psychological Science, B.A., B.S., 2001
Religious Studies, B.A., 1510
Russian Language and Culture, B.A., 0307
Sociology, B.A., 2208
Spanish and Hispanic Studies, B.A., 1105
Studio Art, B.A., 1002
Theatre, B.A; 1007
Writing and Rhetoric, B.A., 1599

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Science in Management

Teacher Certification

The Teacher-Education Program (TEP) combines extensive classroom experience in local schools and related seminars in the HWS Education Department. The TEP works in combination with the student's liberal arts major.

Students can be certified (initial) to teach elementary grades 1-6 in the following areas:

  • Childhood
  • Childhood and Students with Disabilities (dual certification)

Students can be certified (initial) to teach adolescent grades 7-12 in the following areas (with a major in that area):

  • Biology, B.A., B.S., 0401
  • Chemistry, B.A., B.S., 1905
  • Earth Science, B.A., B.S., 1999 (with a major in Geosciences)
  • English, B.A., 1501
  • French, B.A., 1102
  • Latin, B.A., 1109
  • Mathematics, B.A., B.S., 1701
  • Physics, B.A., B.S., 1902
  • Spanish, B.A., 1105
  • Social Studies (with a major in History, Political Science, or Economics; and additional coursework)

Students can also be certified (initial) in the areas listed below:

  • Art (P-12), B.A., 1002 (with a major in Studio Art)
  • Music (P-12), B.A., 1005 (with a major in Music)
  • TESOL (P-12) (with a major in: Anthropology, English, French And Francophone Studies, History, Individual Studies (BA), International Relations, Psychology (BA), Sociology, Spanish And Hispanic Studies, Theatre, or Writing and Rhetoric)

HWS students can also earn a Master of Arts degree through a fifth-year program at HWS, in the following areas:

  • Adolescent Education, M.A.T., 0803
  • Childhood Education, M.A.T., 0802
  • Special Education Childhood, M.A.T., 0808

Graduation Rate

The graduation rate for Hobart students entering in the fall of 2017 and graduated by 2023 (six years later) was 67 percent. The graduation rate for William Smith students entering in the fall of 2017 and graduated by 2023 (six years later) was 78 percent. The overall graduation rate for both Colleges was 73 percent. Additional information on graduation rates and student retention is available from the Office of the Registrar.