ACADEMICS

Does St. Olaf College offer graduate studies?


No, St. Olaf does not offer graduate degrees. St. Olaf is a four-year undergraduate college that provides an education committed to the liberal arts, a community of faith, and a global perspective. Many graduates traditionally go on to advanced studies directly from St. Olaf or within five years. According to the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates, St. Olaf ranks sixth among private liberal arts colleges in the number of its graduates who earn doctoral degrees, especially in math, chemistry, and life sciences.

In recent years, graduates have gone on to Northwestern University, the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, Harvard University, Columbia University, University of California-Berkeley, Yale University Law School, Mayo Medical School, and the University of Minnesota’s Medical and Law Schools (to name a few).

What is a Liberal Arts College?


A liberal arts college gives students control of and flexibility in shaping their education and provides personal attention and hands-on experience. Classes are small and students have ample opportunity to interact with professors. Students choose from a vast array of subjects in the humanities, natural and physical sciences, and social sciences. During the sophomore year, but usually no later than junior year, students choose a subject or field to “major” in, and that field becomes their primary focus for the next two years. Some students have more than one major while others create their own interdisciplinary major or concentrate in on a particular area.

What can you do with a liberal arts degree?


The breadth and depth of a liberal arts education prepares students for lifelong learning as well their professional development. St. Olaf graduates go on to highly ranked graduate programs, employment at variety of domestic and international companies, and volunteer organizations around the world. Students may graduate with degrees in English, economics, math, or the sciences but they’ll be prepared for a wide range of jobs and careers. Learn more about academic excellence.

What is the 4-1-4 system, and what are its advantages?


The St. Olaf College academic year consists of 4-1-4 curriculum and calendar plan (two 14-week semesters of 4 courses each separated by a one-month Interim of one course in January, also known as a J-term). The January Interim allows for an intensive study in one area. We also offer 2 summer sessions where as many courses can be taken as a regular semester.

This schedule improves the quality of instruction by concentrating student effort on fewer courses at one time; by providing opportunity for independent study; by providing integration of intellectual experiences and philosophy of life through interdisciplinary and capstone courses; and by allowing for students to complete more than one major. You may learn more about the academic programs. 

Do you offer engineering or computer science majors? How many majors does St. Olaf offer?

No, St. Olaf does not offer an engineering major, but students can explore the field in one of our 20 pre-professional programs, as well as architecture, business and management, dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine (to name a few).

St. Olaf offers 44 graduation majors, including 10 teaching certifications, and 19 concentrations. You can search alphabetically here for the departments and their offerings, www.stolaf.edu/academics/departments.html.

What are the popular majors at St. Olaf?


St. Olaf has internationally recognized programs in math and science, social science, international studies and languages, and the fine arts, especially music.

Over the past decade, the popular majors have been biology, economics, English, psychology, and math. You can also learn about America and the world through interdisciplinary majors and concentrations such as American Racial & Multicultural Studies, American Studies, Asian Studies, Hispanic Studies, and Russian Studies.

Will I be able to conduct research as an undergraduate?  Are there possibilities in participating in internships or independent studies?

The college does provide opportunities for undergraduate research, internships and independent studies. There is a ten-week program held in the summer for students who are interested in pursuing research in biology, chemistry, physics, math, statistics, computer science, and psychology. Students are accepted for the program usually after their sophomore and junior years, working under the supervision of a faculty member.  Students who demonstrate strong abilities may submit proposals for independent study/independent research.

Are there opportunities for students to study abroad?


Yes! Approximately 65% of the study body studies internationally before graduating from St. Olaf, and another 18% participate in domestic off-campus programs that allow them to gain a larger perspective on the United States and American culture. The more than 120 international and U.S. off-campus study programs range from 1 month (January Interims) to yearlong programs on every continent except Antarctica. To learn more about how international and domestic off-campus programs add a cross-cultural dimension to a liberal arts education and aid in the development of a global perspective, visit here.

How big are the classes at St.Olaf?


The average class size is 23 with a student-to-faculty ration of 13:1. With the exception of introductory science courses, there are very few large, lecture style classes. Professors teach all the courses and lead lab sections.  

Are faculty members accessible?


Yes. Students appreciate the interaction they have with their professors in and outside of the classroom. Ninety-one percent of full-time faculty hold Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees in their fields. 

How do I narrow my selection of courses?


St. Olaf’s commitment to a liberal arts education means students can explore a wide range of subjects. The curriculum cultivates the basic skills students need to succeed in college and beyond. Faculty advisors are assigned to students to help them choose the blend of courses needed for their major(s) as well as to satisfy general education requirements. While students deepen their knowledge in the area of their major subject, they broaden their worldview by sampling courses in art, computer science, philosophy, foreign languages, religion, etc. Students may also seek assistance from the Academic Advising Center.

Are there any tutorials or help sessions for international students if they’re having any difficulties in their subjects and/or the English language?

The Academic Support Center (ASC), at St. Olaf helps all students develop independent learning techniques that will contribute to their academic and personal growth at St. Olaf. We have professional and student staff to assist students with time management, analytical reading, note-taking, writing, math, test-taking, or problem solving. ASC also sponsors several special programs including the Writing Place (assistance in writing papers), Math Clinics (assistance in beginning mathematics courses), and the Tutoring Program (individual help in most subject areas).