Earlham College, a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), emphasizes interdisciplinary education, social justice, and experiential learning. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and global awareness through a core program that includes writing-intensive courses, quantitative reasoning, and peace and justice studies. Students engage in small classes with dedicated faculty, pursuing majors and minors across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts.
- Biology: Courses cover molecular biology, ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology, with hands-on lab work and field research opportunities in diverse ecosystems, preparing students for medical school, environmental careers, or graduate studies.
- Chemistry: The program includes organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry, featuring advanced instrumentation labs and research projects that emphasize sustainable practices and real-world applications in pharmaceuticals and materials science.
- Computer Science: Offerings range from programming fundamentals in Python and Java to algorithms, data structures, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, with capstone projects involving software development for social good.
- Economics: Explores microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and development economics, integrating ethical dimensions and quantitative analysis to address global inequality and policy issues.
- English: Literature courses span British, American, and world literatures, creative writing workshops, rhetoric, and film studies, encouraging students to analyze texts through lenses of race, gender, and postcolonialism.
- History: Focuses on U.S., European, Asian, and Latin American histories, with thematic courses on war, revolution, and social movements, incorporating archival research and oral history projects.
- Mathematics: Includes calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and statistics, with applications in modeling and cryptography, supporting interdisciplinary work in sciences and economics.
- Peace and Global Studies: Core to Earlham's mission, courses examine conflict resolution, human rights, international relations, and nonviolent activism, with study abroad and internship components.
- Physics: Covers classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and astrophysics, with experimental labs and computational simulations for careers in research or engineering.
- Psychology: Studies cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology, using empirical methods and neuroscience to explore mental health and behavior in diverse populations.
- Religion: Interdisciplinary approach to world religions, ethics, Quaker studies, and theology, promoting interfaith dialogue and spiritual reflection.
- Anthropology: Examines cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology, with ethnographic fieldwork addressing globalization, identity, and indigenous rights.
- Environmental Studies: Integrates science, policy, and ethics in courses on climate change, sustainability, and conservation, featuring community-based projects and outdoor education.
- Art and Visual Culture: Includes studio art, art history, and digital media, encouraging creative expression through painting, sculpture, photography, and critical theory.
- Music: Offers performance, theory, composition, and ethnomusicology, with ensembles and lessons fostering collaboration and cultural appreciation.
- Theatre Arts: Courses in acting, directing, playwriting, and stage design, with productions that explore social issues and community engagement.
- Education: Prepares future teachers through methods courses, student teaching, and inclusive education practices aligned with Quaker values of equity.
- Spanish and Linguistics: Language immersion, literature, and applied linguistics for proficiency in communication and cultural competence in Hispanic worlds.
- Pre-professional tracks in medicine, law, engineering, and business integrate liberal arts with specialized advising and internships.
This comprehensive array ensures students receive a holistic education, with opportunities for double majors, independent studies, and off-campus programs worldwide. Earlham's commitment to experiential learning means courses often include service-learning, research collaborations, and Quaker-led discussions on peacebuilding, totaling over 50 areas of study that adapt to emerging global challenges.
