The Liberal Arts at Wheaton

A Wheaton Education

Wheaton College offers a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees. The open spirit of inquiry is reflected in our curriculum, which emphasizes connections among traditional academic disciplines. With more than 100 major and minor programs, you will find plenty of opportunities to discover how the arts and sciences, humanities, and social sciences complement each other. At Wheaton, artists dig into chemistry, biologists delve into literature, historians explore the power of digital technology.

We believe education is an active pursuit. Wheaton offers myriad opportunities to put theory into practice through internships, independent research projects, studying in another country, spending a semester at one of our partner institutions in the United States and participating in campus leadership.

The Wheaton Curriculum

Wheaton College’s bold and innovative liberal arts and sciences curriculum reflects the college’s long-standing values. The Wheaton curriculum encourages students to develop a broad foundation of knowledge, consider important issues across disciplines and from many perspectives, explore diverse cultures and languages and work to understand how structures of power and inequality operate in a global world.

Wheaton’s curriculum requirements are evolving to provide a highly personalized experience for students, helping individuals find the path or paths that match their interests and goals, encouraging them to take on challenges and embrace exploration and providing strong mentorship, guidance and self-reflection along the way. A Wheaton education is at its heart experiential—students learn by doing, both on and off-campus, and their internships, research projects, clubs and activities, leadership roles and other experiences contribute to their growth and set them up for a successful life, both personally and professionally.

Students will follow the Compass Curriculum  requirements, which include a first-year connected course, an experiential program typically during their sophomore year and completion of a Mentored Academic Pathway, along with many other opportunities.

All Wheaton students complete at least one major which ensures an in-depth exploration of their chosen discipline and a capstone experience in that field. (Many students choose more than one major and/or one or more minors, with specific requirements for each.)

Every Wheaton student benefits from The Wheaton Edge, which includes guaranteed funding for an internship, research position, or another experiential learning opportunity, before their senior year.

The Major 

Wheaton’s major and minor offerings are expansive, encompassing more than 100 options. Some, such as Biology, are located within an academic department; others, like Environmental Studies, are interdepartmental programs. In either case, you will find the requirements for established majors and minors outlined in the Programs of Study  section of this publication.

You also may propose an independent major in which you determine and define the focus of study. These are normally designed with the guidance of faculty advisors and combine courses from two or more departments. These majors require the approval of the provost and must be declared by the end of the fifth semester. (Contact Academic Advising for more information.)

All Wheaton students elect a major by the end of the sophomore year.  The major provides an opportunity to select more focused and advanced work in a particular area of study. Contact Academic Advising for guidance in choosing a major, and plan to meet with a faculty advisor for the area in which you intend to study before formally declaring a major or minor to the Office of the Registrar using the form available in WINDOW.

Each major has slightly different requirements for completing it; these are outlined in the college catalog. Major advising sheets, detailing the requirements for all majors and minors are available by selecting the desired major in this catalog and clicking on the printer icon in the top right corner. Alternatives to the standard major programs offered in each department, independent majors, are outlined below. The connection between your choice of major field and your choice of career field probably holds more possibilities than you are aware of. Career Services, located in the Filene Center, can help you understand better what the choice of major offers for your career interests. It is most important to pick a field in which you are interested and in which you know you will do comparatively well. And it is important to remember that many liberal arts graduates, by the time they are five years out of college, are working by choice in jobs or fields that have little obvious connection to their undergraduate major.

Choosing Multiple Majors

Wheaton College offers three different degree types, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students may major in multiple programs across different degree types but only one degree (Diploma) will be awarded. Students who choose multiple majors across different degree types will need to choose a primary major. The degree associated with that primary major will be the one that is awarded.  All completed majors will appear on the transcript.  Wheaton does not list majors on the diploma. If students need assistance choosing a primary major, they should contact their student success advisor. 

4+1 Accelerated Graduate Programs

Wheaton also offers a 4+1 option, which allows students to earn a Master’s degree in one additional year after completion of their Wheaton Bachelor’s degree.  Wheaton’s 4 + 1 Master’s programs build on our undergraduate curriculum to offer a deeper exploration of business, creative industries, and environmental science. For more information, please refer to the Graduate Catalog. 

Interdepartmental Majors

Interdepartmental majors, such as African Diaspora Studies, Neuroscience, or the program in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics Major, have been approved by the faculty and are described in the catalog. Students interested in these majors should consult the major advisors or coordinators listed for these programs in the Programs of Study .

Information for Undecided Students

Choosing your major can be an exciting process that involves self-awareness and personal reflection. There are many resources on campus to help you with this decision (your advisor, the Filene Center for Academic Advising, and more).

The Minor 

An academic minor can be a great way to diversify and enhance your curricular experience, gain knowledge in an area outside of your major, or complement your current major.

Minors should be carefully considered and declared as early as possible to ensure proper completion of the necessary coursework. It is our hope that minors are an intentional part of a student’s academic choices, and therefore they require a certain degree of advising.

Many departments offering majors also offer minor concentrations in the same field. Some departments also offer minors in more specialized areas. Other minors are offered in areas with no corresponding major, such as animal behavior, journalism studies, and peace and social justice. A complete list can be found in the Programs of Study  section of this catalog. 

Minor concentrations consist of at least five interrelated courses, at least one of which is taken at an advanced level (300 level or above). Students planning minors may consult with appropriate major advisors about guidelines and restrictions. Only one course in a minor program may also be counted toward the student’s major, and no course may be included in more than one minor program.

During the process of choosing a minor students will meet with the department coordinator to outline the requirements for the minor. This information should be used in later advising meetings to ensure proper completion, in union with classes required for the major.

Students must complete the Minor Declaration Form, which is available online in WINDOW. A minor cannot be declared before a major is declared.

Individualized Study

Independent majors

Wheaton students interested in creating interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary majors may design their own independent major. Students will develop their own rationale for their proposed major in consultation with advisors from two or more departments and will select an appropriate program of courses from two or more areas of study in the established curriculum. Proposals must be approved by the faculty who will advise the program, by the dean for advising and by the provost. There is no minimum grade point average requirement. Guidelines and proposal forms are available in the Filene Center. Independent majors who are approved for honors in that field of concentration will be designated Wheaton Scholars.

Individual research

Individual research courses are typically undertaken as yearlong courses in the senior year and involve the production of a senior thesis or other advanced work to qualify the student for departmental honors. These courses are numbered at the 500 level.

Independent study 

An independent study is an undergraduate or graduate course offered when a student wants to explore an area of inquiry not covered by the curriculum under the guidance of a qualified faculty member. The student will work with the faculty member to complete a study plan that includes learning outcomes and assessment. This study plan signifies the agreement between faculty and student. It must be approved by the department chair or the Provost’s Office when the course is interdivisional before any independent study is communicated to the Registrar. The study plan must be retained for the record. For more information about independent studies, please consult with either the Office of Advising or the Office of the Registrar.

Notes: 

• The independent study must be academically related to the program awarding credit and may not duplicate material covered in existing courses.
• The faculty sponsor must be a faculty member within the program (or within an interdisciplinary major/minor) under which the independent study will be awarded credit.
• The course instructor determines the level but, in general, independent studies below the 300 level should not be offered. 
• The faculty must submit the complete plan of study to the Department Chair or and, after approval, to the Registrar’s Office before the add/drop period ends. We strongly recommend submitting this form during registration or early in the add/drop period to allow for revisions (if necessary).
• Credits: The course of study and assignments for a 4 credit hours independent study typically consist of the equivalent student workload of a regular 4 credit hours course. Independent study can be offered for 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. Faculty and students should adjust the study plan and the credit hours to the meeting hours and the required activities such as research, reading, writing papers, doing lab work, and/or completing a product or presentation for the course.  
• Only work completed within the semester’s start and end dates can be used to award credit. All work must be submitted to the faculty sponsor before the end of the final exam period.
• Work completed before the semester begins or after it ends cannot be considered for awarding credit.
• Independent studies are not part of the regular teaching load, and faculty are not obligated to supervise them.
• Students may not enroll in more than one independent study per semester.

Directed Study

A Directed Study is designed to replace a regular course that is not offered in the semester when the student needs to enroll (i.e., for graduation). The material covered in such courses is the same as in the regular course. However, a Directed Study provides a structured format with the necessary flexibility to accommodate the student(s) enrolled in the course.   

•  No experimental course may be offered as a directed study.
•  Directed studies should be exceptional and granted only when there is a demonstrated student need.
•  Directed studies must receive approval from the Chair and the Office of the Provost using this form.  

Practicum

A practicum is an experiential learning opportunity offered by a program and supervised by a faculty member, often completed on and off campus. It is structured as a regular for-credit course with a syllabus and a course registration number. Undergraduate and graduate programs may require a practicum for degree completion. Practicums vary depending on program type or degree level. Programs should adjust the practicum’s expected work and academic components to the Wheaton credit-hour policy.

Electives

The Wheaton Curriculum invites students to explore a broad range of topics and to choose a large proportion of courses based entirely on where their interests lead. As part of a Liberal Arts education, students are required to take 64 credits outside of their major. Courses in Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology or Physics can empower an alert observer of the natural world and an informed participant in important changes happening in science and technology. Courses in the arts—Music, Theatre, Dance, Creative Writing, Literature, Visual Art and the History of Art—can offer lifelong pleasure in artistic performance and expression. Courses in Anthropology, Greek Latin and Ancient Mediterranean Studies, or History will help put contemporary events and modern cultures into perspective. Courses in Economics, Psychology, Political Science or Sociology will provide a foundation for understanding how individuals and groups function and interact. Additional courses in Philosophy or Mathematics will strengthen the ability to analyze problems, while advanced foreign language study will enrich understanding of others and provide a valuable tool for communicating with them.

Enhanced Courses

Enhanced courses offer self-selected students an opportunity to work at a faster pace and/or with more advanced materials in introductory courses which are often required for further work in a discipline. Typically they have additional meeting times and (often, but not always) are awarded an additional two credits.

Experimental Courses

From time to time, departments design new courses that are offered on an experimental basis. These courses may be offered only once or may eventually become part of the regular curriculum. Numbered 198, 298, or 398, such courses frequently offer unusual opportunities to study at the cutting edge of a field of knowledge.

Department Honors Thesis

These courses are not classroom-based and typically require student-led research utilizing primary source material, field experience, and professional interaction. The student is expected to work independently under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member. The student will master a topic in-depth and will normally be able to demonstrate this knowledge by writing an extensive piece called the thesis. 

Clinical

A clinical is a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity in which students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under direct supervision. Nursing students, for example, participate in clinical rotations at hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities, where they practice essential skills such as patient assessment, administering treatments, and collaborating with healthcare teams. 

Internships

An internship is a credit-bearing, hands-on, experiential learning opportunity completed mostly in a professional setting. It has a supervisor and a sponsor. The supervisor is the on-site professional overseeing student performance, similar to a manager in an employment setting. The sponsor is a faculty member who oversees the academic component of the experience and awards the credit. The academic component may vary in modality (e.g., in-person, on-line, or hybrid). Undergraduate and graduate programs may require an internship for degree completion. The type of internship varies depending on program type or degree level. All internships are managed and tracked through Handshake and the Life and Career Design Institute (LCDI). 

Wheaton Credit for Internship (WCI)

Students doing an internship may apply for academic credit through the Wheaton Credit for Internship (WCI) process.  A 2-4 academic credit is available for successful completion of qualifying summer internships and a 1-2 academic credit is available for successful completion of qualifying winter or term-time internships.To enroll in WCI, students must first secure a faculty advisor to serve as the instructor of record to establish learning goals, and determine successful completion  Students then acquire an internship with an onsite supervisor, obtain approval signatures from Career Services, and register for a WCI course. In addition, in order for the student to be eligible for WCI, the employer partner must engage the student in the internship for a minimum of 60 hours for term-time or winter break internships, or 240 hours for summer internships, as well as meet other internship criteria as established by Career Services. The student must also be a currently matriculated student who has completed at least one semester (for students who are not U.S. citizens, one academic year), but who has not yet graduated.

Credit for these internships will appear as a “WCI” notation in the student’s transcript once successfully completed. Up to 8 WCI credits may be applied toward the 128 credits required for graduation.

Global Study and Intercultural Learning

At Wheaton international and domestic off-campus study has become an ever more popular feature of the undergraduate experience. Increasingly, Wheaton students understand that study abroad/away enriches their academic experience and better prepares them for life after college.

Wheaton offers an exciting range of study abroad options and opportunities for experiential learning through the Center for Global Education to encourage students to broaden their cultural boundaries and knowledge of the world.

The Wheaton Curriculum emphasizes the infusion of diverse perspectives, and the college has set a priority to prepare every graduate to be globally and interculturally competent. To support these goals, Wheaton now offers 84 study abroad programs in 49 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bhutan, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Spain. Students select  from a wide range of programs focused on a variety of academic disciplines, become immersed in the culture of their host country, and gain unique insights into themselves and their world. Students may also pursue experiential learning opportunities within the United States.

To be eligible for study abroad, students must be in good academic and social standing and must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.85. Most students elect to study abroad in their junior year, but applications from sophomores (second semester) and seniors (first semester) are considered in relation to their plan of study and preparation. Each fall, the Center for Global Education sponsors a Study Abroad Fair featuring information about Wheaton’s overseas partner schools and programs. Students may also take advantage of general, country-specific and major-specific information meetings, and peer advisors who, as study abroad returnees, share their knowledge with prospective study abroad students. Students receive advice regarding the program most appropriate to meet their academic objectives and submit study abroad applications to the Center for Global Education. Prior to departure, a mandatory orientation program is offered and upon return, students are invited to participate in workshops to debrief their experiences and to identify skills and competencies gained while abroad that will serve them well after college.  

In many cases, students who participate in study abroad programs through Wheaton pay regular Wheaton tuition that covers all overseas educational expenses. In other cases, students pay Wheaton tuition plus an additional fee (according to the cost of the program)  that covers all overseas educational expenses.  For all programs, students pay room and board directly to their study abroad program, which in some cases is less than room and board at Wheaton. Details are outlined in specific program information available at the Center web site at www.wheaton­college.edu/global. Students participating in a Wheaton study abroad program may continue to utilize their federal, state, merit and need-based aid while abroad.

Students whose academic needs cannot be met through Wheaton-approved programs may petition to participate in a program not currently on the Wheaton approved list.  Such petitions must receive strong support from the faculty advisor. 

In addition to the traditional semester and year long options, students may participate in short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs. In past years, these opportunities have included Field Research in Tropical Biology in Belize and Costa Rica, The Arts in Ireland, Geology of Iceland, and Intersections of Politics and Biodiversity in Madagascar.

WheaGo Global

Start college with a global adventure 

The WheaGo Global First-Semester Study Abroad program kick-starts your college career in one of the world’s great cities, immersed in an exciting cultural adventure and focused on your top academic interests.  

This is an opportunity for ambitious, adventurous and mature first-year students who possess a strong interest in global study and are excited to spend the fall semester at a distinguished off-campus location. 

Choose one of four unique and exciting options: international business and management in Sydney, Australia; liberal arts and sciences in Athens Greece; communications and international relations in Barcelona, Spain; art, design and fashion in Paris; or STEM and the Liberal Arts in Lugano, Switzerland. 

WheaGo courses count fully toward your Wheaton degree, and ensure that you keep pace toward graduation with students who remain on campus. In addition, the program fulfills requirements for the college’s honors programs, giving you a head start on advanced study options.

Off-Campus Study in the United States

Salt Institute for Documentary Studies at Maine College of Art & Design.

Selected Wheaton students may participate in a semester of interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in documentary photography, radio and podcasting, non-fiction writing and editing, and field research at the Salt Center, based in Portland, Maine at Maine College of Art & Design. Enrollment is selective in this graduate certificate and accepted students receive close guidance and individual supervision as they develop their projects.

Learn more about Salt Institute for Documentary Studies

Semester in the City

Through our partnership with the College for Social Innovation, Wheaton students have the opportunity to participate in a 15-week semester in Boston, Massachusetts. The students spend 30+ hours a week undertaking an internship with a leading social change organization within the nonprofit business or public sector. The placement sites are typically within social justice, health, education, environment, or other areas dedicated to the public good. In addition to the practicum placement, all students will take two courses and earn a total of sixteen Wheaton credits. They’ll be housed in shared apartments in Allston, Massachusetts. Students pay Wheaton tuition and pay the College for Social Innovation for housing.

Learn more about Semester in the City

The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Wheaton is a member of the Marine Biological Laboratory Consortium in Environmental Science. Select students with strong backgrounds in environmental studies may qualify for fall semester study at this world-renowned center for research, education and training in biology. While at the MBL, students enroll in two core lab and lecture courses in aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems, select elective seminars and undertake an independent project. A special effort is made to understand the links between ecosystems on land and in water at global, regional and local scales. The MBL library is jointly operated with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, serving as a primary source of scientific information for the large, multi-institutional Woods Hole scientific community. Students pay regular Wheaton tuition and fees for this Wheaton-affiliated program. For the period of study away, no fees are paid to Wheaton; students pay tuition and fees to the host exchange institution. Wheaton merit scholarship and financial aid funds are not available, though students are eligible for state and federal aid programs.

Learn more about the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

The Twelve College Exchange Program

Regional colleges cooperating with Wheaton in exchanging junior-year students include Amherst, Bowdoin, Connecticut College, Dartmouth, Mt. Holyoke, Smith, Trinity, Vassar, Wellesley and Wesleyan. Admission is competitive, and students should indicate strong curricular reasons for wishing to participate in the exchange. Applications and information on eligibility are available through the Center for Global Education; a minimum GPA of 2.67 (B-) is required to apply, though individual colleges have the final say on whether they will accept a student or not. Credits become part of a Wheaton student’s academic record. Grades are considered as transfer credit and do not factor into the Wheaton GPA.  For the period of study away, no fees are paid to Wheaton; students pay tuition and fees to the host exchange institution. Wheaton merit scholarship and financial aid funds are not available, though students are eligible for state and federal aid programs.*

Applications are due to the Center for Global Education by February 1 of the sophomore year for fall or spring attendance during the junior year.

As part of the Twelve College Exchange, students can engage in two programs:

Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program of Williams College and Mystic Seaport

The Williams-Mystic program offers students an interdisciplinary, field-based approach to maritime studies and offers classes in maritime history, literature of the sea, oceanography or marine ecology, and marine policy. Students live in five historical homes in Mystic, CT and also study maritime skills under professional instruction, including demonstration squad, music of the sea, shipsmithing, boat-handling, and celestial navigation. The program offers three field seminars each semester, including an offshore voyage in the Atlantic onboard a traditionally rigged tall ship, exploring the Pacific Coast, and a trip in the Mississippi River Delta along the Gulf of Mexico. Admission is competitive and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. More information is available from the Center for Global Education staff. Grades are considered as transfer credit and do not factor into the Wheaton GPA. Students pay tuition and fees to Williams College, and financial aid is applied for through Wheaton. Federal, state and institutional need-based funding is transferable; however, merit scholarships do not transfer.

The National Theater Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center

Under the auspices of Connecticut College and the Twelve College Exchange Program, students in theater may spend one semester of concentrated study in directing, play writing, acting, movement and voice, design and other electives. A final project draws together all these elements, culminating in a performance open to the public. The semester opens with two weeks spent abroad, either in Stratford-upon-Avon or at Russia’s Moscow Art Theater (subject to change). The program is very competitive and may require an audition with NTI staff. Grades and credits become part of a Wheaton student’s academic record. Grades are considered as transfer credit and do not factor into the Wheaton GPA. Students pay tuition and fees to Connecticut College, and financial aid is applied for through Wheaton. Federal, state and institutional need-based funding is transferable; however, merit scholarships do not transfer.

Washington Semester at American University

Qualified students may spend one semester of their junior year at American University (Washington, D.C.) studying a variety of topics. Students enroll in a core seminar, which consists of meetings with guest lecturers from a huge network of national and international organizations and agencies, and class readings. An elective course or research project is undertaken, along with an internship placement two days a week. For the period of study away, no fees are paid to Wheaton; students pay tuition and fees to American University. Wheaton merit scholarship and financial aid funds are not available, though students are eligible for state and federal aid programs and may apply to American University for special scholarships. Credits return to Wheaton, though grades are considered as transfer courses and do not affect the Wheaton grade point average. For the period of study away, no fees are paid to Wheaton; students pay tuition and fees to the host exchange institution. Wheaton merit scholarship and financial aid funds are not available, though students are eligible for state and federal aid programs.

Learn more about Washington Semester at American University

Cross-Registration Options

Brown University Cross-Registration

Cross-registration is a selective opportunity designed for students who have demonstrated strong academic performance at Wheaton. A limited number of Wheaton students may cross-register for courses at Brown University in subjects not offered at Wheaton. Students may not take courses at Brown that are also available at Wheaton.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have completed at least 32 credits at Wheaton.
• Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 earned at Wheaton
• Must maintain a full-time course load at Wheaton (minimum 12 credits) during the semester of cross-registration. Brown University courses approved by Wheaton will transfer back to Wheaton as transfer credit upon successful completion. Students must earn at least a grade of C in order for the course to be eligible for transfer, the grade will not be calculated in the Wheaton GPA.

Additional Guidelines:

• Students may take no more than two courses at Brown, in separate semesters.
• Students may take these courses during the Fall or Spring semesters only.
• Students must petition the Committee on Academic Standing (CAS) and complete the cross-registration application to request approval.
• Petitions are due to CAS by the end of the pre-registration week each semester.
• If CAS approves the petition, Academic Advising will submit the application to Brown. If accepted, the Brown Registrar’s Office will contact the student with next steps.
• Wheaton students who have been approved to cross-register will be registered for the course during the Brown add/drop period, with permission of instructor, if there is an available seat.
• Students are responsible for transportation to and from Brown and should carefully plan their schedules to allow for travel and parking.

SACHEM Cross-Registration

Wheaton is a member of the Southeastern Association for Cooperation in Higher Education in Massachusetts (SACHEM), which allows eligible full-time students to enroll in courses at the following participating institutions: Bridgewater State University, Bristol Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Dean College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Massasoit Community College, Stonehill College, and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. Cross-registration is available during the fall and spring semesters only, and courses must fall outside the Wheaton curriculum.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Courses must fall outside the Wheaton curriculum.  
• Students must be enrolled full-time at Wheaton (minimum 12 credits) during the semester of cross-registration. SACHEM courses approved by Wheaton will transfer back to Wheaton as transfer credit upon successful completion. Students must earn at least a grade of C in order for the course to be eligible for transfer, the grade will not be calculated in the Wheaton GPA.. 
• No more than two cross-registered courses may be taken per term, and registration into courses at other institutions are subject to limitations placed by the host institution. 
• Seniors must petition the Committee on Academic Standing (CAS) for approval, as cross-registration during the final year may affect Wheaton’s residency requirement. 
• Graduating students who take a SACHEM course will not be conferred until the official transcript from the host college is received by the Office of the Registrar.  
• Students are responsible for transportation and should consider scheduling and travel time when selecting courses.

Application Process:

• Approval forms and pamphlets outlining the regulations and procedures for SACHEM registration are available by contacting the Wheaton College Office of the Registrar in the Doll’s House or at registrar@wheatoncollege.edu.
• Final approval is subject to both Wheaton College and the host institution’s policies and deadlines.

Pre-Professional Programs

Wheaton actively supports students who plan to pursue professional or graduate education after completing their undergraduate degree. Advice and resources are available to help students explore and prepare for advanced study in fields such as law, medicine, health professions, education, business, and more. Students can access personalized guidance on course planning, application timelines, entrance exams, and identifying appropriate graduate programs. For support, students should consult with faculty advisors and Filene Center staff members in Academic Advising, and the Life & Career Design Institute (LCDI).

Dual-degree programs

Dual-degree programs permit a student to begin graduate-level study in engineering or optometry before graduating from Wheaton. A student will take one to three additional years to earn a second degree in one of these fields; the Wheaton B.A. or B.S. is normally awarded at the same time as the second degree. 

Dual-degree programs exist with the following institutions:

• Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College (B.S. Engineering)

• New England School of Optometry (Doctor of Optometry)

Bachelor of Science in Engineering at Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College

Fast-track your advanced studies in engineering through our partnership with the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. Entrance requirements vary between schools and specific fields, so working closely with the program coordinator throughout your time at Wheaton is essential to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.

While there’s no set academic program, you must complete three years of study at Wheaton and take at least two English courses (including writing), six humanities and social science courses, four to six math courses, two to six physics courses, and one computer programming course. Depending on your specific program, you may also need courses in biology, chemistry or economics.

Acceptance into the Dual-Degree Program depends on the strength of your academic record at Wheaton, how well you’ve completed the required courses, and your potential to succeed in the program.

Contact: Professor John Collins

Doctor of Optometry at New England School of Optometry 

Our Dual-Degree program with The New England College of Optometry allows you to earn your Bachelor of Science degree and your Doctor of Optometry degree in just seven years. To be considered, you must express your interest in the program at the time of your admission to Wheaton or during your first semester.

Before applying to the program, you must demonstrate academic excellence across our liberal arts curriculum for three years—typically as a biology major—and pass optometry standardized tests. You’ll also be interviewed by our faculty members and at the New England College of Optometry.

After meeting the above criteria, you’ll be invited to apply to The New England College of Optometry during your junior year. During your senior year, you’ll begin your advanced studies and earn credits that count toward both your Wheaton degree and the start of your doctoral studies.

Contact: Hilary Gaudet

Pre-Health 

Students interested in careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other health professions should consult with Wheaton’s Pre-Health Faculty Advisor early in their first year to plan a course of study aligned with professional school requirements and their academic interests.

Most health profession programs require the following undergraduate coursework:

• 2 semesters of biology
• 2 years of chemistry, including 1 year of organic chemistry
• 2 semesters of physics
• 1 semester of mathematics
• 2 semesters of English or writing-intensive courses

Additional recommended courses may include biochemistry, psychology, and statistics. Health profession schools accept applicants from all majors, provided they demonstrate strong academic performance in the sciences.

Wheaton offers robust Pre-Health Advising through a dedicated faculty advisor who provides:

• Personalized course sequencing and career planning
• Support for graduate school selection and application materials
• Preparation for entrance exams (MCAT, GRE, DAT, etc.)
• Access to internship and shadowing opportunities
• Committee support for medical school applicants

Pre-Health Faculty Advising

Working with a dedicated Pre-Health Faculty Advisor, students interested in pre-health can expect individualized curricular sequencing guidance, career advice and coaching, and pre-application support for graduate and medical schools. Pre-health career students can also access a wide array of internship and shadowing opportunities that are regularly shared by the Pre-Health Faculty Advisor.

Students applying to pre-health graduate programs receive graduate school selection guidance and support, personal statement guidance, interview preparation, feedback on application materials, and testing guidance and testing preparation for GRE/MCAT/DAT/PCAT.

Medical school applicants are supported at Wheaton College through the Pre-Health Advisor and the work of an interdisciplinary committee of staff and faculty. Wheaton College’s Pre-Health Advisor is Hilary Gaudet, Ph.D.

Law

Law schools value a strong liberal arts education and do not require a specific set of undergraduate courses. Students interested in pursuing a career in law are encouraged to choose courses that strengthen their skills in writing, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and persuasive argumentation.

Wheaton offers a Legal Studies minor, which provides an interdisciplinary foundation in legal systems, ethics, and public policy. While the minor can enhance a student’s preparation, it is not required for admission to law school.

Students considering law school should meet early and regularly with a pre-law advisor to plan their academic path, explore experiential opportunities, and prepare for the law school application process. Support is available in the Filene Center Academic Advising office.

Architecture and related fields

Students interested in architecture and art-related fields such as architectural restoration, city planning, landscape design or urban design may enroll in advanced degree programs at other institutions after completing their Wheaton degree. Their Wheaton program should include at least one year of calculus and physics, as well as courses in drawing, art and architectural history and design.

Communications

Students may prepare for journalism or media careers in graduate schools of journalism or communications by completing Wheaton’s major in Digital Media and Communications or minor in journalism studies.  The major helps prepare students to pursue careers in a wide range of areas relating to media content creation and analysis; media industries, platforms, and technologies; and media audiences. Whether your interest is primarily in social media or streaming content, journalism or advertising, or some other aspect of media and communications, you will take courses from a range of disciplinary perspectives and acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies in areas that are crucial to professions in these areas, e.g., digital tools, ethics, storytelling, sense making, problem solving, data literacy, and information fluency. Students are encouraged to meet with members of the relevant department or the dean of academic advising about their interests.

Teaching

Students may earn a Massachusetts license in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary school teaching through the Education department. Observation and practical teaching experience through supervised student teaching is available at local private and public schools, as well as at the Early Education Center run by the college. Students considering teaching careers may major in any liberal arts field but should meet with members of the education department in their freshman year to plan courses leading to licensure. More information may be found under the Education department listing of courses.

Management

Preparation for postgraduate education in management requires no prescribed undergraduate curriculum; most schools offering the Master of Business Administration degree are concerned with the overall quality of an applicant’s undergraduate work, and many prefer students who have completed majors in traditional liberal arts fields. Some work, however, in mathematics, economics and/or the behavioral sciences is relevant for M.B.A. programs.

Graduate School

Many Wheaton students pursue graduate or professional degrees to deepen their expertise or prepare for academic, research, or industry careers. A liberal arts education provides strong preparation for a wide range of graduate programs by cultivating critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills.

Students considering graduate study are encouraged to speak with faculty in their major department early in their academic journey for guidance on course selection, research opportunities, and preparing competitive applications.

Juniors and seniors are invited to participate in graduate school preparation sessions, fairs and events hosted by both the Filene Center for Academic Advising and the Life and Career Design Institute (LCDI). These sessions offer insight into the application process, personal statement writing, funding options, and standardized testing. Additional academic advising and career-related resources are available through the Filene Center programs.

Wheaton College 4+1 Accelerated Graduate Programs

Wheaton offers a 4+1 option, which allows students to earn a Master’s degree in one additional year after completion of their Wheaton Bachelor’s degree.  Wheaton’s 4 + 1 Master’s programs build on our undergraduate curriculum to offer a deeper exploration of business, creative industries, and environmental science. For more information, please refer to the Graduate Catalog. 

Masters Degree Partnerships

Wheaton has agreements with multiple institutions that have reserved graduate admission placements for Wheaton students.

Babson College MSF or MSBA Programs

Through our collaboration with Babson College, you can advance your studies in either of these graduate programs:

• Master of Science in Finance (MSF)
• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

You’ll enjoy an accelerated and streamlined application process with no GMAT requirement and you will not have to pay the application fee. Upon acceptance, you will receive a 20% tuition reduction at Babson.

Bridgewater State University

MA in Clinical Psychology (for Psychology majors)

Masters in Public Administration (for Political Science majors)

Masters in Business Administration (for Economics majors)

Eligible students must have completed their Bachelor of Arts at Wheaton with the following requirements:

• A minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00
• Submission of general GRE scores, unless otherwise stated

Benefits to Wheaton students include:

• A waiver of the graduate program admission application fee
• The option to delay enrolling in the program for up to one (1) year while remaining eligible for the benefits
• At least two (2) qualified Wheaton students each year (applying for the fall semester following graduation from Wheaton) will be eligible for admission into reserved spots in each of the graduate programs.

Clark University

• MBA with Clark University Graduate School of Management

MS in Accounting/MBA Dual Degree Program at Northeastern University’s D’Amore McKim School of Business

With Northeastern University’s combined MS in Accounting/MBA degree you’ll gain a comprehensive foundation in accounting, business and technical skills, preparing you for the evolving accounting industry. During this 15-month program you’ll work with a small cohort and make industry connections through a paid internship.

You do not need to be an accounting major to be eligible for this program. However, you must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.3 across our liberal arts curriculum. In fact, your diverse perspectives make you an ideal candidate for this program. As a Wheaton student, you do not need to pay the application fee or submit standardized test scores. You’ll also be eligible for merit scholarships and other aid.

Simmons University

Masters in Public Policy (for Political Science and Sociology majors)

Masters in Gender and Cultural Studies (for Women’s and Gender Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, History, and English majors)

Masters in Children’s Literature (for English majors)

Eligible students must have completed their Bachelor of Arts at Wheaton with the following requirements:

• A minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00.
• Students must interview with the director for the individual Simmons graduate program.

Benefits to Wheaton students include:

• Accelerate admission decisions
• A waiver of the graduate program admission application fee
• A waiver of one (1) course required in the graduate degree program