Claremont McKenna College Majors: A Guide to the Academic Landscape Liberal Arts Foundation Major Options Minors and Concentrations Career Outcomes Admissions Conclusion

Nestled amidst the picturesque foothills of Southern California, Claremont McKenna College (CMC) stands as a beacon of academic excellence. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, CMC offers an intimate and personalized learning environment that nurtures intellectual growth and leadership development.

At the core of CMC’s academic program lies a rigorous liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Students have the flexibility to tailor their educational journeys by choosing from a diverse array of majors, minors, and concentrations.

The liberal arts foundation at CMC provides students with a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines that shape human knowledge and experience. Foundational courses in humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences broaden perspectives, foster intellectual curiosity, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for learning.

CMC offers 21 majors across various fields, allowing students to pursue their academic passions and develop specialized knowledge and skills.

Social Sciences

• Economics: Explore economic principles, analyze market structures, and develop policy solutions.
• Government: Engage in political science, examine government institutions, and analyze domestic and international affairs.
• History: Delve into the past to understand present-day events and develop critical thinking skills.
• Philosophy: Examine fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, and ethics.
• Psychology: Understand human behavior, mental processes, and the impact of social factors.
• Sociology: Analyze social structures, institutions, and inequalities.

Natural Sciences

• Biology: Study the principles of life, conduct experiments, and explore the diversity and complexity of living organisms.
• Chemistry: Examine the composition and properties of matter, investigate chemical reactions, and solve real-world problems.
• Computer Science: Learn computational thinking, develop software applications, and understand the impact of technology on society.
• Mathematics: Master abstract concepts, solve mathematical problems, and apply mathematical principles to various fields.
• Physics: Explore the fundamental laws of the universe, conduct experiments, and develop a deep understanding of physical phenomena.

Arts and Humanities

• Art History: Analyze and appreciate works of art from different periods and cultures.
• East Asian Studies: Immerse yourself in the history, language, and culture of East Asia.
• English: Enhance writing, critical reading, and analytical skills through a study of literature and rhetoric.
• French: Master the language and literature of France and explore Francophone cultures.
• Music: Develop musical skills, understand music theory, and engage with various musical traditions.
• Religion: Examine diverse religious traditions, beliefs, and practices.
• Spanish: Gain proficiency in Spanish language, explore Hispanic literature, and understand the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.
• Theatre: Develop acting, directing, and technical theatre skills.
• Writing and Rhetoric: Master the art of writing for various purposes and audiences.

Other

• Interdisciplinary Studies: Design your own major by combining courses from different disciplines.
• International and Global Studies: Explore global issues, analyze international relations, and develop cross-cultural understanding.

In addition to majors, CMC offers minors and concentrations that complement students’ academic pursuits and provide further depth in specific areas of interest.

CMC graduates are highly sought after by employers in diverse industries due to their strong academic foundation, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills. According to a recent survey:

• 93% of CMC graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
• 35% of CMC graduates receive job offers from Fortune 500 companies.
• The median starting salary for CMC graduates is $65,000.

CMC is a highly selective institution with a rigorous admissions process. Applicants are evaluated based on academic transcripts, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, personal essays, and interviews.

Claremont McKenna College offers a transformative educational experience that combines a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with a diverse range of majors and minors. Students can pursue their intellectual passions, develop specialized knowledge and skills, and prepare for successful careers in a rapidly changing world.