A Union Education

The Union curriculum is challenging and flexible, broad and deep. From day 1, it encourages students to explore, question, think creatively and take risks.

The first and second years are devoted to foundations – to building a broad base of knowledge by taking introductory course in a variety of disciplines and to understanding issues from multiple perspectives and ethical considerations. Once students decide on one or more majors, the focus is on developing deep expertise in their field of interest and gaining understanding of the world through the lens of their specialty.

Our curriculum also challenges students to combine fields and apply knowledge in new ways, through courses grouped around themes, interdisciplinary courses and team projects, and classes in a variety of disciplines. Since our beginnings, we have had a deep and significant commitment to undergraduate research across all disciplines. Students have many opportunities to work closely with their professors, co-author publications and deliver papers at conferences.

Each spring, the College celebrates scholarly activity and research at the Steinmetz Symposium. Established in 1991, the symposium showcases advancements made by student researchers through oral, dance, music, art and poster sessions. A primary focus is the presentation of senior capstone projects and thesis work. The symposium coincides with Prize Day.

Through our International Programs, more than 60 percent of Union students engage in coursework and fieldwork across the globe, from Argentina to Vietnam. There are two dozen full terms abroad and a variety of three-week mini-terms during winter break or at the beginning of summer. There are also opportunities for extended terms, formal exchanges, research and independent study.

Union’s Scholars Program, offered to a select group of outstanding incoming students upon admission, gives participants the opportunity to pursue an accelerated curriculum.

The Michael Rapaport ’59 Ethics Across the Curriculum offers a variety of courses in all departments that provide extensive training in everyday ethics, preparing students to face a world of tough decisions and empowering them to exercise moral leadership.

Union’s Writing Across the Curriculum initiative develops writing skills in the context of courses students take in all disciplines. Every student is required to take five designated courses from at least two divisions and one Senior Writing Experience.

Some staples of the Union curriculum

• First-Year Preceptorial, or “precept,” emphasizes critical reading and thinking skills, writing, speaking and cultural diversity.
• Sophomore Research Seminar helps students expand their research and writing skills through content-rich courses designed by faculty from throughout the college.
• Steinmetz Symposium showcases the research, scholarship and creative endeavors of hundreds of students each spring.
• Senior Thesis or Capstone Project encourages students to research, prepare and design their own project around an issue or problem of interest.
• Academic competitions such as the intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, Mini-Baja Competition, Model UN and SAE AeroLift put students’ skills, acumen and hard work to the test alongside their peers worldwide.
• Internships in such leading organizations as Barclay’s, Bloomberg, GE Energy, Goldman Sachs, Harvard University, Hearst, IBM and Teach for America, to name just a few, give students a leg up when seeking jobs after graduation.