Academic Life at Colby

Educational exploration is a way of life at Colby. Academics are rigorous, and learning goes way beyond sitting in a classroom—it’s enhanced by new experiences, real-world research, and project-based problem solving across all disciplines. You’ll yearn for additional knowledge, tempting you to take diverse classes—multicultural literacy, meteorology, Mandarin—and perhaps unearthing a passion for something completely unexpected. Your classrooms and laboratories can be tropical rainforests, seagoing research vessels, metropolitan offices, or galleries in historic cities.

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Academic Programs

Choose from 55 majors and 31 minors, or design your own independent major. You'll have lots of flexibility and valuable guidance when it comes to preparing for your future. 

Majors and Minors at Colby

Areas of Distinction
  • Jan Plan

    Jan Plan

    During Colby’s exploratory January term you could develop a knack for furniture making, intern at a global firm or nonprofit, immerse yourself in the language and culture of France or Ecuador, or get ahead in your major. More >

  • Civic Engagement

    Civic Engagement

    We are committed to the local community and promote engagement through cocurricular and volunteer opportunities. Increase your awareness of social and political issues and apply critical-thinking skills to solve real-world problems, all for the good of the community.

  • Internationalism

    Internationalism

    Our diverse student body, foreign language programs, study-abroad opportunities, curriculum, and campus programming offer an international perspective. You’ll leave here with friendships that span the globe and with a broader view of the world. More >

  • Green Colby

    Green Colby

    We don’t just teach green, we live green. Pioneering academic programs, steam heat generated from locally sourced forest waste, 100-percent green electricity, and seven LEED-certified buildings are all reasons why we are a national leader in environmental studies and sustainability. More >

Academic Resources

Colby’s academic rigor shouldn’t be intimidating, because we’re here to help you succeed. Academic support is a College priority and a community value. Colby academic resources >

News

Academic Events

Faculty Accomplishments