Harvey Mudd College

What you'll study

The Liberal Arts and Sciences major at Harvey Mudd is designed to allow students to integrate humanities and social-science inquiry with quantitative and scientific methods. Students typically take a mix of required core courses and electives that they select to form a coherent programme of study across disciplines.

• Core and foundation modules: courses in critical writing, research methods, quantitative reasoning, and ethics that provide a shared foundation for interdisciplinary work.
• Humanities and social-science subjects: topics such as history and philosophy of science, literature and cultural studies, political theory, anthropology, and sociology.
• Quantitative and technical components: mathematics, statistics, computational methods, or laboratory science to ensure students can analyse data and engage with scientific arguments.
• Interdisciplinary seminars: small-group seminars that explore themes (for example technology and society, environmental humanities, or science and public policy) from multiple perspectives.
• Electives across the Claremont Colleges: access to courses at partner colleges expands offerings in language, philosophy, art history, economics and more.
• Capstone or senior project: an independent research project, thesis or practicum that synthesises the student’s interdisciplinary interests under faculty supervision.
• Experiential learning: opportunities for internships, community-engaged projects, and undergraduate research in collaboration with faculty.

Entry requirements

Admission to Harvey Mudd College is selective and holistic. Candidates for the Liberal Arts and Sciences programme are expected to demonstrate both strong written-communication skills and quantitative readiness.

• Academic preparation: a secondary-school diploma or equivalent with strong performance in core academic subjects. Successful applicants typically present evidence of rigorous coursework in mathematics and English; sciences and social sciences are advantageous.
• Standardised qualifications: applicants may submit national or international credentials (for example A-levels, IB, or other recognised secondary credentials). Where relevant, scores in advanced mathematics or analytical subjects strengthen an application.
• Supporting materials: personal statement(s) outlining intellectual interests and interdisciplinary goals; letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to academic strengths; a record of any research projects, essays or creative work is useful.
• Prerequisites and placement: specific course placement in mathematics or language may be determined after admission based on transcripts or placement assessments; students without prior advanced preparation in maths should expect to take foundational quantitative courses.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Liberal Arts and Sciences programme combine analytical and communicative strengths valued across many sectors. Career paths are diverse and may evolve as students integrate disciplinary skills.

• Public policy and government: analysis, research, and positions that require clear writing and evidence-based decision-making.
• Education and outreach: teaching, museum work, science communication and public engagement roles.
• Technology and industry: roles in product management, data analysis, user research and where interdisciplinary thinking bridges technical teams and end users.
• Media, publishing and communications: journalism, editing, content strategy and technical writing.
• Nonprofit and advocacy organisations: programme design, evaluation, and research roles focused on social, environmental or health issues.
• Further study: many graduates go on to postgraduate study in the humanities, social sciences, law, business, public policy or interdisciplinary graduate programmes.

Why study at Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd offers a distinct environment for students who want rigorous quantitative training alongside deep engagement with humanities and social sciences. The college emphasises close faculty mentorship, small classes and a culture of undergraduate research.

• Interdisciplinary emphasis: the curriculum and advising support students who design personalised programmes that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.
• Claremont Colleges consortium: access to courses, libraries and extracurricular resources across multiple colleges expands academic breadth and social networks.
• Research and experiential opportunities: faculty-led research, practicum placements and internships enable hands-on learning and professional preparation.
• Small classes and mentorship: close interaction with faculty and peer collaboration help students develop strong writing, analytical and project-management skills.
• Preparation for diverse careers: the combination of critical thinking, communication and quantitative skills prepares graduates for a wide range of professional and academic paths.