A
Anthropology Department
Anthropology examines the past, present and future of the human experience through the lens of the humanities and physical sciences. Students analyze how biological and social factors influence different worldviews and learn how those differences impact the global workforce.
B
Biology Department
The Biology Department is led by distinguished faculty who specialize in a wide range of sub-disciplines. Undergraduates engage in scientific research and investigative laboratory activities in our state-of-the-art facilities and through exploration of our natural resources. Students learn hypothesis development, experimental design and data analysis. Many graduates pursue careers in fields such as biotechnology, conservation biology, environmental education and medicine.
Business and Management Department
Wheaton’s business and management degree opens up the doors to a host of career possibilities — whether students envision themselves as investment bankers, entrepreneurs bringing an idea to market, or professionals applying their business knowledge to community organizations.
C
Chemistry Department
The mission of the Chemistry Department is to help students examine the chemical world and investigate its complexities. We offer students a rigorous curriculum accredited by the American Chemical Society and hands-on laboratory experiences in our state-of-the-art facilities. We foster students’ creativity and ensure our graduates emerge as responsible scientists prepared for meaningful careers in the Chemical Sciences.
Computer Science Department
The Computer Science Department prepares students for exciting careers in AI, cyber security, distributed computing, mobile app development and more. Through hands-on learning in our Innovation Spaces, our Computer Science majors advance from intellectually curious students to creators and makers. Wheaton graduates have landed jobs at notable companies including Apple, Microsoft, Raytheon, Mitre, Yahoo, Amazon and various start-ups.
E
Economics Department
Economics examines how individuals, businesses and government produce, distribute and consume goods and services. Studying economics in a liberal arts setting allows students to analyze the economic impact of human behavior from various perspectives. The department offers courses in Social Sciences and Math to help students acquire strong quantitative analysis, writing and oral communication skills.
Education Department
The Education Department offers programs in early childhood, elementary and secondary education leading to Massachusetts licensure as well as a non-licensure Education minor. Through coursework and field experiences in local schools, students master subject areas, develop engaging lesson plans, and focus on creating equity and social justice in the classroom. Students are prepared for various vocations including classroom teachers, administrators, school psychologists, researchers and professors.
English Department
The English Department offers two bachelor’s degree programs: a program in English and another in Creative Writing and Literature. Students learn to think and write about literature, language, film, and culture in ways that prepare them for a lifetime of thinking and learning. The department also offers students the opportunity to write for Wheaton publications including the college’s literary magazine and weekly newspaper. Students can deepen their understanding of a discipline as a research assistant working alongside our English professors.
F
Film and New Media Department
The Film and New Media Studies Department encompasses all aspects of the evolving landscape of digital storytelling and filmmaking. Students explore the convergence of print, photography, cinema, radio and television—and how new media are shaping our culture and society today.
French Studies Department
Courses in Wheaton’s French Studies Department reflect the belief that language, literature and culture are inseparable. Students will develop oral and written proficiency in the language and immerse themselves in the history, literature and artistic movements of the Francophone world. French Studies majors interested in teaching careers may opt to prepare for a Massachusetts teaching license. The department also offers Wheaton-affiliated study abroad programs and internships in France.
G
German Department
The German Department is a close-knit community of language learners with interests in German literature and culture. The department offers students two major tracks: one in German Language and Literature and one in German Studies as well as a minor in German. Our courses cover all levels of the language, German history, economics and politics, as well as German literature, art, film and popular culture.
Greek, Latin and Ancient Mediterranean Studies Department
The Department of Greek, Latin and Ancient Mediterranean Studies offers courses taught in three different languages (English, Greek or Latin) at four different levels. Students explore the complex world of Mediterranean antiquity through various lenses of interdisciplinary study. Our alumni have careers in many fields including teaching, business, IT, theater, creative writing, museum work, library science and divinity school. Some continue their education in the Classics at the graduate level.
H
Hispanic and Italian Studies Department
The Hispanic and Italian Studies Department offers an interdisciplinary curriculum and study abroad opportunities for students to excel in the global workforce. Students will develop written and spoken proficiency in their chosen language and explore cultural traditions and current affairs of the countries who speak the language. Wheaton offers a unique, first-semester study abroad experience at the Blanquerna — University Ramon Llull in Barcelona. Italian Studies majors are encouraged to spend a semester or a year in Italy during their junior year.
History Department
The History Department provides an innovative curriculum for students to explore the social, cultural and political events of the past and their impact on today’s global society. History majors choose an area of concentration in either the United States, Europe or East Asia. There is also a minor track for students who wish to complement another area of study in the liberal arts. The department is led by professional historians who foster a sense of community outside the classroom through a variety of events.
M
Mathematics Department
Mathematics is an essential and in-demand skill in nearly any field. The Mathematics Department offers a major and minor track to help students become inquisitive, creative and collaborative problem-solvers. Students are encouraged to explore connections between mathematics and other disciplines. Many students pursue double majors in complementary areas of study. The department also has endowment funds to help support mathematical research and internships.
Music Department
Since music is interdisciplinary at its core, the Music Department takes a multi-faceted approach to learning. The department offers courses in theory, history and performance, and spans a wide variety of stylistic periods across different cultures and musical genres. Students also improve their performance skills through applied lessons and ensembles. The department encourages students to deepen their music education through Wheaton’s Compass Curriculum as well as study abroad, independent study and internships.
P
Philosophy Department
Aristotle and Descartes agree: Philosophy begins in wonder. Have you ever wondered, “Why philosophy?” Asking life’s biggest questions and exploring possibilities builds reasoning and analytical thinking skills. The Philosophy Department offers a flexible program where students can choose classes to match their curiosity. This versatile major deepens student’s understanding across a range of disciplines and our graduates become ethical leaders in the global workforce.
Physics and Astronomy Department
The Physics and Astronomy Department offers an individualized, research-based curriculum that challenges students to experiment and probe the nature of the universe. Research concentrations include optics, lasers, astronomy, climate physics, and planetary science. The department features research labs as well as a rooftop observatory at the state-of-the-art Mars Center for Science and Technology.
Political Science Department
The Political Science Department offers a wide range of opportunities to explore the ways politics, power and government are experienced in their various social, historical, cultural and institutional contexts. The department prioritizes experiential learning through independent research, volunteerism, internships, and advocacy with opportunities locally and abroad. Graduates have become active global citizens and changemakers in the fields of law, business, public policy and education.
Psychology Department
The Psychology Department provides students with an in-depth understanding of the biological, developmental, cultural, and individual aspects of human behavior. The department encourages students to join faculty in research projects, take an experiential course, participate as research subjects themselves, or intern in the field. In addition to the Psychology major and minor, the department also offers programs in Neuroscience, Public Health, and Animal Behavior.
R
Religion Department
The mission of the Religion Department is to educate students about the beliefs, practices and values of various religions. Students compare and reflect upon Western Biblical traditions, Islam, East Asian and native traditions, and contemporary religious movements like ecofeminism. The department also offers a Jewish Studies major as well as an interdisciplinary program in Ancient Studies. Students with interests in social activism and/or particular religious traditions are encouraged to pursue them in service learning or other extra-curricular activities.
Russian and Russian Studies Department
The Russian Department offers two different majors: one in Russian Language and Literature, and one in Russian Studies. Students develop solid language skills and have the opportunity to study abroad to achieve greater proficiency. The department provides classroom and experiential opportunities for students to gain a rich understanding of Russian literature, culture, and current affairs. As one of the six official languages of the United Nations, Russian leads to career paths in law, government, banking, and journalism among others.
S
Sociology Department
Students in the Sociology Department take an in-depth look at human behavior across personal relationships, communities, organizations and our global society. The department offers a variety of courses and experiential learning across the arts and sciences. Students analyze current social issues such as race and gender inequalities, religious conflict, political polarization, social movements and more. The goal of the department is to empower students to live consciously and thoughtfully and act as informed global citizens.
T
Theatre and Dance Department
The Department of Theatre and Dance views these collaborative art forms as windows to diverse cultures, lifestyles and intellectual perspectives. Students explore their creative talents through classroom, studio and performance work. Theatre students take courses in acting, directing, theatre design and history, and dramatic literature. The Dance track offers multiple levels of training in ballet, jazz, contemporary dance, and dance drawn from a range of non-western traditions. The department features the Weber Theater, Kresge Experimental Theatre, and Ellison Dance Studio.
V
Visual Art and History of Art Department
The Department of Visual Art and History of Art comprises two different programs, each with its own major. The Visual Art Department features state-of-the-art studios where students learn techniques in design, drawing, filmmaking, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. The History of Art Department is led by faculty who are celebrated curators, award-winning authors, and leaders in the field of museum studies. Students explore hundreds of objects in the department’s Permanent Collection, conduct archival research, and curate and design their own on-campus exhibition.