History of Distinction
Allegheny college is the 32nd oldest college in the country. We will celebrate our bicentennial in 2015. Notable alumni include President William McKinley, Clarence Darrow, Ida Tarbell, and Raymond Shafer.
BicentennialThe Major/Minor Requirement
Students take courses in each division of knowledge — humanities, natural sciences and social sciences — declaring both a major and a minor (outside the division of their major) by the end of the sophomore year. Students combine their interests and expand their concentrations beyond one division, developing the sort of “big picture” thinking that is in high demand in today’s global marketplace.
Unusual CombinationsFour-Year Seminar Series
During the first two years every Allegheny student participates in seminars that focus on written and oral communication as well as academic and career advising, and the faculty instructor serves as advisor for both years. This progressive course sequence, in addition to the Junior Seminar and Senior Project, both completed under the guidance of a major advisor, helps students create a four-year experience to match all of their needs and goals.
Student/Faculty Collaboration
Whether it’s fieldwork in Alaska or a community art project, Allegheny students put theory into practice under the guidance of faculty mentors through research, conference presentations, co-authored articles and faculty-led study tours. In the National Survey of Student Engagement, responses by college freshmen place Allegheny within the top 10% in the U.S. for a supportive campus environment.
The Senior Project
Under the guidance of a faculty advisor in his or her major field, every student completes the Senior Project, a significant piece of original scholarly work with a creative, analytical or experimental focus. The project mirrors a master’s thesis, demonstrating the ability to complete a major assignment, to work independently, to analyze and synthesize information and to write and speak persuasively.
Senior ProjectAllegheny College Center for Experiential Learning (ACCEL)
ACCEL offers career development, community service, international programs, pre-professional advising and leadership training. Staff collaborate with faculty, alumni, community, and worldwide partners to foster intellectual development, cross-cultural and global awareness, civic and social responsibility, ethical development, career exploration and personal growth.
ACCELCenter for Political Participation
The CPP is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the link between an engaged, active citizenry and a healthy democracy. The center seeks new strategies for promoting political participation, with a particular focus on young Americans, and plans and supports events for Allegheny students, citizens of the wider community, and scholars nationwide.
CPPEndorsements and Accolades
View other endorsements at What Others Are Saying About Allegheny College.
“Small classes and a low student-faculty ratio allow students to work with professors and other students in a dynamic learning environment…”
Peterson’s 440 Colleges for Top Students
“[Allegheny] has a long and distinguished record of producing not only future scientists and scholars, but business leaders as well… it is a first-rate place.”
1 of 40 Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope
The Princeton Review Best 377 Colleges (2012) reports that “pre-meds are especially drawn by [Allegheny’s] success in placing graduates in better medical schools.” The student reports say Allegheny’s major/minor requirement “pushes students to achieve more than they ever thought.”
Allegheny is included among the 100 “best values” in national liberal arts colleges by Kiplinger’s, a private financial advising company.
Accolades and Endorsements