Academic Life

As a neuroscience concentrator, you use methods and theories spanning disciplines from biochemistry to psychology to investigate the function of the nervous system. You can participate in an annual neuroscience retreat, middle school outreach, and a capstone seminar, along with cross-divisional electives in art, music, theatre, philosophy, education, and social studies. This concentration can prepare you for advanced study in neuroscience or careers in biotechnology, governmental, pharmaceutical, health care, and social service organizations.

Linguistics at Grinnell is offered as an interdisciplinary concentration in which you explore how to describe and analyze language through the lens of several disciplines.

In this multidisciplinary concentration, you explore Latin American and Latino cultures and societies, and take related humanities and social studies courses. You can study in a Latin American country, use your skills in internships, and cap your studies with senior research. The concentration provides the foundation for graduate school or an array of careers with Latin American connections, such as law, business, social justice, education, and translation. 

GDS is an interdisciplinary concentration you can design to fit your interests in developing countries.

With an environmental studies concentration, you explore the relationship between humans and our natural environment. Courses help you understand this relationship’s scientific, economic, political, historical, and ethical issues and challenges. You apply what you’ve learned in off-campus study, internships, and capstone projects.

In this interdisciplinary concentration, you study Chinese and Japanese language and East Asian literature, history, music, philosophy, political science, and religion. You take classes in other disciplines, do an interdisciplinary research project during your senior year, and participate, if you wish, in off-campus study in China, Japan, or Taiwan.

As an American studies concentrator, you take a holistic, interdisciplinary look at American culture, examining race, gender, ethnicity, class, sexuality, religion, and political culture in a historical, intellectual, and social context. In addition to required courses and a mentored advanced project, you can choose from an extensive course list in the humanities and social studies.

In Grinnell’s interdisciplinary GWSS curriculum, you examine women, men, gender, and sexuality; study various cultures and historical periods; use diverse research methods; and understand how scholars apply feminist, queer, and intersectional theories.

Studying psychology, you learn how to read texts closely, design and conduct laboratory research and use related technology, and analyze and interpret statistics. In courses you investigate the natural science and principles of behavior and learn how to ethically apply them to alleviate suffering. You can also participate in the Journal Club, independent study, and internships. Majors can go on to graduate studies or careers in teaching, scientific research, clinical work, medicine, law, and more.

Physics at Grinnell combines a rigorous curriculum with a supportive community of faculty and students. You apply your intellectual curiosity to classical and modern theory — and get extensive laboratory experience in technically advanced facilities and via faculty-student research, off-campus research, seminars, and internships. Physics also supports a 3-2 program in engineering and offers exceptional opportunities and