The academic program of Hendrix College comprises diverse elements in a coherent whole, combining design with flexibility. The general education requirements at the College, referred to as the Collegiate Center, consist of four components – The First-Year Experience, Capacities, Learning Domains, and the Odyssey Program. The four major components of the Collegiate Center provide opportunities for students to experience a liberal arts education in a way that nurtures engagement and breadth. The First-Year Experience consists of a one-credit first-year course, The Engaged Citizen, and a one-quarter credit first-year weekly seminar, Explorations. The Capacities requirement recognizes that all students must exhibit basic proficiency in fundamental skills used across multiple disciplines. The Learning Domains afford multiple options for acquiring a basic understanding of the content, disciplinary styles, and modes of inquiries of the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences in ways that may cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. The Hendrix Odyssey Program expands and formalizes currently available options for undergraduate research, study abroad, artistic development, internships, service experiences, and other hands-on activities. Through The Hendrix Odyssey Program every Hendrix student will develop a personalized program of at least three active learning experiences, one from each of the following categories:
- Artistic Creativity
- Global Awareness
- Professional and Leadership Development
- Service to the World
- Undergraduate Research
- Special Projects
Majors are offered in thirty-one disciplinary fields and include opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. Minors in thirty-three areas complement the majors and allow students opportunities to pursue additional academic interests. The College’s curricular structures are intended to guide students in a coherent process of learning while encouraging all students to exercise responsibility in constructing individual programs of study.
The requirements for the baccalaureate degree apply to all candidates for the baccalaureate degree at Hendrix. These requirements include the Collegiate Center; requirements beyond the Collegiate Center regarding the number and level of performance in courses counted toward the degree; the requirements regarding majors, minors; and the Senior Capstone Experience requirements.
Hendrix also offers a program leading to a Master of Arts in Accounting as described both in this section and in the departmental entry for Economics and Business.
Most graduate and professional schools discourage heavy undergraduate specialization and emphasize the values of a broadly based liberal education as a preparation for advanced study. Graduate study can lead to careers in scholarship, research, or the professions. In planning undergraduate preparation for graduate study students should confer with the members of the department in their fields. Information about course planning can be found in each department section under the "course planning" tabs and in the webpage on pre-professional programs and specialized advising.