Academics

Alma College offers a liberal arts approach to undergraduate education. The transformative education received at Alma provides students with excellent opportunities for growth and development, characterized by close student-faculty relationships, small class sizes and a supportive campus environment.

Students and faculty work closely together at Alma

While at Alma, students grow to value a life of learning. Approximately one-third of students enter graduate or professional school within six months of completing their undergraduate degrees; more than 50 percent of alumni ultimately pursue a graduate degree.

Experiential Learning

A student’s education at Alma also develops through experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom. Students from all disciplines of the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences work collaboratively with a faculty member to complete undergraduate research or creative projects.

Vibrant leadership and service programs, such as the Center for Responsible Leadership, the P-Global Leadership, and service learning programs, reinforce classroom learning and promote civic engagement values by providing meaningful experiences in the local or global community.

Students in a leadership seminar at Ghost Ranch

A variety of internship, study abroad, and other off-campus study and travel opportunities are available for students interested in adding these experiences to their academic program. Our 4-4-1 academic calendar allows for a unique one-month Spring Term enabling students to focus upon a single course, creating an opportunity for in-depth study on a particular topic or for an exciting travel-based academic experience.

Academic Programs

Alma College offers 33 different majors in 21 departments, and supports 36 minors and programs, including seven pre-professional programs. Degrees awarded are Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music.

Professor Holly Liu teaches a language class

Can’t find a major that exactly matches your passion? The College also offers an alternative to the traditional majors called a Program of Emphasis or POE, allowing students to work with a faculty committee to design an academic concentration that meets their unique interests while still requiring academic rigor.

An Alma College education provides a broad intellectual foundation to prepare students for today’s careers, as well as for careers that have not yet been created.

 

The Smith Arena, the new addition to the Hogan Center, serves as the primary venue for commencement, convocations, major speakers, concerts, athletics and other major events.

 

Faculty Profile

Dr. Peggy Thelen

Dr. Peggy Thelen
Departments: Education

Dr. Peggy Thelen wanted to be a teacher since she was a young girl, but she did not take a direct route to the classroom. As an undergraduate, the assistant professor of education earned a degree in business administration. After working in the business field for many years, she went back to college, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Thelen also earned a Master of Arts degree in elementary administration. After substitute teaching in elementary and middle school classrooms, and teaching preschool for many years, Thelen earned a doctorate from Michigan State University in family and child ecology.