Academic Programs

Degree Options

Undergraduate Degrees

Stanford offers three undergraduate degrees—Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.), and Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (B.A.S.)—each designed to achieve balance between depth of knowledge acquired through specialization and breadth of knowledge gained through exploration.

Students earn undergraduate degrees in three schools at Stanford—the School of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences. Humanities and Sciences awards about 80% of undergraduate degrees.

Students who wish to pursue in depth a second field of study, in addition to completing the requirements for a major, may elect to complete a minor—a coherent program of study of at least six courses defined by the department or program.

For further information on degree options, please consult the Stanford Bulletin.

Preparing for Professional School

Professional schools seek students who think analytically, communicate effectively, engage fully in their undergraduate courses and avail themselves of research, leadership and community experiences. The liberal arts education offered at Stanford University provides students with a vibrant intellectual life that fosters these skills, while focused study in an area major prepares them for post-baccalaureate study in business, education, law and medical school.

At Stanford, "pre-business," "pre-law" and "pre-medical" are not majors, but rather designations that identify paths of interest for students who want to attend a professional school. Students also benefit from a comprehensive advising system that assists them with academic planning.

Every major at Stanford University is offered at an academically rigorous level, preparing students to respond to professional and life challenges in a thoughtful and informed way, no matter what their field of study. In addition, students may engage in an array of organizations that enhance their college experience and further shape them into the type of applicant professional schools seek.

For further information on preparing for professional school, please consult the Planning for Graduate and Professional School website.

Updated on July 17, 2015 3:01 PM