The College Scholar Program at Cornell University is the College of Arts & Sciences’ most selective and academically flexible undergraduate offering, designed for students who wish to pursue a self-directed, interdisciplinary course of study. Unlike traditional majors, this program allows students to develop a unique academic focus—such as an integrative exploration of history, philosophy, literature, politics, or any thematic combination—crafted entirely around their intellectual passions. Through close faculty mentorship and independent research, College Scholars design their own curriculum, ask original questions, and pursue in-depth analysis beyond the scope of conventional disciplines.
Over four years, students engage with a rigorous academic path that includes advanced seminars, interdisciplinary coursework, and a major capstone project. With history as a primary lens, students might investigate themes such as empire and memory, legal institutions and cultural transformation, or the evolution of political thought across civilizations. The program emphasizes autonomy, scholarly ambition, and critical inquiry, offering an environment where students are encouraged to think boldly, synthesize knowledge across fields, and develop scholarly independence through long-term research and writing.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: College Scholar
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: History
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations and Exploration
- First-Year Writing Seminar
- Introduction to Historical Thinking
- Interdisciplinary Course in Arts & Sciences
- Elective in Philosophy, Literature, or Politics
Year 2 – Intellectual Development and Planning
- Historiography and Methodology
- College Scholar Proposal Writing Seminar
- Elective in Global History or Social Theory
- Independent Reading and Research
Year 3 – Thematic Coursework and Field Depth
- Directed Study in Student’s Chosen Theme
- Advanced Seminar in Historical or Political Inquiry
- Elective in Ethics, Anthropology, or Language Studies
- Fieldwork or Archival Research Opportunity
Year 4 – Capstone Scholarship and Presentation
- Senior College Scholar Seminar
- Senior Research Thesis or Project
- Faculty Advising and Peer Review Sessions
- Public Presentation or Defense of Final Work
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the College Scholar Program possess exceptional critical thinking, research, and writing skills that make them highly competitive across a wide range of professional paths. Many pursue careers in academia, public policy, law, journalism, international relations, and cultural institutions, where their ability to synthesize complex information and generate original ideas is especially valued. Common roles include policy researcher, editorial writer, museum curator, educational consultant, or advocacy specialist. Graduates frequently continue into top-tier graduate programs in history, law, public affairs, or humanities-based doctoral studies, leveraging their interdisciplinary training to lead in both scholarly and applied contexts. The program’s emphasis on intellectual autonomy, rigorous scholarship, and cross-disciplinary fluency ensures that students are not only well-prepared for their first job, but for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and contribution to public discourse.
Why Choose This Program
Cornell’s College Scholar Program offers a deeply personalized, intellectually challenging, and research-oriented education that is ideal for self-motivated students with a strong academic vision. It stands apart by empowering students to chart their own course, blending disciplines to answer complex, often unconventional questions that matter to them. With full access to Cornell’s diverse academic offerings and support from world-class faculty mentors, students are encouraged to think across boundaries and produce original scholarship that contributes meaningfully to contemporary and historical debates. Whether you're passionate about understanding power through history, analyzing global ideologies, or tracing cultural transformations over time, this program provides the freedom, mentorship, and scholarly structure to turn curiosity into expertise.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
