The individually advised curriculum allows you to design your own academic journey. Dive into the lab on day one by enrolling in Grinnell’s inquiry-based introductory biology class, or apply for a Global Learning Program Tutorial and immerse yourself in international learning (plus international travel).
With just one required class sequence - the First-Year Tutorial and First-Year Experience courses - more than 500 course offerings, and no general education requirements or core curriculum, you can explore your interests through all their twists and turns. Sound daunting? Don’t worry. Your faculty adviser is here to help.
You’ll meet your faculty adviser during New Student Orientation. Since your adviser is also your First-Year Tutorial professor, you’ll get to know each other well during your first semester. Working together, you and your adviser will construct an academic plan that fulfills your goals and challenges you to explore new areas of study. In addition to helping you plan out your semesters, your adviser will also point you to various resources on campus and provide support of their own.
By the end of your second year, when you declare a major, you’ll choose a new faculty adviser within that department.
One more note about academics at Grinnell: When you decide to study abroad, do an advanced research project, or add a second major or concentration, rest assured that you will still fulfill your major requirements and graduate on time.