Academics: Our Philosophy

Duke University's mission is to provide a liberal education for our undergraduates. This means we empower our students to find their own academic paths by teaching them to reason and to empathize in unprecedented ways. At a research university like Duke, we have the resources to connect undergraduate education to the processes of inquiry and discovery—and to give our students opportunities to learn from, and collaborate with, our faculty members. In every major or program of study, the focus is on interdisciplinary exploration.

The undergraduate experience at Duke is characterized by the spirit of academic energy and challenge. We embrace openness to scholarly experimentation and welcome intellectually restless students who use their talents to put ideas and preconceptions to the test. To help our students achieve their intellectual goals, we provide an array of interdisciplinary academic offerings, an inspiring and challenging campus culture, world-class facilities and resources, and opportunities to engage faculty members in small class settings or on an individual basis.

Integrated with a commitment to academic rigor, we offer students many varied opportunities to serve the community—both locally and globally—and develop leadership skills. Through programs such as the Hart Leadership Program, which through its many offshoot programs emphasizes integration of academic course work, experiential learning, and close mentoring from faculty, and the Research Service Learning Program, a way of linking students' innovative ideas with opportunities for community service, we support the activities of our students as well as the greater good.

At Duke, we view education not only as a gateway to personal development, but also as a pathway for improving society.

Here is a sampling of the many exciting opportunities and facilities open to Duke students: