Smith College

Founded in 1871, Smith College is a liberal arts college for female undergraduate students, and provides a co-educational programme at graduate and certificate level. The institute is based in the town of Northampton, western Massachusetts, and is named for founding figure Sophia Smith.

As well as being the largest of the historical Seven Sisters colleges, Smith is part of the Five Colleges establishment, which allows students to take classes at four other higher learning institutions in the state.

Smith College is structured around an open curriculum, allowing students to tailor their courses from a 1,000 available combination options in the fields of social sciences and history, arts, languages, literature, mathematics and natural sciences. There are also seven master’s programmes available, and a PhD in social work.

Residence life is an integral part of the study experience at Smith, providing a supportive and social atmosphere to live and study. There are 35 houses and complexes based on campus for students to reside in during their undergraduate degrees, with their architectural styles ranging from contemporary to Gothic.

Sports teams at Smith are known as the Pioneers, and compete in twelve varsity sports programmes. Athletics facilities include the Olin Fitness Centre, Boat House, and climbing wall. The Equestrian Centre contains with 40 box stalls and two irrigated outdoor rings.

Over the past century Smith has had some of the most prominent women in America study here, including two First Ladies, a congresswoman and the first openly gay senator in U.S. history. Further alumnae are television chef Julia Child, feminist activist Gloria Steinem, and poet Sylvia Plath.