Redefining liberal education for the 21st Century
Since 1795, Union College has been defining—and redefining—the meaning of a liberal arts education.
When the classics were considered the only acceptable field of study, Union introduced a bachelor's degree with an emphasis on history, modern languages, science and mathematics.
We were the first liberal arts college in the nation to offer engineering.
We created a new vision for campus life by establishing Minerva Houses, which bring student and faculty together outside the classroom for both social and academic activities.
A Union education offers a unique blend of:
- Personal attention from caring faculty in a close-knit environment.
- Practical application of learning through research with faculty members, international study, internships and volunteer work.
- The ability to connect ideas across disciplines, thanks to a curriculum that emphasizes the creative integration of subjects.
- High return on investment, evidenced by our network of impressive alumni in all fields.
Mission statement
Union College, founded in 1795, is a scholarly community dedicated to shaping the future and to understanding the past. Faculty, staff, and administrators welcome diverse and talented students into our community, work closely with them to provide a broad and deep education, and guide them in finding and cultivating their passions. We do this with a wide range of disciplines and interdisciplinary programs in the liberal arts and engineering, as well as academic, athletic, cultural, and social activities, including opportunities to study abroad and to participate in undergraduate research and community service. We develop in our students the analytic and reflective abilities needed to become engaged, innovative, and ethical contributors to an increasingly diverse, global, and technologically complex society.
Union College believes in:
- Educating broadly and deeply
- Sustaining resources
- Reflecting personal and diverse views
- Educating mind, body and spirit
- Asking questions that matter
- Furthering a history of innovation
- Contributing to humanity
- Thinking locally and globally
- Integrating thought and action