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Areas of Study

Areas of Study

Philosophy and Humanities

Through the Philosophy and Humanities sequence, the collegiate community reads together the greatest works of the imagination and the intellect in a spirit animated by joy that flows from the classroom to animate all that we do as a college.

Theology

Through six semesters of sustained reflection, students engage with the fundamental themes of theology:  God, prayer, the sacraments, Sacred Scripture, first and final things, love, human action, and the hope of heaven.

The Classic Books

Writing Workshop

Deeply integrated with the Humanities sequence, these four courses lead students through an odyssey into the nature of language, writing, and the substance of reality.

Latin and Greek

Students immerse themselves in the languages of Greece or Rome, choosing the path that leads to Troy or the Eternal City.

Arts of the Beautiful

Music and Art

Through our unique “Arts of the Beautiful” Program, students can integrate the practices of music, visual art—including iconography—and drama with sustained reflections on aesthetics, all while experiencing these arts in the museums and concert halls of New England.

Math and Science

Math and Science

In our pursuit of wisdom, we seek the visible and hidden orders of creation. Here the Book of Nature, through which Euclid and the greatest scientific minds serve as our guides, becomes indispensable.

Nature of Man

Nature of Man Seminar

“What does it mean to be a human person?” is one of the most important questions we can ask, and the implications of our answers become the central themes taken up by freshmen in this seminar.

An Advent Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Dec 2, 2023

The faculty, staff and students cordially invite you to attend an Advent Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. Prepare your hearts for the joy of Christmas with a tapestry of Scripture readings and carols sung by the 70-voice Collegiate Choir. With Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.   A reception with refreshments will...

An Invitation to Reality
by Trae Bailey

At the start of the second session of our Collegiate Summer Program, Dr. Erik van Versendaal invited students to enter fully into the life of Magdalen College during their two-week stay on campus. In his remarks, the Academic Dean clarified the end goal by stating that “the primary reason why this college exists is to...

Magdalen Scores in Top 1% Nationwide for Comprehensive Curriculum

Magdalen got a report card. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) examined 1,135 major colleges and universities in the country. Institutions earn a grade based on the degree to which they require students to take academic courses covering the broad sweep of the arts and sciences. Magdalen College was one of only seven...

Writing the Light:
Studying Iconography in Greece

The Orthodox tradition speaks of “writing” rather than “painting” icons. Several Magdalen students and graduates recently enjoyed a fascinating opportunity to “Write the Light” in Greece. The occasion was the Summer Iconography School taught by renowned master iconographer Dr. George Kordis. Mrs. Keri Weidersphan, who teaches iconography at Magdalen, helped organize and run the event....

Cardinal Newman Society Features Prof. Anthony Esolen & President Ryan Messmore

“Magdalen is for those who have an inkling that the world is enchanted with beauty and meaning and want an education that will help them explore it at a deeper level.” So argue Prof. Anthony Esolen and Pres. Ryan Messmore in a recent interview with the Cardinal Newman Society. When asked about the special value...

National Catholic Register Interviews President Ryan Messmore

National Catholic Register, a leading news source for faithful Catholics, recently interviewed Magdalen College’s new president, Dr. Ryan Messmore. Since Dr. Messmore began his tenure as the college’s fifth president in July, his zeal for Magdalen’s intentional, Christ-centered approach to liberal education has rippled through the community. The full interview explores his background, highlights what...