Program Overview

Introduction to the Smith Scholars Program

The Smith Scholars Program is a Williams College of Business (WCB) undergraduate, cohort honors program. This unique program integrates the study of the liberal arts with the WCB core curriculum in a rigorous, purposeful, and innovative way.

Program Description

The program is designed for freshmen and immerses them in the study of foundational texts of philosophy, history, and economics. Smith Scholars complete courses leading to their selected WCB major with a minor in Political Economy. The minor engages students in a rigorous examination of economic theory and its applications, the legal and regulatory environment of business, and the financial markets that integrate these forces.

Program Emphasis

The program emphasizes:

• The study of foundational texts based on a Great Books model
• A pedagogical approach that develops:
  • A student's critical thinking and reading skills through the examination of the premises of arguments and the credibility of sources
  • A student's objectivity and independent evaluation of texts and sources
  • A student's ability to logically present his or her analysis in written and oral forms
• Experiential learning through Smith Center funded global travel and a financial center trip
• Scholarship, with selected Smith Scholars engaging in research related to the curriculum of the Smith Scholars Program

Program Details

• The program is a cohort honors program
• It integrates liberal arts with the WCB core curriculum
• Students complete courses leading to their selected WCB major with a minor in Political Economy
• The program emphasizes critical thinking, objectivity, and independent evaluation of texts and sources
• Experiential learning opportunities are available through global travel and financial center trips
• Selected students engage in scholarship related to the program's curriculum

Conclusion

The Smith Scholars Program is a unique and rigorous undergraduate program that combines the study of liberal arts and business. It emphasizes critical thinking, objectivity, and independent evaluation of texts and sources, and provides experiential learning opportunities through global travel and financial center trips. The program is designed to prepare students for a career in business and beyond.