aerial view of Hampden-Sydney College on a clear day
a student overlooking the Pacific Ocean
a student in a laboratory coat doing research
students handling pebbles at an archaeology site
students standing in the Hatteras Island bay doing research
students digging holes to plant trees
The Compass Program
Explore your possibilities

Global Education

Test the boundaries

Student Research

Live what you learn

Compass Courses

Embrace your potential

Internships

Find your place

Civic Engagement

Ready to chart your course?

With guided access to internships, study abroad, research, service learning, and hands-on classroom experiences, Compass gives every student the tools to navigate his future toward top jobs and graduate programs.

aerial image of the Bell Tower

Compass Courses

a little direction goes a long way

In Compass classes, faculty guide students to see how course content connects to larger issues beyond the classroom with hands-on learning, open-ended problems, and reflection.

Compass Courses

a professor and student working together

Guidance and Support

a little direction goes a long way

Each Compass course is led by a trained, committed professor, and the tight-knit Hampden-Sydney community is united in helping you navigate your future and get the most out of college. Advisors offer guidance as you select classes, expert career center staff will help you apply for and secure internships, and alumni may offer mentorship and support—and expert faculty will help you put it all together.

Faculty Index

a student looking though a stack of books

Navigate your future

toward top jobs and graduate programs

From economics and literature to physical sciences and fine arts, you can choose from 27 majors and 26 minors toward a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree--that's 50+ majors, minors, and special programs to help you find your passions, gifts, and purpose.

Explore Majors and Minors

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Explore More

about The Compass Experience

Want to know more about The Compass Experience? Explore information about the requirements for graduation and the benefits of this unique program, and read news stories about Compass successes at Hampden-Sydney.

About Compass

"I wish we had that while I was in college, because it recognizes that not all knowledge is coming from a book."

~Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson