The academic calendar is divided into semesters. The college grants bachelor's degrees in such disciplines as liberal arts and sciences, area and ethnic studies, astronomy, computer science, engineering, fine arts, government, visual and environmental studies, and music. Students can also pursue interdisciplinary and self-designed concentrations. Opportunities for studying off-campus exist at the nearby Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the sophomore year, many departments assign students a tutor in their area of interest, and tutorial groups meet weekly.
Early meetings give an overview of the chosen discipline, while later they explore single topics.
A large number of undergraduates go on to pursue advanced studies, with many entering medical or law school. Almost all undergraduates reside on campus. Freshmen live together in dormitories in the central part of campus. As sophomores, students are assigned to small communities called houses where they live for the remainder of their college career. Students can enter the housing lottery in groups so that friends can stay together.