The Five College Astronomy Department is a collaborative program of Amherst
College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the
University of Massachusetts, which are all located in the Connecticut River
valley of western Massachusetts. By linking our teaching and research programs
we can offer a richer environment for doing astronomy than would be possible
if we each operated independently. For example, the optical and infrared
observing course, generally offered at Smith College, is taken by
students from each of the five schools, thereby avoiding duplication
of effort and at the same time creating a more diverse classroom experience.
Moreover, by combining the traditional emphasis on small classes and
individual attention that is found at small liberal arts colleges with the
research opportunities and infrastructure of a large university, students can
find a mix of fine teaching and rich opportunities for independent research.
Links to the individual campus astronomy programs are below.
