2024-2025

Tuition and Fees - Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar College’s language requirements primarily depend on the student’s background and the program they are applying to. Here are the general guidelines for language requirements:

1. For International Students (Non-Native English Speakers):

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following ways:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test (iBT) is typically required.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum score of 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, is typically required.
• Duolingo English Test: Sweet Briar may accept a minimum score of 100 on the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL or IELTS.

2. For Students Who Have Completed Secondary Education in English-Speaking Countries:

• If the applicant has completed secondary education in an English-speaking country (such as the United States, Canada, the UK, etc.), they are usually exempt from providing TOEFL or IELTS scores.

3. For Native English Speakers:

• Native English speakers typically do not have additional language requirements beyond standard high school or college-level English proficiency.

4. Other Acceptable Proof of English Proficiency:

• Proof of completing a degree in English: If an applicant has previously attended a college or university where English was the primary language of instruction, Sweet Briar may waive the language proficiency requirement.
• Other English Proficiency Exams: Sweet Briar may accept scores from other English proficiency exams on a case-by-case basis.

These requirements ensure that international students can succeed in the academically rigorous environment of Sweet Briar College, where communication skills are key to academic success and integration into the community. Always check the most current information on Sweet Briar's admissions page or contact the admissions office for specific details and exceptions.

Admissions

Sweet Briar College, located in Virginia, is a small liberal arts college known for its personalized education, women's leadership development, and hands-on learning in a range of specialized fields. Here are some of its standout course specialities:

1. Engineering

• Sweet Briar is one of the few women’s colleges to offer an ABET-accredited engineering program, specializing in mechanical and environmental engineering. Students in this program benefit from small class sizes and personalized mentoring, along with hands-on experience in design and applied engineering projects.

2. Environmental Science and Sustainability

• With a 3,250-acre campus that includes lakes, forests, and fields, Sweet Briar offers an ideal setting for studying environmental science, sustainability, and conservation. The college emphasizes fieldwork and conservation research, allowing students to engage directly with the natural world and sustainability practices.

3. Equestrian Studies

• Sweet Briar is highly regarded for its Equestrian Program, which offers students the chance to ride, compete, and study horse management and equine science. The program provides access to top-notch facilities, including stables, arenas, and riding trails, and is ideal for students interested in competitive riding or pursuing careers in the equestrian field.

4. Liberal Arts and Sciences

• The college maintains a strong foundation in the liberal arts, including English, history, psychology, political science, and philosophy. Courses are designed to foster critical thinking, writing, and leadership skills, all with a focus on empowering women.

5. Creative Writing and English

• Sweet Briar offers a distinctive creative writing program that encourages students to explore fiction, poetry, and nonfiction writing, often with opportunities for one-on-one mentoring with faculty. This program also benefits from a low faculty-to-student ratio, allowing for individualized attention and guidance.

6. Business and Management

• The business program at Sweet Briar is tailored to focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and social impact, equipping students with the skills to lead in various sectors. The program integrates leadership development, internships, and real-world experience, often with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices.

7. Visual and Performing Arts

• Sweet Briar has a strong focus on the fine arts, offering programs in studio art, theater, and music. The arts curriculum encourages creativity and hands-on learning, with access to galleries, performance spaces, and individual studio work.

8. Women’s Leadership and Gender Studies

• Known for its mission of women’s empowerment, Sweet Briar offers unique courses and programs focused on women’s leadership and gender studies. This program emphasizes understanding gender in historical, social, and cultural contexts, fostering skills that support leadership and advocacy.

9. Pre-Med and Biological Sciences

• Sweet Briar’s biology program offers pre-professional training for students pursuing medical, veterinary, or graduate studies. With courses in genetics, physiology, ecology, and molecular biology, this program includes lab-based learning and opportunities for research, which are crucial for students aiming for health-related careers.

Sweet Briar College’s course specialities emphasize experiential learning and women’s leadership across disciplines, making it a distinctive choice for students looking for a supportive and immersive liberal arts education with a focus on real-world applications.

Research Opportunities

Majors and Minors

Scholarships and Grants

International student help

Employment Opportunities

Sweet Briar College, being a small liberal arts institution, is known for its close-knit community and personalized education, where professors play a significant role in student success. While Sweet Briar may not have widely recognized "top professors" in the way larger universities might, it does have faculty who are highly regarded in their fields for their dedication to teaching, research, and mentorship.

Some of the standout professors at Sweet Briar have been recognized for their contributions to various academic areas such as engineering, environmental science, liberal arts, and women’s leadership. Here are some professors who are notable in their respective fields:

1. Dr. Carrie M. Shepherd (Assistant Professor of Engineering)

• Dr. Shepherd is an engineering faculty member who has contributed to Sweet Briar’s strong engineering program, which is one of the few ABET-accredited programs at a women’s college. She is known for her research in mechanical engineering and her dedication to empowering women in STEM fields.

2. Dr. J. Sarah Gelsomini (Associate Professor of Environmental Science)

• A highly respected faculty member in environmental science, Dr. Gelsomini has contributed significantly to environmental sustainability and ecology. She is known for involving students in field research and providing hands-on learning experiences that align with Sweet Briar's commitment to environmental education.

3. Dr. Lynne E. Buchanan (Professor of Psychology)

• Dr. Buchanan has been a key faculty member in the psychology department, known for her work on cognitive psychology and behavioral science. She engages students in research and emphasizes the practical applications of psychological theories.

4. Dr. Jean J. C. Lee (Professor of Art History)

• Dr. Lee is a professor in art history, with expertise in American art and visual culture. She has been instrumental in shaping Sweet Briar’s visual and performing arts programs, contributing to the cultural and academic landscape of the college.

5. Dr. Suzanne McCray (Professor of English)

• Known for her creative writing expertise, Dr. McCray is recognized for her contributions to Sweet Briar's creative writing program, which is highly regarded for its personalized mentorship and strong literary focus.

While Sweet Briar may not be as widely recognized for individual "top professors" in the same way that large research universities are, the faculty members are deeply committed to teaching and providing a personalized academic experience. Professors at Sweet Briar are recognized for their teaching excellence, involvement in research, and mentorship, all of which are integral to the college’s mission of empowering women and fostering leadership.

Sweet Briar College does not have any Nobel Prize winners directly associated with it. However, the college is renowned for its commitment to empowering women and providing a rigorous academic environment that encourages critical thinking and leadership, which can contribute to future achievements in various fields.

Though Sweet Briar itself may not have Nobel laureates in its immediate history, the college has a rich tradition of fostering academic excellence and leadership among women, which can lead to impactful careers in fields such as science, literature, law, and social justice — areas where Nobel Prize winners often emerge.

If you are interested in any specific alumni or faculty related to Sweet Briar College who may have contributed significantly to their fields, I can provide further details.