Directed Studies (DS), a selective program for first-year students, is an interdisciplinary introduction to influential texts of Western cultures from ancient Greece to the twentieth century. Directed Studies encourages students to put rich and complex texts into conversation with one another to make connections across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students in Directed Studies learn to analyze challenging and urgent texts, to participate in seminar discussions, and to write clear and persuasive analytic essays. Fall term begins with classical antiquity and the Hebrew Bible, and ends with the European Middle Ages; spring term begins with the Renaissance and ends with the late twentieth century. Enrollment in DS fulfills the distributional requirements in humanities and arts, in social science, and in writing. All first-year students who matriculate in Yale College are invited to apply to Directed Studies; see the website for information and application.

The First-Year Seminar program offers first-year students small-sized classes taught by some of Yale's most distinguished faculty members. These seminars, covering a wide range of subjects across many departments, are designed to provide first-year students the opportunity to work closely with faculty members and peers. Over seventy-five seminars are offered annually across a wide range of departments and programs.

The Education Studies Program cultivates the next generation of education researchers, leaders, and reformers. Students study education history, policy, and research methods; acquire field experience; and engage with leading education researchers and reformers.

The Energy Studies Program prepares selected undergraduates for advanced studies and leadership in energy-related fields. Students explore the intersection of energy science with technology, the natural environment, and societal issues. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.

The Global Health Studies Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage critically and analytically with contemporary global health issues. Students develop an appreciation for biomedical and technical issues related to the treatment and prevention of disease, and they cultivate an understanding of the historical, social, economic, and political forces that impact the condition of health in the 21st century.

The Human Rights Program provides students with the analytical and practical skills necessary for human rights study and human rights-related careers. Sponsored by the Schell Center for International Human Rights, the program supports a diverse community of scholars belonging to a wide range of departments across the university. Undergraduates in the program receive support for research projects and internship opportunities as well as career guidance in the field.

Yale College welcomes a small number of transfer students each year. Students may enroll during either the sophomore or junior year and must remain at Yale for a minimum of two years (four terms) to qualify for a bachelor’s degree. Students may transfer from fully accredited two-or four-year institutions.

The Eli Whitney Students Program offers non-traditional age students of high academic potential the opportunity to earn a degree at Yale College.

The Non-Degree Students Program allows non-matriculated and non-resident students to take Yale College courses to achieve specific academic goals that would best be fulfilled at Yale in particular. The program enrolls three to eight students each term.

Employees, spouses of current employees,faculty members (both current and emeritus), students, postdoctoral fellows, and postdoctoral associates may apply to audit courses in Yale College at no cost.

Yale alumni and their spouses may audit courses in Yale College for a fee.

For Yale students who wish to study abroad, Yale’s Center for International and Professional Experience offers a broad range of information as well as a list of international programs at which students may earn Yale course credits.

Yale is host to Air Force and Naval ROTC units through which Yale undergraduates may pursue their liberal arts degrees while preparing for leadership in the military services. Regardless of financial need, participating students may receive significant help in meeting the costs of a Yale education.

The Residential College Seminar program offers innovative courses that fall outside traditional departmental structures. While some seminars are taught by Yale faculty, others are led by people who reside outside academic life, including writers, artists, journalists, and politicians.

The Science, Technology and Research Scholars (STARS) Program supports historically underrepresented students in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. To improve student performance and retention rates in STEM disciplines, STARS offers peer-mentor groups, one-on-one advising, professional development, seminars, and research support.

On the farm, in the classroom, and around the world, the Yale Sustainable Food Program (YSFP) grows food literate leaders. The YSFP serves as a hub for critical and creative work on food and agricultural topics. It also stewards the Yale Farm, a multi-functional teaching space tailored to meet the needs of different classes taught by Yale faculty. Besides its own unique programming and fellowships, the YSFP also collaborates widely across Yale and New Haven communities to provide students with enriching curricular and co-curricular experiences.