Academics

Academic Program

West Point's curriculum provides cadets experiential learning opportunities that prepare them to think critically, internalize their professional identity, and employ their education to help build the Army and the Nation’s future. Integrated into every course and experience are elements designed to foster cadets' character development.

Explore the academic program Explore academic majors and minors

Explore, Excel, and Lead

With 36 majors to choose from—including the #4 undergraduate engineering program—you'll get a world-class education backed by elite rankings and powerful outcomes. Join a legacy of excellence that includes 96 Rhodes Scholars and top-tier science lab facilities, all at one of the nation's best public colleges.

“The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.”

– Thucydides

Enrichment Opportunities

Cadets have numerous unique opportunities to apply their academic discipline in real-world environments and tackle contemporary, highly relevant challenges facing the Army, the nation, and the world. These experiences often place cadets side by side with military leaders, civilian experts, and international partners, allowing them to apply classroom learning to complex and dynamic problems. Whether developing innovative solutions for operational needs, contributing to cutting-edge scientific research, or engaging in cross-cultural exchanges, cadets gain valuable professional experience, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen the leadership skills that will serve them throughout their military careers.

Internships

From government offices to private companies to global non-profit organizations, cadets participate in world-class immersive internships that broaden their experience and deepen their understanding - allowing them to become more well-rounded leaders of character.

Explore internships

Extracurricular Activities

At West Point, your academic experience is just the beginning. Outside the classroom, you'll find 60+ academic clubs, national conferences, competitive teams, internships, and even study abroad programs that open your world far beyond the Hudson Valley.

Explore Extracurricular Activities

Military Immersion & Exchange

Cadets engage in immersive cultural experiences, varying from spending a semester abroad at a foreign military institution to working over spring break in a foreign country or engaging in military training with a foreign military.

Explore international opportunities

Service Academy Exchange Program (SAEP)

Through the SAEP, cadets can spend a semester at one of USMA’s sister federal service agencies, fostering camaraderie among the institutions and providing cross-training opportunities for the program's participants.

Learn more about academy exchange programs

Small Classes. Big Impact.

At a place where the average class has just 15–18 students and a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you won’t just attend class—you’ll be known, challenged, and supported. Ranked #2 for both public schools and professor accessibility, this is where standout students experience a truly standout education.

Scholars Program

West Point runs several programs focused on helping cadets prepare for and win prestigious scholarships. These programs are very successful in helping cadets earn opportunities for advanced study in pursuit of their goals and facilitating their progress on the path to becoming leaders of character.

Explore the Scholars Program

West Point Faculty

West Point’s outstanding faculty, who are rated among America’s most accessible, are dedicated teachers of more majors and minors than any other service academy and of the best leadership training in the nation, combining academic leadership courses with hands-on experiences.

Explore academic departments Learn more about West Point faculty Learn more about academic support