For Prospective FOCUS Students

Focus students at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC

The Focus Program (FOCUS) is an exciting way for you to make the most of your liberal education at Duke University! Through FOCUS you will be exposed to ideas from the vantage point of different disciplines across the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.

You can choose from a wide variety of learning communities in the Focus Program. Courses in each cluster fulfill Duke’s general education curriculum requirements and may contribute to your major, minor or certificate. The possibilities are wide open, regardless of your major!

Many courses are offered exclusively through FOCUS. You will study in small seminars — a max of 18 students per class — with some of our most distinguished faculty. You and your faculty will be able to develop a comfortable interaction which continues throughout your academic life and later career. Each FOCUS cluster creates a unique learning community in the East Campus residence halls. You will have friends from across the campus, as well as those within your cluster!

The Focus Program will provide opportunities for you to take your learning beyond the Duke campus and gain valuable, hands-on experience. Field work, faculty/student research, research-service learning and volunteer work are just a few options. You will have an opportunity to make a difference on local, regional and global issues.