Private liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine.
Founded in 1794 as a men's college, it was named for James Bowdoin (1726–90), first president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. It became coeducational in 1971. It offers bachelor's degrees in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Academic facilities include a marine research station and an arctic museum. Its historic buildings include the Walker Art Building, designed by Charles F. McKim and Stanford White . Notable alumni include Nathaniel Hawthorne and U.S. Pres. Franklin Pierce .