Academic Catalog

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Dean: Stephanie Hartwell

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to more than forty undergraduate degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to the physical and life sciences. We serve a diverse student population with a wide range of programs and courses. Our dedicated advisors provide individual advising to all our major students, and we strive to provide student engagement and undergraduate research opportunities for all students in the College.

Our bachelor degree programs provide a balance of broad studies and specialization, taking advantage of both the intellectual breadth of the College and the availability of course offerings taught by scholars and researchers who are leaders in their fields. All programs emphasize communication, both written and spoken, and the use of precise and thoughtful language. Students are stimulated to think and read critically and to become familiar with the tools of research so that learning may be a lifelong process. Intellectual growth is encouraged by developing in students the necessary independence, resourcefulness and judgment in early studies so that advanced courses may be selected with confidence.

Most fields of study in the College offer students both theoretical and practical training. Our programs are designed such that a solid knowledge of underlying principles is strengthened by practical training and experience.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also serves students whose academic interests extend over several Departments. Such students have the opportunity to declare minors, pursue a co-major or take elective courses in a wide variety of fields. In addition, interdisciplinary programs such as Environmental Science, Linguistics, Global Studies, and Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies offer varied individualized curricula.

The undergraduate programs of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are strengthened by graduate programs that lead to the master's and doctoral degrees in various disciplines. Professors in the College teach both graduates and undergraduates; research projects may involve both graduates and undergraduates; some specialized classes are available to both graduate students and those undergraduates enrolled in the upper division. This opportunity for association with graduate students and research personnel enriches the experience of many undergraduate students.

In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students are provided with the skills, knowledge, and understanding on which to build professional and personal development in today's rapidly changing world.

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