College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Vision

To provide essential, fundamental educational experiences for all students, while acknowledging and supporting their differing identities, circumstances, passions, career aspirations, and life goals.

Mission

Our College will attract, educate and champion students from every community who are motivated by learning, discovery, and a desire to make a difference. Through expertly crafted content and hands-on learning, CLAS students attain holistic knowledge, disciplinary expertise, and advanced critical thinking skills. They understand the intersectional qualities of humanity and thought, utilizing this knowledge to thrive and succeed in life’s journey.

Principles

Finding Connection Points
Our educational experiences demonstrate the need of both disciplinary and interdisciplinary outlooks and approaches.

Encouraging Discovery and Curiosity
Our students engage in a robust intellectual environment, leading them to new ways of thought, creativity and problem-solving.

Providing Pathways
Our faculty demonstrate an essential connection between education and opportunity; a mechanism that leads to transformative work, engaged communities, and underlying humanity.

Establishing Equitable Practices
Our college aligns our educational missions with the essential work and support structures necessary to dismantle racist and overlapping systems of inequity that often serve as a barrier to greater success.

Ethical, Sustainable, and Progressive Support
We invest our resources fairly and responsibly, providing the necessary capital to launch new ideas, provide growth opportunities, and ensure the disciplines within the college are fully supported.

Academic Departments

The College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (CLAS) offers 48 undergraduate majors, 46 undergraduate minors, 5 certificates, 11 teacher preparation programs, and multiple micro-credentials. CLAS houses 3 divisions, encompassing 20 departments and 5 interdisciplinary centers, institutes and stand-alone programs. In addition to individual degree requirements, CLAS faculty teach the majority of the General Studies Program curriculum. The College promotes an interdisciplinary viewpoint, with rigorous programs of study in the fine and performing arts; humanities; social sciences; and natural sciences. These programs prepare students for meaningful careers and a life of substance.