Purpose and Objectives

On the undergraduate level, the aim of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences is to offer students a broad liberal education as well as the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge in a particular academic subject which they choose as a major. The college’s general offerings help all students acquire the understanding and insight they need to lead meaningful lives as educated persons. Its specialized offerings aim to help students achieve professional competence and a full awareness of the intellectual issues that dominate scholarship in their field of study. The college’s goal is to prepare students for entry into graduate or professional schools or for direct entry into those professions that require only a baccalaureate education.

To carry out its academic programs, the college is divided administratively into six departments, each headed by a chair. Some departments offer several distinct majors and programs. In addition, programs and activities that transcend departmental lines are headed by directors or committees that report to the dean. General administrative oversight of the college is the responsibility of the dean of the college, whose duties are performed under the supervision of the provost and vice president for academic affairs.