The extraordinary departments and academic programs within the College of Arts and Sciences offer unparalleled rigor, quality and reputation that set our graduates apart. Each of our departments are home to world-changing students, preeminent scholars and researchers, and world-class academic programs.

Explore our Departments

Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human in the broadest sense and examines culture, society, evolution and past human communities.

Atmospheric Sciences encompass the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere and its interaction with the Earth's surface and oceans.

Biologists are at the forefront of science attempting to find solutions to global problems and answers to intriguing questions about animals, plants, and microbes at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels.

Everything that can be seen, touched, tasted, or smelled is made up of chemicals. Chemistry is a central discipline that impacts all others, from science and engineering to industry and government.

Communication studies the use of spoken language and the use of media to communicate information, maintain social contact and influence others.

Economics studies how individuals, organizations and societies make choices and how those choices determine the allocation of limited resources.

English combines historical, linguistic and cultural analysis of English-speaking people and their cultural production and creative works.

Geography is the study of the relationships between people and their environment, relationships that vary from place to place across the Earth.

Geology and geophysics are the scientific studies of all aspects of the solid Earth and the fluids within it and other planets and planetary bodies.

Global Languages and Cultures studies include expertise in linguistic, cultural, literary, language and media studies from across the globe.

History investigates how the problems of the present are fundamentally rooted in the choices made by past peoples.

Mathematics and its applications play a fundamental role in any area of human activity, from purely scientific enterprises to the financial and business world.

Oceanography is an interdisciplinary science that focuses on the oceans, their contents and their boundaries.

Philosophy establishes standards of evidence, provides rational methods of resolving conflicts, and creates ways to evaluate ideas and arguments.

Physicists and astronomers seek to understand the fundamental workings of nature, from the smallest particles to our galaxy and universe.

Psychological and Brain Sciences study the biological, psychological, and social processes that contribute to people’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and mental and physical health and well-being across the lifespan.

Sociology studies society and culture, with specializations including race and ethnicity, social class, gender, criminology, religion and global sociology.

Statisticians are scientists who collect and analyze data for the purpose of making decisions in the presence of uncertainty and conducting modern, impactful teaching, research and service across multiple sectors.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS

The world's most pressing challenges require an educated workforce prepared to tackle complex, real-world challenges. Interdisciplinary degree programs provide students with relevant and versatile skill sets and training that encourage them to think outside traditional disciplinary boundaries. Interdisciplinary programs promote systems-thinking, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of real-world problems and solutions.

A broad field of applied biology directed toward understanding health and disease, preparing students for world-changing careers.

Providing the necessary preparation for future professionals in the environmental field. Cultivating an entrepreneurial, problem-solving mindset that seeks solutions for the sustainable future of the Earth.

Students develop competencies in foundational science coursework, then based on their individual career goals, go on to complete coursework in neurosciences focusing on translational topics relevant to medical science, pharmacology, neural engineering and/or biochemistry.

Integrate fields of study such as biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology and medicine with foundational coursework in life sciences and neuroscience. Preparing students for advanced fields of study.

A graduate degree program preparing the next generation of water scientists, hydrologists and managers through teaching and research. Improving the reliability of and quality of water resources for human well-being and development.

Fresh perspectives on the nature of gender as it intersects with race, ethnicity, class, religion, and nation, and encourage students to look beyond their own culture and era in examining gender’s role in shaping society. Students perform critical analysis of gender and pursue knowledge about women throughout history and around the world.

Centers & Institutes

The College of Arts and Science is home to 34 centers and institutes as well as many specialized laboratories and active research groups, where innovation by our top researchers continues to lead to groundbreaking discoveries and societal solutions in myriad world-changing areas.

Learn About our Center & Institutes