What will your academic experience look like in the College of Arts and Sciences? That’s totally up to you. In the College, you’re not locked into one specific path toward your degree—you have the freedom to chart your own course and explore your passions. But no matter what path you take, your experience will be rooted in the time-honored principles of a liberal arts education.
In the College, we believe the essence of a liberal arts education can be expressed in five foundational skills that form the core of what it means to be educated. Grounded in a centuries-old tradition, these skills continue to be essential today. As a student in the College, you will learn to:
These skills are the cornerstone of a liberal arts education—and they’re in high demand among employers of all kinds.
To gain the knowledge and skills that are essential to a well-rounded liberal arts education, all students in the College must fulfill certain College-wide degree requirements. These requirements, called College of Arts and Sciences Education (CASE) requirements, form the basis of your education in the College.
CASE requirements include courses in English composition, intensive writing, public oral communication, mathematical modeling, the arts and humanities, social and historical sciences, natural and mathematical sciences, and more. These courses provide a broad base of knowledge and skills upon which you’ll build the rest of your education.
Learn about CASE requirementsAs you get farther down your academic path, you’ll begin to focus on a specific area of study—your major. You’ll take classes that will help you develop depth of knowledge and specialized skills in your chosen field. You might also choose to pursue a minor or certificate in an area that complements your major.
Explore degrees and majors
The more diverse your interests and skill sets are, the more you are prepared to make a special niche for yourself.
Grady Barker, B.A. ’03, Owner, Paper Mâché Monkey Art and Design Studio
The College’s 900+ faculty members will lead you on your academic journey, sharing the knowledge and experiences they’ve gained throughout their distinguished careers. In the College, faculty members teach courses at all levels, from introductory classes to graduate seminars. So whether you’re a freshman or a Ph.D. student, you’ll learn from renowned experts who are leaders in their fields—and who have an unmatched commitment to teaching and mentoring students.
Learn about our faculty
Your experience in the College will vary depending on what type of class it is and your instructor’s style. But all courses in the College have one thing in common: active participation is the key to success.
Whether you’re in a lecture, a discussion section, a lab, or some other setting, you’re encouraged to engage with your instructor and your classmates—ask questions, contribute your ideas, and share your experiences.
Learn about the classroom experience
Classes are a big part of your academic experience, but what happens outside the classroom is just as important. In the College, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to enrich your education. Join a living learning community and connect with other students with similar academic interests. Get hands-on experience in the lab through undergraduate research opportunities, or publish your creative writing in the Indiana Review. Explore new perspectives through Themester and study abroad experiences, and much more.
Discover academic opportunities
College alumnus Adam Reynolds has parlayed his undergraduate degrees in journalism and political science and his M.F.A. in photography into a career as a documentary photographer. His work, which focuses primarily on the Middle East, has been featured in media outlets such as Smithsonian Magazine, the Guardian, the Washington Times, Bloomberg News, and the Associated Press.
