Indiana University Bloomington
Arts and Humanities Social and Historical Studies Natural and Mathmatical Sciences World Languages & Cultures life Sciences
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College of Arts and Sciences: A Profile

The IU College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the university, and the largest academic unit on the Bloomington campus. It encompasses most of the university’s academic disciplines, comprising more than 50 departments and programs offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition, the College provides most of the general education course work for undergraduates in the Schools of Business; Continuing Studies; Education; Health, Physical Education, and Recreation; Informatics; Journalism; Music; and Public and Environmental Affairs. More facts and figures.

Here’s what the College offers you:

  • More than 50 majors, leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, as well as graduate programs leading to master’s and Ph.D. degrees.
  • Innovative programs such as the Individualized Major Program, the Liberal Arts and Management Program, the Direct Admit Program, IU STARS, and double majors.
  • Internationally known faculty who are leaders in their fields.
  • Outstanding undergraduate education with opportunities for undergraduate research, faculty mentoring, and interdisciplinary studies.
  • Highly ranked graduate education with the opportunity to study with renowned faculty using state-of-the-art research facilities.
  • Access to the latest technology for both undergraduate and graduate study.
  • Precollege programs for high school and middle school students.
  • Continuing programs for alumni and friends of the College.
The Value of a Liberal Arts Undergraduate Education

The College of Arts and Sciences provides a liberal arts education, which is by tradition the heart of undergraduate education in the American university system. Academic programs in the College represent the core of human knowledge, including the arts and humanities, social and historical studies, and the natural and mathematical sciences. This well-rounded education focuses on broad learning and prepares students to communicate effectively, to think critically and creatively, to analyze and synthesize information, and to continue to grow and learn throughout their lives—in short, the essence of what it means to be educated.

Specifically, a liberal arts education in the College is designed to provide students with the following:

  • Genuine literacy to read and listen effectively, and speak and write clearly and persuasively
  • Ability to think critically and creatively
  • Intellectual flexibility and breadth of mind
  • Discovery of ethical perspectives
  • Appreciation of literature and the arts
  • Understanding of the scientific method
  • Ability to reason quantitatively
  • Historical consciousness
  • Understanding of the physical, geographic, economic, political, religious, and cultural aspects of the international community, as well as global and environmental issues
  • Basic communications skills in at least one foreign language
  • In-depth knowledge of at least one subject

A liberal arts education in the College of Arts and Sciences provides students the fundamental knowledge, skills, and experience essential for a rich and rewarding life. The arts and sciences serve as a foundation for many professions, and they prepare students with the foresight and flexibility that they need to function in the careers and technologies of today and tomorrow.

 
Paige Gray
   Richmond, IN
   English major
Paige Gray "In the College of Arts and Sciences students are required to take courses away from their main area of concentration. Though I am an English major, I can still learn about our solar system or national policies, thus advancing my overall ability to think, evaluate, and understand humanity. Isn't that what a college education should be? Every day my mind is opened and I'm faced with new learning experiences because of the excellent professors and courses and the thought-provoking and complex classroom discussion."