Overview

The College of Arts and Sciences

With a tradition of excellence in the liberal arts and sciences stretching back to the founding of Indiana University in 1820, the College of Arts and Sciences offers more than 90 baccalaureate majors leading to the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, the Bachelor of Fine Arts and the Bachelor of Liberal Studies degrees. In addition to educating our majors, the College also provides a significant portion of the campus-wide General Education courses.

At the heart of the College’s tradition is excellence in teaching based on excellence in research. College faculty, who are at the forefront of their disciplines, teach at all levels of the curriculum, from freshman through senior and graduate courses. Although the content of courses has changed as society has changed and knowledge has developed, the College faculty has always sought to provide students with specialized knowledge in a major field of study that is enriched by a broad liberal arts education. For over 190 years, the mission of the faculty has been to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to help them develop an understanding of themselves and the world around them through a combination of specialized and general study.

Because of the richness and diversity of its more than 90 majors, the College offers students a variety of advising services to help them take full advantage of their opportunities at Indiana University.

  • Academic advisors in each department in the College are eager to help students understand the special requirements and options of the department, and are also happy to discuss general degree requirements and the best options for their completion.
  • Finally, Career Advisors in Arts and Sciences Career Services help students understand how to combine their liberal arts education and their career goals in satisfying employment.
  • The College Undergraduate Recorder's Office is available throughout a student's career to answer questions about academic records, policies, and procedures—by email (coasrecd [at] indiana [dot] edu), by phone (812-855-1821), or in person in Owen Hall 003.
  • Academic assistant deans in the College can answer specific questions or talk with students about their goals.