At the center of IU Northwest is the College of Arts and Sciences. Providing a broad education in the arts and sciences, the college prepares students through study in major disciplines for careers of their choice and for lives as educated, critical, and inquiring citizens in a world of rapid change.

At the core of our many programs, many unique to the region, are the analytical, cognitive, and expressive skills needed to assimilate and advance knowledge. An arts and sciences education focuses on an understanding of the human condition—past and present—and the world in which we live. It emphasizes a humanistic and aesthetic appreciation of cultural life as well as valuing of science and its methodology in which intellect, logical processes, ethical perspectives, and problem solving are vital. The strong research and creative activities of our faculty encourage students toward a life of learning and reflection.

Intrinsic to a liberal education is preparing graduates to appreciate, contribute to, and thrive in a diverse, culturally rich, technologically, and scientifically advanced society with a compelling history, a promising future, and a capacity for transformation. Through our teaching, research, creative arts, and professional and community services, we engage in the vitality of Northwest Indiana. An informed, educated population is not only democracy's strongest, best hope, it is also society's wisest investment. That, more than anything else, is the endeavor of the faculty and staff of the College of Arts and Sciences.

At present, the college consists of 14 departments offering baccalaureate degrees in the following areas: actuarial science, Afro-American studies, anthropology, biology, chemistry, computer information systems, economics, English, fine arts, French, geology, history, mathematics, communication, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, Spanish, and theatre. Courses are offered in all those fields plus astronomy, Canadian studies, comparative literature, computer science, geography, German, journalism, Latino studies, linguistics, music, physics, religious studies, telecommunications, and Women's and Gender Studies.

In addition to undergraduate education leading to the bachelor's degree, which prepares students for citizenship as well as for professional training and graduate study, the programs of the College of Arts and Sciences provide students in allied health sciences, business, continuing studies, dental auxiliary education, education, nursing, and public and environmental affairs with courses that are a foundation for those professional programs.