Dean’s Office
Clark Building, Room C138
(970) 491-5421
libarts.colostate.edu
Dr. Kjerstin Thorson, Dean
Our students and faculty explore the forces that drive society, the stories that define us, and the ideas that spark change. Through the arts, humanities, and social sciences, liberal arts students don’t learn what to think, they learn how to think. They analyze complex problems, communicate across cultures, and adapt to new ideas, making them invaluable in careers we have now, and in careers that don’t exist yet. Whether you’re decoding the ethics of AI, shaping international policy, telling untold stories, or designing the next big innovation, a liberal arts degree prepares you to lead in a world where flexibility, creativity, and human connection are essential.
Your degree is more than a credential, it’s a launchpad. In the College of Liberal Arts, students earn one of four degrees depending on your program: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Science. Within these degrees, you’ll find a wide range of majors, concentrations, minors, and certificates that let you customize your experience at CSU.
Many students expand their academic experience by adding a second major, minor, or certificate. With thoughtful planning, you can explore multiple interests and develop a skill set that’s adaptable to the work world you’re preparing to enter. Most of our degrees are flexible, allowing you to customize your education without adding extra time; our students still graduate with 120 credits.
Undergraduate Majors
- Anthropology
- Art (B.A.)
- Art (B.F.A.)
- Communication Studies
- Dance (B.A.)
- Dance (B.F.A.)
- Economics
- English
- Ethnic Studies
- Geography
- History
- International Studies
- Journalism and Media Communication
- Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
- Music (B.A.)
- Music (B.M.)
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Theatre
- Women's and Gender Studies
Interdisciplinary Major
Undergraduate Minors
- Anthropology
- Applied Environmental Policy Analysis
- Art History
- Chinese
- Creative Writing
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Economics
- English
- Environmental Sociology
- Ethnic Studies
- Forensic Anthropology
- French
- Geographic Information Science and Geographic Analysis
- Geography
- German
- History
- Indigenous Studies
- Japanese
- Latin American/Latinx Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Queer Studies
- Science Communication
- Sociology
- Spanish
Interdisciplinary and Interdepartmental Minors
- American Sign Language Interdisciplinary Minor
- Arabic Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
- Arts Leadership and Administration Minor (No new students are being admitted to this minor)
- Environmental Studies in the Liberal Arts Interdisciplinary Minor
- Film Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
- Global Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
- Italian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
- Jewish Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
- Legal Studies Interdisciplinary Minor **
- Linguistics and Culture Interdisciplinary Minor
- Media Studies Minor
- Music, Stage and Sports Production Interdisciplinary Minor
- Religious Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
- Russian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
- Sport Management Interdisciplinary Minor
- Women’s Study Interdisciplinary Minor
**Students preparing for law school can choose any major and opt-in to the Legal Studies minor. Students preparing for law school can choose any major. Law schools seek above-average students with broad educational backgrounds and excellent communication, and analytical skills. Prelaw students, regardless of major, should design a course of study that develops their skills in speaking, writing and analytical capabilities. Law schools require an undergraduate degree for admission. Visit the Department of Political Science for more information.
A certificate expands your program of study and requires fewer courses than a minor. Certificates provide specialized knowledge or skills.
Graduates from the College of Liberal Arts can be found in every job sector. Employers value the essential skills and experience in leadership, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and project management that our students gain through coursework and their involvement in experiential learning like research, internships, study abroad, clubs, and service learning. A liberal arts education prepares students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of adaptability and growth in an ever-changing workforce.
To make the most of their opportunities, students are encouraged to connect with the Career Center where a dedicated liberal arts career manager can support them in resume building with industry-specific templates and interview preparation. Internships and hands-on experiences further strengthen career readiness, providing practical skills and professional connections that set students apart.
Academic Support Coordinators (ASCs) are here to help you thrive in the College of Liberal Arts! Whether you're choosing a major, planning your courses, exploring career paths, or navigating challenges, ASCs provide personalized guidance to support your academic and personal success. You will meet your ASC at orientation and begin to build your future.
Joining a student organization isn’t just about fun (though there’s plenty of that), it’s a chance to more deeply explore your hobbies and interests, gain leadership experience, and build community at CSU.
Each department has a dedicated Internship Coordinator and an Internship Credit Course to gain experience in professional settings. Students can contact their Academic Success Coordinator to be connected with the correct faculty member in their department.
Education abroad is an exciting opportunity open to all students in the College of Liberal Arts. Whether you want to study, research, intern, or volunteer internationally, planning ahead is key. Start by talking with your Academic Success Coordinator and visiting the Education Abroad office in Laurel Hall. The Education Abroad team can help you explore programs that fit your academic and personal goals, including options for earning credit or gaining hands-on experience. They also provide support before and during travel, guidance on scholarships and financial aid, and specialized resources for adult learners, veterans, students with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds.
In the CLA, you will work with award-winning and renowned scholars in their fields. You can find the faculty directory including concentration and research interests on each department website. Learn how to get involved in research through the Institute of Teaching and Learning.
Graduate Programs
A variety of liberal arts advanced degrees are available in the College. Academic degrees offered are Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Music, Master of Sport Management, Master of Arts Leadership and Cultural Management and a Master of Public Policy Administration. The last three are generally considered professional degrees.
The College offers three interdisciplinary master’s degrees. The Department of Anthropology and Geography offers a master’s degree in Anthropology with a specialization in International Development, with courses from across CSU. The Departments of English and Languages, Literatures and Cultures offer a joint master’s program in foreign languages and the teaching of English as a second/foreign language. Information on all of these degree programs may be obtained from any participating department.
For detailed information about graduate programs, contact individual departments. See also the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.