Watch an introductory video about the value of a Liberal Arts education (QuickTime)Note: QuickTime movies require the QuickTime player. |
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Greetings from the College of Liberal Arts! As one of the leading public Liberal Arts colleges in the country, we rely on all members of our college community to continue our tradition of excellence in academics, leadership, and civic engagement. Our students have a very important role in the life of the college and are encouraged to pursue our CORE principles while on the Forty Acres.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Liberal Arts. I hope to see you on campus soon. Dean |
The College of Liberal Arts offers educational opportunties unparalleled by any Texas public university. Students receive a classic liberal arts education while reaping the benefits of a world-class research institution. For over 125 years, alumni have utilized Liberal Arts as a springboard to every imaginable career.
With over 50 departments and centers and hundreds of faculty members, students are sure to find classes or faculty research that will suit virtually any interest. The faculty-student ratio of 20-1 affords students many opportunities for small-group learning and mentoring; and Liberal Arts’ highly distinguished faculty has won hundreds of awards for teaching, research, and writing.
Several of the college’s departments and centers have been nationally recognized. In 2009, US News and World Report ranked the economics, English, history, government, psychology, and sociology departments in the top 25 programs in the country. Thecollege offers over 50 different areas of study, and students are encouraged to customize their educational experiences to their goals and interests with minors, certificates, internships, and study abroad. The college’s faculty and academic advisors are available to assist students in making the most of the college and university resources available to them.
Liberal Arts provides excellent preparation for law, medical, or graduate school; and graduates work in a variety of fields, from government, education, and the media to banking, consulting, and business. Alumni can be found working and living all over Texas, the nation, and the globe.
"What are you going to do with that?" is the question most Liberal Arts students dread hearing after they have told friends and family about their chosen major. Students who want to have a clear and confident response have Liberal Arts Career Services (LACS), where the friendly and experienced staff will guide them towards career-related opportunities during college and beyond.
LACS resources include:
David Paschall, a government sophomore, offered this testimonial:
"I can't stress enough how useful LACS has been to me. As a transfer student, I was unsure of myself and my own capabilities before I stepped into this office. I walked out one day, finished my resume and cover letter, and submitted them to three offices in Austin. Within one week, I had interviewed in two of those offices and acquired one position as an intern at the office I wanted to work for most. LACS is invaluable to the College of Liberal Arts and the university."
Campus organizations offer students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain professional experience, and make an impact on the university, city, state, and planet. With over 900 registered student organizations on campus, there is an organization for almost any interest, from preparing for medical school to volunteering internationally.
Types of organizations include:
Generation upon generation of Texans have called the Forty Acres home as the campus continues to evolve to serve the ever-changing needs of its members. Students today have more resources than ever before to try new activities, meet new people, and develop personally and professionally.
Popular resources on campus include:
The City of Austin has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with the university, and is itself a valuable resource for students. Being the state capital, Austin offers students internship opportunities in politics, private industry, and nonprofits. Students can also enjoy excellent outdoor recreation and a vibrant music, film, and art scene.
The College of Liberal Arts Parents’ League, created in 2008, was designed to engage parents in the life of the college and inform them about opportunities available to their students. Members provide input on the college’s communication efforts and receive information on volunteer opportunities and special events.
“Ultimately, students will prosper if they have a web of support around them,” Associate Dean Marc Musick said. “One of the best things parents can do is to let us know what they need to know. The League can act as that conduit.”
A list of on-campus resources available to Liberal Arts students may be found here.
