College of Arts and Sciences

Shaily Menon, Ph.D., Dean
Michael J. Rossi, Ph.D., Associate Dean
Mary Isbell, Ph.D., Assistant Dean

 

The College of Arts and Sciences prepares students for lifelong learning. Through varied academic disciplines, the College provides the foundation for success as a global citizen. The College's degree programs prepare students for meaningful careers or for continued study in graduate or professional schools. The College offers the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, master of arts, and master of science degrees.  The College also offers a number of associate degrees as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates.   Some of the programs in the college offer dual degree options that permit qualified students to complete a bachelor's and master's degree in 5 years.  The College also complements programs in other Colleges at the University of New Haven and offers many of the essential courses in the University Core Curriculum. Those undecided about a major are welcome to join the Interdisciplinary Studies program or be supported as undeclared students; both paths allow ample flexibility to explore your passions and customize your educational journey.

The dynamic nature of the world today requires students to be open-minded, critical thinkers who can approach society's issues and problems from a variety of perspectives. The education offered in the College of Arts and Sciences is designed to provide that background. We offer students the opportunity to study and learn historical, cultural, social, individual, and political perspectives on your world. Our goal is to challenge students to take advantage of the many resources and talents within the College to help them prepare for their future.

The professors in the College of Arts and Sciences are committed to the student learning experience. The commitment goes beyond classroom instruction to include student opportunities to work with faculty on their scholarship and research, to study abroad, and to apply knowledge and skills through internships or in the community working on real-life projects. We also expect students to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world to a global level. Graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences are prepared to make an impact in tomorrow's world.

The College of Arts and Sciences also offers a host of extracurricular activities to supplement the learning experience. These events include campus-wide debates, symposia, and faculty forums. The College adds to New Haven's vibrant cultural environment. For example, the College supports the University Theatre through its student productions. The Seton Gallery is a well-established University art gallery featuring, in addition to a permanent collection, a wide variety of work by students, renowned artists, and sculptors at shows throughout the academic year.

Minors

It is highly recommended that students working toward a degree in one area of study give serious thought to organizing their elective courses so as to receive a minor in a second discipline. A minor usually consists of 18 credits devoted to the study of either a group of courses on related subjects or a series of courses offered by one department.

University Core Curriculum

The University Core Curriculum prepares students to better understand and relate to diverse people, succeed in their chosen careers, and pursue lifelong learning after completing their education. In addition to departmental requirements, students must fulfill all requirements of the University Core Curriculum. 

General Policies in the College of Arts and Sciences

• Each student is assigned an academic adviser. Normally, the adviser is a member of the faculty in the major department for the student's degree program.
• A student may select a minor in a department other than the major department after consultation with the adviser or the appropriate department chair.
• A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation.

Experiential Education Requirement

All University of New Haven undergraduates complete a minimum of two courses or experiences that are recognized as designated high impact practice that offer experiential learning opportunities. Colleges or programs may designate specific courses that fulfill all or part of this requirement. A designated high impact practice can be in one of the following five categories (1) study abroad courses, (2) courses with a community-based project such as a service learning course (3) courses or fellowships with a faculty-mentored research project (4) internships, practicums, or clinical field placements (5) courses/experiences designated by departments as meeting the High Impact Practice Requirement that do not clearly fit with the previous four categories.

Flexibility in Determining Degree

It is estimated that nationally over 40 percent of undergraduates change majors in college. Students who want to explore options are provided resources through the Center for Student Success. This support is also open to transfer students and first-year and second-year students at the University who are contemplating a change in majors. Students considering these options may find it useful to enroll in Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies, a course that guides students in designing a custom program of study.  

Advisers work with students and the Center for Student Success to assess the students' interests through personality and career inventories. 

At any point during the first two years of study, students have the opportunity to declare a major once they decide on a course of study. 

Students are encouraged to select courses that meet the University Core Curriculum requirements so that once a major is declared the student is able to smoothly transition into that curriculum. 

Other courses are selected to enable students to learn more about specific majors and decide if the major is a good match for them. 

While undeclared students are housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College works closely with the other Colleges - the Pompea College of Business, the Tagliatela College of Engineering, the School of Health Sciences, and the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences - to best meet the needs of students.

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