College of Arts & Sciences
Welcome to The College
The oldest and largest school at University of Portland, the College of Arts and Sciences offers degrees in the humanities, natural sciences, performing arts, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. A liberal arts and sciences degree provides a versatile pathway to a multitude of careers, and the College takes full advantage of UP’s ideal location in creating hands-on career-building experiences out in the field, whichever one you choose!
Divisions & Programs
Expert Guidance & Unique Opportunities
While R1 universities increasingly rely on graduate students as instructors, at UP all classes are taught by our esteemed faculty. This means you will receive expert guidance while earning your BA or BS with unparalleled opportunities for hands-on research work with faculty members throughout the academic year and summer in disciplines as varied as theology, biology, ethnic studies, and mathematics.
Humanities
The Humanities Division includes programs that explore the human experience, culture, and creative expression across history. This includes departments like English, Philosophy, and History, but you can also explore programs like International Languages, Theology & Religious Studies, and Performing & Fine Arts.
Social Sciences
The Social Sciences Division includes programs that use the scientific method to study humanity as well as our social environments and behaviors. This includes departments like Psychology, Sociology, and Communication but you can also explore programs like Environvmental Ethics, Political Science, and Economics.
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
The Natural Sciences & Mathematics Division includes programs that use empirical observation, experimentation, and formal logic to understand the physical universe. You will find departments like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, but you can also explore programs like Environmental Sciences and Pure Mathematics.
Interdisciplinary Programs
Curious about how different subjects connect? Our interdisciplinary programs let you mix your passions. Major in Exercise Science or Gender & Women’s Studies, or round out your degree with minors like Social Justice, Ethnic Studies, Neuroscience, Hellenic Studies, or Public Health & Wellness.
Pre-Health at UP
A liberal arts and sciences degree provides a versatile pathway to a multitude of careers. As a student of the College, you’ll gain experience that will prepare you for medical school and other careers in healthcare. Learn more about how the College supports students pursuing careers in the health and medical fields.
Popular Departments & Programs
The College offers 31 major programs across 15 departments and with UP's close proximity to the outdoors, government agencies, leading medical institutions, arts and culture venues, and more, you will have a multitude of opportunities to connect with the community and gain valuable hands-on experiences in a multitude of careers.
Personalized Career Support
No matter your major, the College offers a robust Student Success Network with a dedicated Advising Suite, a Student Leadership Council with representatives from every major in the college, and an Internships Department dedicated to connecting students with potential employers.
Engaged Humanities: Making a Difference Across Discliplines
How can the humanities engage significant issues of our era and in our communities? The Engaged Humanities Program was founded through funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support interdisciplinary undergraduate research upon the belief that the humanities have a vital role to play in responding to the challenges facing our communities today. As an Engaged Humanities fellow, you'll have the opportunity to design and implement a research project that makes an impact outside of the classroom while working closely with faculty fellows across disciplines.
Get Involved on Campus
R1-Level Research, Hands-On Experience
Become a Engaged Humanities Fellow, discover fieldwork opportunities on Mount Hood and the Juneau Ice Fields, or experiment in our environmental studies lab on the Willamette River, outfitted with a 40-foot research-grade sediment transport flume—you’ll have countless opportunities to engage in hands-on research that can literally change our world.
Fine Arts Performances & Events
Pursuing a fine arts degree at UP means working with a collective of artist-teachers who are committed to helping you succeed and accomplish more than you ever thought possible. Our nationally accredited music and theater programs combine rigorous training and academics with performance opportunities on our campus and within the vibrant arts community of Portland.
Mock Trial Group
In Mock Trial, students develop persuasive public speaking skills, practice critical thinking, refine analytical reasoning, and engage in oratory argument. Students also practice trial advocacy, learn legal procedures, and study the Federal Rules of Evidence. The program competes in tournaments all across the country, against over 400 other undergraduate colleges and universities through the American Mock Trial Association.
CAS News & Highlights
Contact the College of Arts & Sciences
The Dean's Suite of the College of Arts & Sciences is located in Buckley Center 216, across the hall from the Advising Suite.
Connect With Us
The College is a welcoming academic home, where all students can find the opportunity to enjoy learning, achieve excellence, and prepare for an exciting and productive future.