College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Course Descriptions & Programs of Study
- Air Force ROTC
- Apparel, Housing, & Resource Management
- Army ROTC
- English
- Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
- History
- Human Development and Family Science
- International Studies
- Music
- Naval ROTC
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Religion and Culture
- School of Communication
- School of Education
- Science, Technology, and Society
- Sociology
- Theatre and Cinema
Dean: Laura Belmonte
Associate Dean for Academic Policies and Procedures: Debra Stoudt
Associate Dean for Administration and Finance and Chief of Staff: Brian Shabanowitz
Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement: Farida Jalalzai
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research: Tom Ewing
Associate Dean for Transdisciplinary Initiatives and Chief Technology Officer: Carlos Evia
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs: Monica Kimbrell
Assistant Dean for Advancement: Holly Kobia
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Shaila Mehra
Director of Academic Support: Karen Watson
Director of Experiential Learning and Recruitment: Meghan Jester
Overview
The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees encompassing the humanities, performing arts, and human and social sciences. The College emphasizes the importance of mastering the intellectual skills a liberal arts education develops as well as job skills by encouraging students to apply knowledge from one field to another and to think creatively.
Outstanding faculty members conduct research and teach courses in 10 departments and 3 schools leading to baccalaureate and advanced degrees. Coursework from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences also provides a foundation of knowledge in a number of fundamental subjects for students in all colleges through the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education/Pathways to General Education).
The college offers minors in many of the departments listed. Students are encouraged to include a minor in their program and should consult an advisor for help in choosing one that will advance their career goals.
General Requirements for Graduation
A student in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences must complete at least 120 hours for an undergraduate degree as well as satisfy the following requirements:
- achieve a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 for all hours attempted (some majors may require a higher GPA)
- achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 for all hours attempted in all work applied to the major (some majors may require a higher GPA)
- complete all other requirements established for their degree by the major department
- complete all college and university Pathways to General Education requirements
- complete the language study requirement either through high school enrollment or prior to receipt of the undergraduate degree. The minimum requirement may be met in high school by completing 2 units of a single foreign or classical language or American Sign Language. Some majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences may require 3 units of a single foreign or classical language or American Sign Language
No course required for graduation or in the major/minor may be taken on a pass/fail basis (i.e., pass/fail may be used for free electives only). This excludes courses that are offered pass/fail only.
Pathways to General Education
A description of the Pathways to General Education curriculum may be found in the Academics section of this catalog. For requirements specific to departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, please contact the individual department.
Honors College
The University Honors Program is available to students in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. This program provides an enriched environment for qualified students who are highly motivated and possess outstanding scholastic ability. Specific requirements for honors degrees are available from the University Honors Program, participating departments, and the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
Dean's List
A student enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences for 12 hours or more (excluding P/F and repeat courses) who earns a GPA of 3.4 or higher during the fall or spring semester can request from the Undergraduate Academic Affairs Office a Dean's List certificate.
Scholarships
A number of scholarships are available for outstanding students enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Descriptions and deadlines are available on the college website. Students who are interested in applying for merit-based financial aid should contact the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Internships, Study Abroad, and Undergraduate Research
Educational experiences outside the classroom help make students more competitive for internships, jobs, and graduate school applications. Participation in internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research helps prepare students for life after graduation while exposing them to complex cultural issues. Every major offers academic and career advising to support students in connecting with current opportunities. Contact an academic advisor or faculty member to design an experience or email liberalarts@vt.edu to setup an appointment to connect with resources to create an individualized plan. Course credit is available for qualifying experiences.
Career Advising
Career advising is available from multiple sources. The centralized Career and Professional Development, located at the Smith Career Center, offers many services to support the career journey. Beginning with career and major exploration, through the process of assisting students in the job search or graduate and professional school application, Career and Professional Development advisors are a resource for all students.
The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences works with employers interested in hiring students to host information sessions and panels. Students have the opportunity to attend multiple career fairs offered on campus to build their network, secure internships, or apply for full-time jobs. Every major also offers a career advisor who specializes in guiding students toward career success.
Pre-Professional Advising
The University provides pre-professional career advisors for all disciplines and the college provides career advisors in areas related to the College.
- Pre-law advising connects students with faculty advisors, student organizations, and related academic opportunities. The advising program, sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, is open to students from all majors who are interested in the law. Students may also select majors that offer pre-law concentrations or degree options to help prepare for graduate programs in law. A pre-law student organization is available for interested students.
- A health professions advisor provides advising on entering professional programs such as medical, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing and dental school. The advising program is supported by Career and Professional Development and is open to students in all majors.
- Pre-Education Advising is available for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in PK-12 education. Because teacher licensure in Virginia is generally a graduate program, the program coordinator provides resources and information for students to plan their undergraduate courses. The advising program, sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences' School of Education, helps position students for admission to and completion of a graduate degree in education (including teacher licensure).
Graduate Programs
Many of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences departments offer graduate degrees at the Master's and Ph.D. levels. Complete information on these programs, including descriptions of graduate courses, can be found in the Graduate Catalog.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (LAHS)
1004: FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE: INTRODUCTION TO A RESEARCH UNIVERSITY Introduces first-year Liberal Arts and Human Sciences majors to the universitys research mission and the scope and nature of research within the disciplines in the college. Prepares students to participate in the universitys research mission through undergraduate research. Focuses on building problem-solving, inquiry, and integration skills as foundational to academic success. Topics include an introduction to academic support resources, academic planning, career exploration, and e-portfolio. (3H,3C)
1014: ACADEMIC RECOVERY AND SUCCESS STRATEGIES Helps students on academic probation and/or returning from academic suspension to develop academic skills, behaviors and motivation towards success; focuses on the development and application of college-level study skills, personal success strategies, and the use of campus resources that enhance individual student achievement. Credit not applicable to meeting degree requirements. (1H,1C)
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.
2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY Honors Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.
3004: PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR Designed specifically for liberal arts and human sciences majors, this course prepares students for careers and/or graduate school. Interviewing, resume writing, the graduate school application process, writing personal statements, electronic job searching, and diversity issues in the workplace are examples of topics covered. Pre: Junior or Senior standing. Major within the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Junior standing preferred. (1H,1C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD Variable credit course.
3984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.
4964: FIELD STUDY Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.
4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY Honors Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Honors Variable credit course.