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Academics

Academics

Step inside the classroom

The College of the Liberal Arts provides our students with the opportunity to pursue a transformative, globally respected Penn State education. Led by world-class scholars and teachers working within the humanities, social sciences, and languages, our departments, programs, and research institutes will provide you with a classic liberal arts education that also puts you on the path to a gratifying career.  

During your education, you’ll be instilled with all the core liberal arts values—communication, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and appreciation for other cultures and other times—while having the opportunity to pursue out-of-classroom experiences like internships, education abroad, and research that allow you to apply your skills in real-world contexts and grow personally and professionally. You’ll get to work with scholars leading their respective disciplines, collaborate with students with similar interests, and connect with our vast network of college and University alumni who can serve as mentors and help you build your professional network. 

Three students in a Spanish class sit on a bench outside Willard Building on a nice day.
Three students in a Spanish class sit on a bench outside Willard Building on a nice day.
A student participates in a virtual reality demonstration during a communication arts and sciences course.
A student participates in a virtual reality demonstration during a communication arts and sciences course.

Degree Programs

With nearly 150 undergraduate majors, minors, integrated undergraduate-graduate degrees (IUGs), associate degrees, and certificates to choose from, the College of the Liberal Arts truly has something for everyone no matter what your academic or career aspirations are. Taught by first-rate faculty with deep research and professional experience, our programs are intellectually rigorous and constantly evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing workplace.  

Departments

Our college is made up of highly accomplished teachers and researchers devoted to their individual focuses within the humanities, social sciences, and languages. Each department and program promotes and nurtures your academic journey through in-person and online instruction and research, all with the goal of producing graduates well-prepared to be exemplary professionals and global citizens. Meanwhile, our centers and institutes facilitate interdepartmental and interdisciplinary research and outreach geared around numerous subjects of academic and societal importance.  

McCourtney Professor of Civic Deliberation Debbie Hawhee teaches ENGL 487W Climate Rhetoric in the fall of 2022.
McCourtney Professor of Civic Deliberation Debbie Hawhee teaches ENGL 487W Climate Rhetoric in the fall of 2022.

Student Services

Committed to developing deep interpersonal relationships with students, the college’s Student Services staff will connect you with all the resources and opportunities you’ll need to succeed before and after you receive your degree. Located in Sparks Building, the college’s academic and administrative home, our Students Services include the following offices: 

  • Academic Advising 
  • Academic Scholarships 
  • Career Enrichment Network 
  • Chaiken Center for Student Success 
  • Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity 
  • Paterno Fellows Program 
I have received extensive support from the Career Enrichment Network through career coaching and workshops, as well as by taking the LA 103 professional development course this semester, which has been an amazing opportunity to learn more about beginning a career post-graduation.
Felicity Sarnoff, who is the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts as college marshal for the fall 2024 commencement ceremony, stands in front of trees and bushes at Penn State University Park.
Felicity Sarnoff
Penn State student, Ima Bazan will graduate with a bachelor's degree in 2024.
Career Enrichment NetworkGlobal and International StudiesInternational PoliticsInternship

Ima Bazan

’24
International Politics
|
Global and International Studies
|
International Affairs (master’s)
International Politics
Global and International Studies
International Affairs (master’s)
With support from the Career Enrichment Network, both financial and social, Ima was able to land an internship with Justice Desk Africa in Cape Town, South Africa. The human rights nonprofit empowers everyday activists to fight gender-based violence and toxic masculinity and provide positive role models for individuals throughout South African townships. As part of his internship, Ima focused on the iNtsika yeThemba Project, which works with boys affected by gender-based violence.
When I learned about the Paterno Fellows Program, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to push myself academically and personally. It has enriched my Penn State experience by exposing me to opportunities I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise, like honors classes that challenge me to think in new ways.
Elisabeth Egeli stands on an interior balcony overlooking a detailed archway in Brussels, Belgium.
Elisabeth Egeli

Honors Education

Pursuing an honors education not only demonstrates your commitment to a quality college experience but it could very well put you at an advantage when the time comes to apply for a job or graduate school. Available to students within and aspiring to the University’s Schreyer Honors College, the Paterno Fellows Program is the college’s signature honors experience and includes enhanced out-of-class requirements. The college also has a couple departmental honors programs.  

CriminologyPaterno FellowsPsychologySchreyer Scholar

Elisabeth Egeli

’26
Criminology
|
Psychology
|
Sociology (minor)
Criminology
Psychology
Sociology (minor)
From a young age, Elisabeth has been driven by one of her biggest passions: understanding the psychology of crime. “I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior, particularly about criminals. I want to understand why people commit crimes and how psychology and societal factors intersect in shaping those decisions.”
Elisabeth Egeli stands on an interior balcony overlooking a detailed archway in Brussels, Belgium.
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