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Penn State College of the Liberal Arts
Penn State College of the Liberal Arts
Future Students

Future Students Overview

Beyond the Classroom

Transfer Students

Change-of-Campus

Funding

Liberal Arts Experiences

Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, and Belonging

CURRENT Students

Current Students Overview

Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, and Belonging

Graduate Students

Graduate Students Overview

Graduate Funding

Awards

Graduate Research

Career Diversity

Get Funding

Get Funding Overview

Upcoming Events

Trending Pages

Penn State College of the Liberal Arts
Future Students

Future Students Overview

Beyond the Classroom

Transfer Students

Change-of-Campus

Funding

Liberal Arts Experiences

Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, and Belonging

CURRENT Students

Current Students Overview

Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, and Belonging

Graduate Students

Graduate Students Overview

Graduate Funding

Awards

Graduate Research

Career Diversity

Get Funding

Get Funding Overview

Upcoming Events

Trending Pages

Academics

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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. 

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Five students sit around a table in a bright, modern room with large windows, talking and working together with books and a laptop.
Students collaborate during a group study session in the Welch Building.
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.  

Instructor leading a classroom discussion at Penn State’s School of Public Policy, with students listening and engaging around a conference table.
Jeremy Hoffman leads a School of Public Policy class in the Welch Building.

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 
The Career Enrichment Network has opened my eyes to many opportunities that have empowered me to explore and engage in my college career through career paths, study abroad opportunities, funding and resume building.
Christina Luisa Hughes, with curly hair, glasses, and a black blazer smiles in a professional studio portrait with a neutral gradient background.
Christina Hughes
Through First-Gen Advocates, which is within the Penn State Chaiken Center, Milan supported her peers and contributed to programming that expands resources for first-generation students. Her own challenges motivated her to create spaces where others feel supported and seen, she said.
Milan Dukes wears a red dress while standing outside the Nittany Lion Inn.
Milan Dukes
As co-founder and president of the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center Pre-Law Group, Abby helps build a space where students interested in pursuing law can find guidance, resources and community. “We saw an opportunity to create more peer-to-peer connection for students interested in law. There’s a lot to learn about the path, and having a space where students can share information and support each other has been really valuable.”
Abby Fusaro stands in a graduation gown against a pillar outside Old Main Building.
Abby Fusaro
The support Ashley has received as a first-gen student has influenced how she approaches her leadership roles. This includes support from the Chaiken Center for Student Success along with a variety of first-generation initiatives across the college.
Ashley Carmona wears a black blazer over a blue shirt while standing in front of a window inside Welch Building.
Ashley Carmona
As a peer adviser, I see firsthand how much care goes into helping students succeed, and as a student myself, I’ve relied on the Career Enrichment Network staff for guidance, encouragement and reassurance as I’ve explored internships and career paths. They genuinely want to see students thrive.
Shelby Corbett stands outside Sparks Building wearing a navy quarter-zip sweatshirt.
Shelby Corbett
First-generation student Camren found “a mentor who felt like family,” and a community that would shape her Penn State journey at the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success. She was paired with peer mentor Kaisha Garvin-Darby (’24 Psychology), who shared her academic and career interests.
Camren Boyogueno stands by the entrance to Sparks Building.
Camren Boyogueno
Milan Dukes wears a red dress while standing outside the Nittany Lion Inn.
Chaiken CenterFirst-Gen

Milan Dukes

’26
Psychology
|
Media Studies (minor)
|
Sports Studies (minor)
Psychology
Media Studies (minor)
Sports Studies (minor)
Through First-Gen Advocates, which is within the Penn State Chaiken Center, Milan supported her peers and contributed to programming that expands resources for first-generation students. Her own challenges motivated her to create spaces where others feel supported and seen, she said.
Read More
Abby Fusaro stands in a graduation gown against a pillar outside Old Main Building.
Chaiken CenterStudent Organizations

Abby Fusaro

’26
Criminology
|
Psychology (minor)
Criminology
Psychology (minor)
As co-founder and president of the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center Pre-Law Group, Abby helps build a space where students interested in pursuing law can find guidance, resources and community. “We saw an opportunity to create more peer-to-peer connection for students interested in law. There’s a lot to learn about the path, and having a space where students can share information and support each other has been really valuable.”
Read More
Ashley Carmona wears a black blazer over a blue shirt while standing in front of a window inside Welch Building.
Chaiken CenterFirst-Gen

Ashley Carmona

’26
Criminology
Criminology
The support Ashley has received as a first-gen student has influenced how she approaches her leadership roles. This includes support from the Chaiken Center for Student Success along with a variety of first-generation initiatives across the college.
Read More
Camren Boyogueno stands by the entrance to Sparks Building.
Chaiken CenterChaiken ScholarFirst-Gen

Camren Boyogueno

’26
Psychology
|
Biology (minor)
Psychology
Biology (minor)
First-generation student Camren found “a mentor who felt like family,” and a community that would shape her Penn State journey at the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success. She was paired with peer mentor Kaisha Garvin-Darby (’24 Psychology), who shared her academic and career interests.
Read More
Delany Moreno stands in front of a tree at Penn State University Park.
Chaiken CenterChaiken ScholarFirst-Gen

Delany Moreno

’26
Criminology
|
Political Science (minor)
|
Sociology (minor)
Criminology
Political Science (minor)
Sociology (minor)
The transition from Delany’s hometown in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to college was not easy as a first-generation college student. “You’re the first for everything — the first to figure out the future for your family and beyond.” Delany’s turning point came when she visited a Liberal Arts peer adviser and heard about the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success. Facing financial uncertainty, she connected with center Director Patty Klug, who introduced her to the Chaiken Scholars program and other resources.
Read More
Jasmin Tanner stands in front of Old Main at Penn State University Park.
Campus LeaderChaiken CenterMentoringMentorship

Jasmin Tanner

’26
Global and International Studies
|
World Literature (minor)
Global and International Studies
World Literature (minor)
Jasmin started at Penn State Altoona before transferring to University Park as a second-year student. Together with Patty Klug, Jasmin created the “change-of-campus lead mentor” role at the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center. In this position, Jasmin has been given the opportunity to build the initial framework and foundation of the position and work to develop the mentorship, support and resources. She advocates for more resources on behalf of her peers to ensure other first-gen and change-of-campus students aren’t left to navigate campus alone.
Read More
Becoming a Paterno Fellow has been one of the best things that has happened to me here at Penn State. I can confidently say that I would not be in the current position I am in now without the Paterno Fellows Program.
Kyle Sebelin in a light blue quarter zip reading “Penn State” standing outside Sparks building on campus.
Kyle Sebelin
Penn State’s honors programs expanded my academic horizons while giving me mentors who genuinely care about my goals. Being part of these communities helped me realize that my perspective as a Malian woman in international studies is valuable and needed.
Penn State student Fatoumata Doumbia stands in a white Schreyer Honors College sweatshirt in front of trees at Penn State University Park in autumn.
Fatoumata Doumbia
The great thing about the Paterno Fellows Program is it provides a great backbone and structure that encourages students to excel and push themselves. It can be hard in a regular environment to approach a professor about a research opportunity, apply for that leadership position you’re not sure you’re cut out for or take the more rigorous class at the risk of a higher workload. With a program like Paterno Fellows, there is a clear, defined goal with the necessary support to reach that goal, which makes it that much easier to take those risks and strive to succeed.
Owen Perry, who will graduate Penn State in 2026, sits on the steps of a building wearing a blue sweatshirt that says, "Thou didst mold us, Dear Old State."
Owen Perry
There were conversations I had through the college that really impacted the way I have conversations now with my peers and with my supervisors. It makes me feel like I’m competent and capable.
Jamie Nguyen, Penn State spring 2024 graduate, stands in front of pond wearing a blue jacket and a name pin with the NBC Universal logo.
Jamie Nguyen
I did a lot of civic engagement back in Philly, so I really found a passion for politics. My academics have allowed me to gather a greater sense of the world around me, both of the world itself, as well as the systems we live under. I’ve really been able to understand how culture impacts us, and I’ve been able to discover the world outside of my circle.
Zion Sykes, 2024–25 University Park Undergraduate Association president, sits in a chair at a table full of first-year Liberal Arts students while laughing and talking to the group.
Zion Skyes
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.  

International StudentPaterno FellowsSchreyer Scholar

Rand Tayseer Alkhunaizi

’26
Psychology
|
Sociology
Psychology
Sociology
An international student from Saudi Arabia, Rand became a Paterno Fellow early in her time at Penn State. Through her involvement as a Paterno Fellow, she was later admitted to the Schreyer Honors College. “The honors courses were small and discussion-based, which really pushed me but also gave me the close community I was looking for when I first came to Penn State,”
Read More
Rand Alkhunaizi wears a pink blouse in front of Old Main.
Paterno FellowsSchreyer Scholar

Avery Snowden

’27
Political Science
|
Spanish
|
Legal Studies (minor)
Political Science
Spanish
Legal Studies (minor)
A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, Avery said both honors programs have greatly benefited her social and academic life. Through them, she has met some of her closest friends and gained the opportunity to connect with like-minded students while engaging with individuals from different majors, disciplines and goals. She said she particularly loves the Paterno Fellows Program because of its emphasis on leadership and voluntary service.
Read More
Avery Snowden stands outside Old Main at Penn State University Park.
Paterno FellowsSchreyer Scholar

Laenee McCoy

’27
Anthropology
|
Art History
|
Korean (minor)
|
Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (minor)
Anthropology
Art History
Korean (minor)
Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (minor)
Laenee is a Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, and has embraced rigorous coursework and research opportunities that push her intellectually. She consistently earns Dean’s List recognition and has received both the President Walker Award and the President Sparks Award over the past two years.
Read More
Laenee McCoy stands outside Old Main smiling wearing a black top.
Campus LeaderPaterno FellowsSchreyer ScholarStudent Organizations

Cara Arnoldi

’26
Political Science
|
Communications Arts and Sciences
|
Public Policy (master's degree)
Political Science
Communications Arts and Sciences
Public Policy (master's degree)
For Cara, a Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar — Penn State was more than just a college choice — it was a legacy. Her parents met as Penn State students in the Blue Band, making it no surprise that she now leads the organization as president during its milestone 125th anniversary.
Read More
Cara graduated from Penn State in 2025 and will graduate her IUG master's degree program in 2026. She is smiling and wearing a green jacket, white turtleneck blouse and a silver necklace.
CriminologyPaterno FellowsPsychologySchreyer Scholar

Kara Stover

’26
Criminology
|
Psychology
Criminology
Psychology
Kara’s work as a firefighter and her academic path have opened new doors for her future, blending her skills in criminology and psychology with a deep commitment to public service. She said she’s considering fire investigation as a potential career, a path that would allow her to unite her academic background and real-world experience in a meaningful way.
Read More
Kara Stover, who will graduate from Penn State in 2026, wears a firefighter's uniform and leans against a fire truck.
Global and International StudiesPaterno FellowsPolitical ScienceSchreyer Scholar

Zion Skyes

’25
Political Science
|
Global and International Studies
Political Science
Global and International Studies
With a strong foundation in the liberal arts, Zion is charting a path toward a career in governmental consulting or international law. His leadership as UPUA president and transformative experiences at Penn State have prepared him to make a lasting impact, with plans to further his education at law school.
Read More
Zion Sykes, 2024–25 University Park Undergraduate Association president, sits in a chair at a table full of first-year Liberal Arts students while laughing and talking to the group.