Liberal Arts Experiences

Liberal Arts Experiences
Liberal Arts Experiences

Each Liberal Arts Experience is unique

But they all share similar traits: a sense of curiosity and exploration, a desire to learn and grow, and a yearning to make the world a better place. Experience some of that “experience” yourself through the stories of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. 

Students Janiyah Davis (left) and Carter Gangl (right) sit with Dean Lang (center) outside Sparks Building.
Students Janiyah Davis (left) and Carter Gangl (right) sit with Dean Lang (center) outside Sparks Building.
Four Liberal Arts students walk down steps in Burrowes Building while conversing.
Four Liberal Arts students walk down steps in Burrowes Building while conversing.

Student Experiences

Read stories about our students making a difference on campus and in the community, and their experiences inside and beyond the classroom. 

Receiving academic scholarships has been a huge support during my time at Penn State. It’s allowed me to focus on my goals and take advantage of all the opportunities here without constantly worrying about finances.
Jedily Alvarado, who will graduate from Penn State in 2026, stands before a blossoming tree wearing a red sweatshirt.
Jedily Alvarado
Academic Scholarships

Tyler Hoppe

’25
Political Science
|
Psychology
Political Science
Psychology
Tyler is thankful for the funding he has received throughout his time at Penn State. “Fortunately, I’ve been awarded multiple scholarships from Penn State, the National Federation of the Blind, Team See Possibilities and the American Council of the Blind, enabling me to pursue my continued education,” he said. “Coming from a family unable to afford college funding or loans, I comprehensively apply for every scholarship I qualify for each semester to sustain my education and collegiate success.”
Tyler Hoppe, who will graduate from Penn State in 2025, stands outside the main entrance of Sparks Building.
5,500
+

undergraduate students

800
+

students participating in out-of-classroom experiences

870

graduate students

1,500

undergraduates met with a career coach

66

events hosted by the Career Enrichment Network 

40
%

of students identity as a member of a minority group

Most diverse college at Penn State University Park

Majors of Our Students

76%

social sciences

13%

humanities

6%

languages

5%

area and interdisciplinary studies

Faculty and Staff Experiences

Read stories about our faculty and the amazing work they do examining the past in order to make meaningful changes in the present that lead to a promising future, and the incredible staff who are so deeply committed to student, faculty, and alumni success.   

Faculty Research

Martha Wadsworth

Professor of Psychology
Professor of Psychology
Martha received a new five-year $5.5 million NIMH grant to expand her BaSICS program (Building a Strong Identity and Coping Skills), which helps middle schoolers manage chronic stress through evidence-based strategies.
Headshot of Martha Wadsworth
782 full-time faculty

325

tenured faculty

83

tenure-track faculty

374

non-tenure track faculty (full-time)

159

non-tenure track faculty (part-time)

122 Named and Distinguished Professors

25

named professors

24

Liberal Arts professors

21

distinguished professors

20

Sparks professors

17

early career professors and
career development professors

8

University
endowed fellows

4

Evan Pugh University
Professors

4

named deans chairs
and directorships

305

full-time staff

Alumni Experiences

Read stories about the incredible impact our alumni have on their alma mater, their professions, and the communities in which they live through their leadership, engagement, and philanthropy. 

Funding from the Career Enrichment Network has allowed me to supplement the various experiences I’ve been lucky enough to receive both within and beyond academics.
Charis Liu
Hunter Steach, who will graduate from Penn State in 2026, stands in the National Statuary Hall area of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Enrichment Funding

Hunter Steach

’26
Political Science
Political Science
Hunter credits the Career Enrichment Network for making his internship in Washington D.C. possible through enrichment funding. “Washington, D.C., is notoriously expensive, and this funding lifted the financial burden off my shoulders, allowing me to fully focus on my career development.”
213

student/alumni mentoring relationships

100K
+

liberal arts alumni

760
+

donor-funded accounts in the college

$ 0 M+

provided in scholarships (2021–22)

$ 0 k

provided in enrichment funding last year

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