College of Arts and Sciences
INTRODUCTION
MISSIONThe College of Arts and Sciences provides, through effective teaching built on close faculty-student relationships, in a residential setting, a broad liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on service and application of knowledge. Pacific University's undergraduates develop the intellectual capabilities and personal qualities that enable them to participate in rewarding careers and to contribute to their communities. The 35 majors in the College of Arts and Sciences clearly reflect Pacific's liberal arts base. The largest unit and the core of the University, the College provides a broad spectrum of opportunities to match individual interests and career plans.
The College of Arts and Sciences curriculum affirms in practice that a broad educational experience is both an end in itself and a means to set personal and professional directions. Within the divisions of Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences, the College offers a carefully constructed range of courses with breadth and depth. The College provides living and learning experiences that one expects to find at a high-quality liberal arts college.
In a world that increasingly asks not what you know but how quickly can you learn, Pacific University prepares its students to communicate clearly, to analyze problems, to synthesize information and to understand people, systems and cultures.
A strong advising program, called Pathways, covers academic development and career counseling and placement. The Pathways Program ensures that each student maximizes internship, research, study abroad, service learning, professional and graduate school opportunities. One part of Pathways, the Advantage Program, prepares students specifically for seamless entry into Pacific's graduate professional programs, including early acceptance.
Traditionally, the College encourages off-campus learning. Pacific undergraduates may study abroad in many countries, pursue off-campus independent research projects, and undertake career internships that earn credit toward graduation.
The College offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. In addition
to the regular program, the College offers a variety of classes in three intensive, four-week summer terms.
