Most universities are divided into a subset of schools that house different majors categorized by their focus. A biomedical engineering student might consider the College of Engineering, a botanist might consider the College of Life Sciences & Agriculture, and the list goes on. But almost every university has a specific school: the College of Arts and Sciences.
Some of you reading this might be enrolled in the Arts and Sciences School of your college right now, not knowing what it really means. And with a name as broad as that, I don’t really blame you.
Let’s get one thing straight: an Arts & Sciences program does not offer only majors related to art and science. Instead, the name can be most appropriately seen as a substitute for “Liberal Arts.” I’m sure you’re very familiar with that term, as it is the philosophy used by most high schools and colleges in the US. Liberal arts can be very broad; it has to do with a diverse set of subjects and concentrations within one’s path of education. A liberal arts education in college would include pure sciences, humanities, and in most cases, a foreign language. They offer pretty much the “core” classes that you’ve been exposed to in high school, but at a higher level and flexibility.
Choosing a major is one of the most important decisions you can make after getting accepted into college. At a school of Arts and Sciences, your options are pretty vast. In a more specialized program, for instance at an engineering school, your options might be limited to ones that deal with mechatronics, robotics, and applications of engineering. But at an Arts and Science school, you can get a major in mathematics, physics, history, and even theater. If you’re like me and have more than 1 interest, you may choose to double major, an option that might fill up your elective spots but will certainly engage and challenge you throughout college. Many people decide to double major in different concentrations, requiring them to not only take classes at the College of Arts and Sciences, but also at specialized schools mentioned before.
So unfortunately, a College of Arts and Sciences does not entail the sole concentrations of art and science, but instead encompasses a wide range of subjects that can be tailored to your specific interests. If you’re like me and about to enter the drawing pool for college admissions, you might be anxious about every little detail about the process. Personally, I was inspired to write this blog after learning about college specializations, which I had previously never even considered. Whether you’re interested in optics, global affairs, or visual arts, know that there will definitely be an appropriate space for you to unleash your passion.
