College of Arts & Sciences

Richard & Sandra Cummings College of Arts and Sciences

Just from looking at the title, it may seem like “arts” and “sciences” are at opposite ends of the spectrum,  But here at UM, it all makes sense.  Our students are preparing to change the world for the better, and that requires a dual perspective.  It means not only taking scientific approach through asking the right questions and formulating hypotheses, but it also means that an artistic use of creativity and attention to detail is paramount.  From Chemistry to History, from English to Environmental Studies, students in the College of Arts and Sciences all have one thing in common:  they’re going places.

Mission

The mission of the Richard and Sandra Cummings College of Arts & Sciences is to produce educated, engaged citizens prepared for a changing world.  The College’s offerings underpin the University’s unique public liberal-arts mission.  Programs in the College emphasize knowledge, skills, and abilities that employers consistently value, including strong communication skills, both oral and written; the ability to research, analyze, and synthesize large bodies of information; and the ability to work collaboratively.  These skills together foster flexibility and adaptability, allowing graduates to succeed in a variety of careers.

Why UM for Arts & Sciences?

Faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences are committed to the value of a liberal arts education.  So whatever your major, earning your degree from UM’s College of Arts and Sciences provides the opportunity to develop the skills and traits that employers repeatedly rank as most important:

Ethical judgment and decision-making
Effective communication
Critical thinking and analytical reasoning (flexibility, mental agility, resilience)
Ability to work both independently and in teams
Ability to work with diverse groups
Application of knowledge (internships, practicums, clinical and lab experiences, service learning, undergraduate research)

These employer-desired skills and traits also just happen to be the hallmarks of a liberal arts education!

Explore the many options available in UM’s College of Arts and Sciences!