About Us

All students will take classes in the College of Arts and Sciences, as it offers the most majors over a wide variety of disciplines as well as many changes here of the required classes in the university's liberal arts core curriculum. From biochemistry and international studies to theatre and political science, the programs in this college provide a rich opportunity for creating courses of study that reflect today's interdisciplinary job market. In fact, more than 70 percent of the college's students carry a minor, and many take double majors. Research is a key feature, and last year alone, more than 100 students engaged in research with faculty members that resulted in co-authoring papers and presenting at university, state and regional research conferences. In addition to six preprofessional options, the college offers a five-year BS/MS degree in criminal justice.

The College of Arts & Sciences is the oldest and largest undergraduate college at Niagara University. It hosts a dedicated faculty, committed to excellence in teaching and research, and encourages all students to develop their intellectual, moral and spiritual potential. The College provides a learning environment where students are offered opportunities for intellectual and personal growth through a variety of liberal arts programs.

Excellent Degree Programs with Flexibility

The College of Arts & Sciences offers a rich array of degree programs, minors, and general education courses that encourage students to grow and develop into well-rounded, multi-talented individuals. The diversity of offerings within the College allows the flexibility to pursue unique interests through minors, double majors, honors programs, internships, study abroad, and research courses. Annually, over 70% of our graduates complete at least one minor or double major, increasing their interdisciplinary knowledge and career flexibility.

Outstanding and Dynamic Faculty

Outstanding Faculty, who engage students in active learning, are at the core the College's tradition of academic excellence. Niagara students find our faculty to be dynamic and approachable. Over 90% of our seniors indicate that our faculty are very knowledgeable, caring, and supportive and that the quality of teaching is excellent.

While pursuing outstanding research of their own, our faculty are strong advocates of collaborative research with students, something recently recognized by the Council on Undergraduate Research. Our faculty regularly sponsor student research at national and regional conferences, engage students in the laboratory, work with students on grant funded research, and several faculty jointly publish with their students each year.

A Personal Approach to Student Success

The College of Arts & Sciences maintains a personal approach in helping students succeed. Faculty are approachable and serve as students' advisers throughout their entire undergraduate program. The College strives to be accessible to students through our website, Facebook, email, and other outreach efforts.

"Student Checks" are offered each semester to help students stay on track for graduation, identify flexibility within their programs, and answer advisement questions. Students are always welcome to stop by the Dean's office for assistance.

The College of Arts & Sciences is very proud of its students, recognizing their efforts with a dean's list reception in the early spring, and our annual Day of Recognition ceremony in May. Our students and alumni are also very successful at getting into graduate programs and securing jobs. According to the Employment and Education Report for the class of 2009, after 1 year:

• 81.7% of A&S graduates were employed (national average 68%)
• 62.8% of A&S graduates completed or were enrolled in graduate school (national average 25%)

Engaged Students

Many of our students pursue minors or double majors, join academic honor societies, or are actively involved with faculty-student research projects. Our students can be found taking advantage of internships, co-ops, study abroad, and theatre productions, to increase their practical experience.