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College of Arts & Sciences
Traditionally Untraditional
About the College of Arts & Sciences
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ proudly champions a liberal arts education. This approach emphasizes a well-rounded course of study in the visual and performing arts, humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and behavioral and social sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences prepares you to think critically and creatively, communicate clearly and collaborate effectively. Such preparation cultivates a sense of personal and social responsibility, intellectual curiosity and essential skills for life after graduation.
Educating tomorrow's leaders
Message From the Dean
With its emphasis on inquiry, critical thinking and effective communication skills, the College of Arts & Sciences does not simply prepare graduates for a job. It prepares them for a lifetime of learning, growth and the ability to approach change with flexibility.
Join the Arts & Sciences community at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ
Admission to the College
Access to multiple areas of study led by esteemed faculty who prioritize excellence in teaching in small classroom settings. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?
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College of Arts & Sciences
Programs of Study
Biology
Major or Minor in
Biology
Find an entire world of discovery at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications in the field of biology.
Psychology
Major or Minor in
Psychology
Are you curious about why and how people think, feel, remember, believe, and behave the way they do?
Theatre Arts
Major or Minor in
Theatre Arts
Discover your best creative self in one of the most respected theatre programs in the Northwest.
Beyond the Classroom
Personal development goes hand-in-hand with your professional development. And that pursuit occurs way beyond the traditional classroom setting. There are many opportunities here waiting to cheer you on.
Stories from the College of Arts & Sciences
Voices of ÃÛѨÊÓƵ
Meet Psychology Ambassador Ainsley Medina ’26
Ainsley Medina, a junior from Castle Rock, Colorado, was drawn to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s close-knit community and plans to pursue play therapy while enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and pickleball.
Meet Psychology Ambassador Rhysa Huffman ’27
Rhysa Huffman, a sophomore psychology major from Eugene, Oregon, chose ÃÛѨÊÓƵ for its welcoming community and encourages students to get involved and make the most of campus opportunities.
Meet Psychology Ambassador Caity Babcock ’25
Caity Babcock, a senior from Monterey, California, is passionate about sport and exercise psychology and found a supportive community at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ through the psychology department and women’s lacrosse team.
Meet Psychology Ambassador Mandy Dewey ’25
Mandy Dewey, a senior from Gresham, Oregon, is double majoring in psychology and mathematics and emphasizes the importance of community and involvement in the psychology department for academic success.
ASLU McMinnville Campus: 2024-25 Student Leadership
The Associated Students of ÃÛѨÊÓƵ (ASLU) Cabinet is the executive branch and consists of two elected officers (president and vice president) and six officers. Meet the McMinnville-based ASLU team for 2024-25.
Nashville country singer returns to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ for NW Media Fest
Jessie G ’12 has been making waves in Nashville as an independent country singer/songwriter. The political science and music alumnus returned to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ for the 2023 NW Media Fest, showcasing her music and sharing her creative journey with current students.
Earning a Fulbright to Teach in Peru
Discover the inspiring journey of Iván Galicia Sixto, a ÃÛѨÊÓƵ student who overcame significant personal challenges to win a prestigious Fulbright award. Learn how his unique background and commitment to education will empower him to inspire students in Peru to embrace their indigenous languages.
Winning with the holiday blues
Discover the creativity of ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's own Annemarie Mullet ’24, whose unique holiday wrapping paper design captivated the judges at Premier Press's annual contest. From a sketch to a festive reality, Annemarie's 'Snowman Friends' design embodies the spirit of the holidays and showcases her exceptional talent in digital arts. And does it in a unique blue snowflake and snowman design.
Leading the Cat Zone
Emma Campbell ’24 and Faith Sposito ’24, president and vice president of the Associate Students of ÃÛѨÊÓƵ (ASLU), have been two very influential women representing the students of the McMinnville campus.
Meet Student Ambassador Marissa Dolson '24
"The field of psychology is absolutely fascinating. There is so much support in the psychology department from the professors and peers. I am so excited to expand the support system by being a psychology ambassador!"
Meet Psychology Ambassador Adaela Stigile '25
"The psychology department is such a welcoming space, and I can't wait to connect more with incoming and current people."
Meet Student Psychology Ambassador Zee Nace '24
"Now entering my senior year, I recognize that finding your safe space on a college campus isn't about making sure you can fit yourself into every available slot; it's about finding the space that adapts to you too. As a student ambassador, I know psychology isn't everyone's thing, but if you think it might be yours, ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's psychology department wants to learn your name and adapt to you too."
A Transfer Student's Triumph
When Mariah Johnston ’25 arrived at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ as a transfer student in her second year of college, she found that involvement was easier to achieve than expected. “With class sizes so small and super involved professors, it’s kind of hard not to get involved.”
A Taste of the Wine Industry
Victor Sandoval '24, a ÃÛѨÊÓƵ communication arts major, is gaining real-world experience working in Acorn to Oak Wine Experience, a new tasting room and learning lab in historic downtown McMinnville, OR.
Pairing His Two Passions
While it seems like sports and photography are two different mediums, Jake Downing '25 has put the two together creating a learning environment at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ based on his specific interests.
From Commander to Captain
Economics professor Eric Schuck's expertise in operations and logistics doesn't just benefit ÃÛѨÊÓƵ students. He was recently promoted from commander to captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he serves as a Supply Corps officer.
Building Her Dream Through a Summer Internship
Thanks to a unique partnership between ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s Office of Career Development and First Federal Savings and Loan, students like Lizeth Quiroz '26 can participate in part-time internships at local nonprofits and earn money for it.
ASLU McMinnville Campus: 2023-24 Student Leadership
The Associated Students of ÃÛѨÊÓƵ (ASLU) Cabinet is the executive branch and consists of two elected officers (president and vice president) and six officers. Meet the McMinnville ASLU team for 2023-24.
Celebrating 50 Years of Pacific Island Heritage
The ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Annual Lū’au and Hō’ike holds significant importance for ÃÛѨÊÓƵ students from Hawai'i. It provides them with an opportunity to celebrate their culture and educate others about their home.
The Wildstock Experience
In a sea of students with my closest friends at my side, we all jumped and swayed to the Wildstock headliner, Chris Lane, and I realized it’s not really about the event. What matters most is who you’re surrounded by. Thank you, ÃÛѨÊÓƵ, for introducing me to all of them.
Recruiting the Next Generation of Talent
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's Office of Career Development helps connect students with potential employers. At the end of every academic year, they host a Job Fair with recruiters present from different industries, ranging from health care to entertainment, automotive insurance, and even the local police department.
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Pikes Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an annual fundraising event run by the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity. They partner with the Henderson House, a shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. They provide shelter and prevention education, among other advocacy services.
From Small Town to Big Possibilities
Although Meghan Mullaly’s college path wasn’t clear from the start, everything seemed to fall into place once she arrived as a student on the ÃÛѨÊÓƵ McMinnville Campus. Now, thanks to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's opportunities and preparation, this small-town girl knows that she is prepared to do big things.
Her Untraditional Journey to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ
“I do think that coming to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ was pretty much the best thing for me,” Brooke Brown '23 said. “It opened up so many different opportunities, ideas, friendships and relationships that I wouldn’t have had before.”
Empowered Women Empower Women
Of the 21 faculty members and instructors in ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s STEM areas, 11 are women. While nationally, the number of women decrease with academic rank, half of ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s women STEM leaders have earned the advanced titles of associate professor and professor.
Embracing the Unexpected
Emma Sammartino '23 has always kept academics as her top priority. What she has enjoyed most about studying STEM at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ is the accessibility of professors. “They genuinely want you to learn and they are willing to mentor you and make sure you understand the material.”
Writing His Own Story
As a first-generation student beginning his last semester of college, Marques Herrera Kuehn '23 says "I am fulfilling a chapter in my family’s life that has never been opened. And I am the one writing it.”
Happy 165th Birthday, ÃÛѨÊÓƵ!
As ÃÛѨÊÓƵ celebrates its 165th birthday on Jan. 30, 2022, it’s a fine time to examine how the school has evolved during its lifetime. One clear reflection of these changes can be found in early school catalogs.
Rome: Ancient and Modern Storytelling
Follow ÃÛѨÊÓƵ students on their 2023 January Term journey through Greece and Italy. Here, Kelsey Jordan '23 describes the sights and sounds of exploring Rome.
Giving Thanks to our Pride Community
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ United in Pride (LUP), ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's queer student union, held its first-ever Friendsgiving for ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s pride community ahead of the 2022 Thanksgiving Break.
Greece: The Histories, the Stories, the Journey
Follow ÃÛѨÊÓƵ students on their 2023 January Term journey through Greece and Italy. Here, Kelsey Jordan '23 describes the sights and sounds of exploring Greece.
Greece: Ancient and Modern Storytelling
The Wildcats Traveling Theatre blog covers the journey of 15 ÃÛѨÊÓƵ students as we study abroad learning about the history of theatre and storytelling across seven different cities in Greece and Italy.
Meet the 2022-23 CATS educators
The Consent Awareness Training Squad (CATS) is a group of student leaders that work to spread awareness on and off campus about the importance of consent, healthy relationships, respect and safe alcohol habits.
Toward a More Inclusive ÃÛѨÊÓƵ
LGBTQ+ educator Trystan Reese's work at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ is part of an ongoing commitment to making ÃÛѨÊÓƵ a place where all students, faculty and staff feel welcomed, seen and supported.
Wrestling for the Wildcats
“The women’s [wrestling] coach, Coach Alyssa, is what really drew me in,” said Hanna Gillas '26. “I knew that I’d really grow as a wrestler with her, and I knew she’d put a team together that would feel like a family.”
Beyond 'Thanks For Your Service'
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ veterans share what they wish civilians understood about military life.
Building Meaningful Relationships
“When I met with my advisor, she was very welcoming, very warm and she made me feel at home,” said Heriberto Chavez Bolanos '23. “I created friendships, not only with other students but also with faculty and staff.”
Diwali: A Festival of Lights
Diwali is the Indian Festival of Lights. Diwali is about the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is about radiance and hope. Diwali is about good food and socializing. And Diwali is about connection and respect.
Discovering ÃÛѨÊÓƵ
Emma Libby ’23, like many ÃÛѨÊÓƵ students, took advantage of the university’s many versatile study-abroad opportunities. She spent the spring semester of 2022 learning about wine in France.
My Bonus Families For Fall Family Weekend
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s annual Fall Family Weekend brought forth a flood of Wildcat families. Kayley Dombrigues '25 spent hers with the families of her roommates, Olivia Welsh ’25 and Matigan Dodge ’25. Kayley said, "By folding me into their family activities, I felt the security and warm-loving comfort of family in the absence of my own."
Learning at Miller Woods
On a visit to Miller Woods nature park, several ÃÛѨÊÓƵ education majors helped second-graders learn about insects that live in a pond, how to predict weather and the good things bees do, during a science field trip.
Unforgettable Experience
Mia Naccarato '24 was nominated by faculty for ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s Presidential Impact Internship Program. It changed the course of her undergraduate studies.
Meet Psychology Student Ambassador Rosalie
"I love working with the psych department because there are so many opportunities to get involved."
Students Are Agents of Change
The ÃÛѨÊÓƵ archive and other programs on ÃÛѨÊÓƵ campuses present students with opportunities to change the world, or even a small piece of it, for the better throughout their time as a Wildcat.
ASLU McMinnville Campus: 2022-23 Student Leadership
The Associated Students of ÃÛѨÊÓƵ (ASLU) Cabinet is the executive branch and consists of two elected officers (president and vice president) and six officers. Meet the McMinnville ASLU team for 2022-23.
Opera events share spotlight with music of Ukraine
“We are producing several winery events. We are producing special Ukraine concerts that feature music of Ukraine and we are producing a new opera,” said Director Anton Belov.
Seizing the Opportunity
With close relationships with professors, supportive teammates on and off the basketball court and a trip to the NCAA women's basketball championship tournament, rising senior Janessa Yniguez ’23 has made the most of every opportunity presented during her time at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ.
From ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Hoodie to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Lu'au
First-year student Taetum Lynn Kalani '25 was more than ready to dance in ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s 49th Annual Lu'au and Ho'ike. You could say that it all began with her grandfather’s ÃÛѨÊÓƵ hooded sweatshirt.
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's Inaugural Camas Fest
One of those backyard ecosystems at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ sits on the north side of campus around Cozine Creek. Fleeger helped jumpstart a major restoration project there alongside the Greater Yamhill Watershed Council (GYWC). ÃÛѨÊÓƵ students and faculty members worked with the watershed council to begin removing invasive blackberry bushes.
A Helping Hand
For sophomore Lucy Kerr '24, helping others has always been the priority. The pre-nursing major came into ÃÛѨÊÓƵ as a first-generation student. She now lends a helping hand to those in the same position.
A Peaceful Journey
In addition to her undergraduate studies, Sabrina Heizenrader '25 quickly found a place in ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s Learning Across Boundaries (LAB), where student-led initiatives aim to help the greater ÃÛѨÊÓƵ community. Her focus with LAB this year is on mental health.
Debuting on ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's Stage
"Treasure Island was certainly the most nervous I've been on-stage in a while," Robert Turner '24 said. "I hadn't acted in front of a live audience in two years."
Making My Life Extraordinary
"When my parents finally made the decision, they knew amputation was the best choice for me and that the doctors were going to be right. However, there was one thing that the doctors were completely wrong about. I was going to be anything but ‘normal’, I was going to be extraordinary, and my family made sure of that."
Creating a Space for Difficult Conversations
"We wanted to create a space to process our thoughts and feelings. Not just for us – for the entire ÃÛѨÊÓƵ community."
Honoring Latinx Culture
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Latinx Adelante (LULA) organizes the annual Hispanic Heritage Celebración at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ during Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a festival with live music, food from all over Latin America, activities for kids, and a variety of vendors showcasing different Latino-owned goods.
Dedication to Diversity
"As a first-generation student, there's going to be times where [you feel] like you don't belong in this space. But you have to remember that you deserve what you have because you have worked for it and you shouldn't doubt your ability."
Cultivating Community
As students explore the uncommon at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ, sophomore Ruby Trujillo '24 values the personal growth she has found through the growing diversity on campus.
Seamless Storytelling
At a young age, Caroline Calvano harnessed her love of storytelling. "Thanks to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ, I have definitely gained so much knowledge about the ins and outs of what it's like being a professional writer."
A Sign of Resilience
As they embark on their next journey, the class of 2021 leaves behind a legacy that truly encapsulates the ÃÛѨÊÓƵ experience: uncommon.
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's 48th Annual Lu'au and Ho'ike
Each performance was a beautiful celebration of culture, community and art under the theme of No Ka Lāhui, which means “for the nation.” This phrase grew out of a movement to protect sacred Hawaiian land from desecration.
Comforting Companions
Living with a pet can come with many benefits in everyday life, like encouraging exercise, socialization and reducing the likelihood of stress and anxiety.
Carrying On With Tradition
The Hui O Lōkahi Club’s (formerly Hawai’i Club) lu'au has been a longstanding tradition here at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ. Unlike last year, COVID-19 won't stop them from putting on a great show this spring, thanks to adaptive event planning and safety protocols.
Experiencing a New Way of Life
“I hope to live in Ecuador as authentically as I can; not to be a tourist, but rather a part of the community.”
Compassion and Compression
Her desire to help people and passion for sports aligned perfectly when Alana Nuttman decided to major in athletic training her freshman year at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ.
Professor Lee Bakner
How can we better understand the contributing factors and behaviors to addiction?
Alexander Scholar - Caitlin Meek
"Get involved early! Going to Scholarship Competition Day and introducing myself early on has really helped me during my first semester at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ."
Meet ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's newest faculty members
A roller derby announcer. A podcast host. An artist. ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's newest professors are brilliant and an interesting group.
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Please reach out with any questions about ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's College of Arts & Sciences. We'd look forward to connecting with you!