2023-2024 Course Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees encompassing the humanities and human and social sciences. The College emphasizes the importance of mastering the intellectual skills a liberal arts education develops as well as job skills by encouraging students to apply knowledge from one field to another and to think creatively.
Outstanding faculty members conduct research and teach courses in 11 departments and 3 schools leading to baccalaureate and advanced degrees. Coursework from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences also provides a foundation of knowledge in a number of fundamental subjects for students in all colleges through the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education/Pathways to General Education).
The college offers minors in many of the departments listed. Students are encouraged to include a minor in their program and should consult an advisor for help in choosing one that will advance their career goals.
A student in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences must complete at least 120 hours for an undergraduate degree as well as satisfy the following requirements:
No course required for graduation or in the major/minor may be taken on a pass/fail basis (i.e., pass/fail may be used for free electives only). This excludes courses that are offered pass/fail only.
A description of the Pathways to General Education curriculum may be found in the Academics section of this catalog. For requirements specific to departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, please contact the individual department.
The Honors College is available to students in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. This program provides an enriched environment for qualified students who are highly motivated. More information about honors academic requirements and how to earn an honors diploma is available on the Honors College website: honorscollege.vt.edu
An undergraduate student who attempts at least 12 credit hours graded on the A-F option and who earns a 3.4 GPA for either spring or fall semester will be included on the online Dean's List for that term. Please note: Students will not appear on the online Dean's List if they are listed in the system as confidential or if they do not have an active permanent address. Questions about omissions from the online list should be directed to the Office of the University Registrar.
A number of scholarships are available for outstanding students enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Descriptions and deadlines are available on the college website and on the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Educational experiences outside the classroom help make students more competitive for internships, jobs, and graduate school applications. Participation in internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research helps prepare students for life after graduation while exposing them to complex cultural issues. Every major offers academic and career advising to support students in connecting with current opportunities. Contact an academic advisor or faculty member to design an experience or email liberalarts@vt.edu to setup an appointment to connect with resources to create an individualized plan. Course credit is available for qualifying experiences.
Career advising is available from multiple sources. The centralized Career and Professional Development, located at the Smith Career Center, offers many services to support the career journey. Beginning with career and major exploration, through the process of assisting students in the job search or graduate and professional school application, Career and Professional Development advisors are a resource for all students.
The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences works with employers interested in hiring students to host information sessions and panels. Students can attend multiple career fairs offered on campus to build their network, secure internships, or apply for full-time jobs. Every major also offers a career advisor who specializes in guiding students toward career success.
The University provides pre-professional career advisors for all disciplines and the college provides career advisors in areas related to the College.
Many of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences departments offer graduate degrees at the Master's and Ph.D. levels. Complete information on these programs, including descriptions of graduate courses, can be found in the Graduate Catalog.
Dean: Laura Belmonte
Associate Dean for Academic Policies and Procedures: Debra Stoudt
Associate Dean for Administration and Finance and Chief of Staff: Brian Shabanowitz
Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement: Farida Jalalzai
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research: Tom Ewing
Associate Dean for Transdisciplinary Initiatives and Chief Technology Officer: Carlos Evia
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs: Monica Kimbrell
Assistant Dean for Advancement: Holly Kobia
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Shaila Mehra
Director of Student Recruitment: Kristy Morrill1
Senior Director of Academic Support: Karen Watson
Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
Academy of Teaching Excellence inductee
Wine Award recipient
Sporn Award recipient
Alumni Award for Extension Excellence
Alumni Award for Research Excellence
Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence
Academy of Faculty Service
Commonwealth of Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award
Diggs Teaching Scholar Awards
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