Why study Liberal Arts?

The term "liberal arts" can simply refer to the disciplines of the humanities, social sciences and sciences, but in this case, it refers more generally to a curriculum designed to provide a foundation of knowledge of culture (humanities), society (social sciences) and science (sciences) while developing intellectual and practical skills (critical thinking, ethical thinking, analytical thinking, problem solving and effective communication) that can be applied in real-world settings. This kind of education is highly regarded because it fosters the development of valuable skills that are applicable to a wide range of activities, including the ability to learn and apply knowledge, deal with complexity and adapt to change.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

The program is well-suited for students whose needs and interests are not being met by existing A&S majors, such as those

  • who have several areas of interest or wish to pursue a course of study that spans several disciplines.
  • who are preparing for graduate study in an interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary area not incorporated in any existing programs at the university (e.g., linguistics, forensics, urban studies, religious studies).
  • who are aiming for a career where multidisciplinary education could be appropriate or even advantageous (law, diplomacy, public service, mediation, environmental advocacy, etc).
  • whose engagement in campus or community groups inspires multidisciplinary interests.
  • who are transferring in from a branch campus or elsewhere with an associate of arts or science degree.
  • who are non-traditional and seeking further education to complement life/job experiences.

Liberal arts majors with strong training in multiple disciplines are prepared to undertake a wide variety leadership positions that stress teamwork and visionary thinking. Each individualized degree plan supports and enhances career potential within the identified degree goals.

A minor in liberal arts is not available.

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

  • Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
  • Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
  • Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
  • Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the university.
  • Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
  • Complete the College Core Requirements.
  • Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

  • 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
  • at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries, please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu 

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

John Brolley
3506 French Hall West
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0169
(513) 556-6669
john.brolley@uc.edu

Program Code: 15BAC-LART-BA