The College of Arts and Sciences is the central academic division of the university. It enrolls a majority of UO students and provides a nucleus of basic courses in a wide variety of liberal arts, professional, and pre-professional programs.

Courses offered in the college include those designed to satisfy general-education requirements and those at a more advanced level for majors and graduate students in specialized fields.

The fundamental academic mission of the college within the university is to supply a solid and broad general education: an introduction to social and intellectual history; basic training in quantitative, analytic, and communication skills; and an understanding of the nature and uses of critical thought.

This strong liberal arts core is essential to the strength and excellence of the University of Oregon.