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a seismograph showing an earthquake

Practice for the 'Big One' 

When the Cascadia 9.0+ magnitude earthquake hits, would you know what to do? Take a moment to practice as part of the Oregon Great ShakeOut Day. At 2:17 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, nearly 500,000 Oregonians and millions of people across the world will "drop, cover and hold on" as if an earthquake is hitting. 

The College of Arts and Sciences is home to the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT), the first National Science Foundation-funded subduction zone earthquake center. The center aims to improve understanding of seismic activity and to inform policymakers on earthquake resilience. CRESCENT researchers will join emergency managers on the panel Prepare for the Big One, which will discuss current knowledge about the Big One and what Pacific Northwest communities can do to prepare. The event is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. 

Get Ready for the Great ShakeOut

News from CAS

GLOBAL STUDIES - The University of Oregon’s School of Global Studies and Languages is hosting a conference on climate change Oct. 17-19. The climate conference is taking an interdisciplinary approach to discussions by reflecting on the multifaceted issues related to climate change—affecting health, environment, economy, governance, and many other issues on a local and global level.
EARTH SCIENCES - Carol Paty, a comparative planetologist in the College of Arts and Sciences helped develop one of the scientific instruments aboard NASA’s Europa Clipper, which blasted off Oct. 14, on the world’s first mission to conduct a detailed study of Jupiter's moon Europa. Paty, an Earth sciences professor, is a member of the research teams behind two of the nine scientific instruments the spacecraft will use to confirm and measure what scientists strongly suspect is a vast sea of salty water buried under a sheet of ice enveloping the moon’s surface.
EARTH SCIENCES - Members of the College of Arts and Sciences community have the opportunity to practice their earthquake preparedness skills when the University of Oregon conducts a campus-wide earthquake drill on Oct. 17 as part of Great ShakeOut Day.

All news »

We Love Our Supporters

students walking and holding possessions during Unpack the quack day

Your Gift Changes Lives

Gifts to the College of Arts and Sciences can help our students make the most of their college careers. To do this, CAS needs your support. Your contributions help us ensure that teaching, research, advising, mentoring, and support services are fully available to every student. Thank you!

Give to CAS

a collage of photos with the words CAS Connection at the top

What’s Happening in CAS?

It's a crucial moment for higher education. Many families are questioning the value of a college degree due to rising costs and a delayed return on investment—and the College of Arts and Sciences isn't immune to these challenges.

The October issue of CAS Connection explores how a CAS liberal arts education is evolving with the times, as well as the college's new strategy and the ways it will prepare students for challenges and opportunities ahead. Read more about a PhD student who researched how a community recovered from the 2020 record-breaking wildfire season, how advisors are preparing students to succeed in and out of the classroom, new Latinx studies-related professors joining the college—and more. 

Undergraduate students posing for camera making hand signals

Undergraduate Studies

Wherever your academic goals eventually take you at the UO, all Ducks begin their journey with foundational courses in CAS. More than 60 percent of students go on to pursue a major in a CAS department or program. With more than 50 departments and programs, there’s an intellectual home for almost any interest, talent, or career aspiration.

Graduate students working in a lab

Graduate Studies

The College of Arts and Sciences offers more than 30 master's programs and more than 20 doctoral programs across a diverse range of disciplines. Both as contributors to research teams and through their own scholarship and teaching, our CAS graduate students are indispensable to the vitality of the UO academic mission.

Student Support Services

We provide our students with a variety of resources to help you thrive inside and outside the classroom. Through Tykeson Advising, we provide comprehensive academic and career advising from the start of your journey at the University of Oregon. Learn about career preparation and get assistance in selecting the very best classes. Connect with labs, libraries, IT and tutoring. Find your community on campus.

World-Class Faculty

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The College of Arts and Sciences faculty members are a driving force of the high-output, high-impact research activity that has earned the UO membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Our world-class faculty members are inspiring teachers.

Among them are five members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, four members of the National Academy of Sciences. They are committed to helping students discover their academic passion. Every day, they work to expand students’ intellectual horizons, preparing them for life after college with real-world knowledge and skills.

 

 

Spotlight on CAS Academics

Choose Your Path

The College of Arts and Sciences offers more than 50 majors and nearly 70 minors across multiple departments and programs in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. We also offer 36 master’s programs and 25 doctoral programs.

dean chris poulsen posing in front of Tykeson hall

Meet our Dean

In the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), we are committed to excellence in research and teaching, student success, and diversity, equity, and belonging. 

A liberal arts education—one that offers a breadth of intellectual approaches and perspectives and depth in a major discipline—is the foundation to a purposeful life as a life-long learner, engaged citizen, and leader. The skills you will learn here—from written and verbal communication to analytical and quantitative reasoning, to compassion and understanding—are those that employers seek and will open the door to a wealth of opportunities. 

You will find more than 50 majors and a multitude of minors within CAS, and seemingly endless opportunities for personal exploration and discovery. Whether you are an incoming first-year student, a grad student or a transfer student, you can map an exciting future and be part of a fun, warm, engaged liberal arts community here. Come join us. And go Ducks! 

More from Dean Chris Poulsen

The College of Arts and Sciences includes:

50+
undergraduate degree programs
30+
masters programs
25
PhD programs
10,000+
Undergraduate students in CAS Majors
825
faculty members
1,295
masters and PhD students in CAS

Happening at CAS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

UO College of Arts & Sciences (@uocas) • Instagram photos and videos

Oct 17
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies PhD Information Session 3:00 p.m.

Courtney Cox, Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies IRES Director of Graduate Studies, will host a virtual informational session where she will provide an overview of the PhD...
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies PhD Information Session
October 17
3:00 p.m.

Courtney Cox, Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies IRES Director of Graduate Studies, will host a virtual informational session where she will provide an overview of the PhD program, the application requirements, and answer any questions attendees may have about the process.

Prospective students can register for the Zoom informational session using this link

The session will be recorded for those unable to join and available immediately on YouTube.

Oct 17
2025 Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program Info Session 5:00 p.m.

TEACH ENGLISH IN JAPAN 2025! The JET Program is a competitive employment opportunity that allows young professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout...
2025 Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program Info Session
October 17
5:00–6:30 p.m.
Fenton Hall 110

TEACH ENGLISH IN JAPAN 2025! The JET Program is a competitive employment opportunity that allows young professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan. Being a JET is a chance to teach English and represent the United States and other participating countries as a cultural ambassador to Japan. Most participants serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and work in public and private schools throughout Japan; some work as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) as interpreters/translators.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in any field by the time of departure for the program and Coordinators for International Relations must also have a high level of proficiency in the Japanese language.

Before attending the info session please watch an important video on how to write a great JET Statement of Purpose at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eaq-rxLLUg4

Connect with Matt Turner on the UO campus for his in-person JET Program info session. For more information contact Matt Turner at: matthew.turner@se.mofa.go.jp or visit https://jetprogramusa.org

Oct 17
Women in Economics Club 6:00 p.m.

Join the UO Women in Economics Club at our weekly meeting! We host faculty talks and guest lectures, provide career development opportunities, as well as peer support. All are...
Women in Economics Club
October 10–September 18
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Allen Hall 140

Join the UO Women in Economics Club at our weekly meeting! We host faculty talks and guest lectures, provide career development opportunities, as well as peer support. All are welcome, regardless of major, minor, or gender identity!

The UO Women in Economics Club (WiE) was established in 2023 to support and meet the unique needs of women and gender-diverse individuals in the male-dominated economics field. WiE strives to build community, empower, and increase participation in economics through academic and social events. The club hosts guest speakers, roundtable discussions, professional development workshops, and more. Students undergraduate through PhD are welcome.

Meetings: Thursdays from 6-7pm in Allen 140. Hope to see you there!

Oct 18
Career Tour-Tech 9:00 a.m.

Want to see what it's like to work for some of the most innovative tech companies in Oregon AND explore Eugene all at the same time?! Have we got a Friday morning for you! Hop...
Career Tour-Tech
October 18
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Want to see what it's like to work for some of the most innovative tech companies in Oregon AND explore Eugene all at the same time?! Have we got a Friday morning for you! Hop on the bus and let’s go explore!

Students will have the opportunity to tour local companies passionate about creating innovative solutions for complex problems, and helping YOU learn more about all the different types of job functions needed to keep this growing industry booming. They are excited to introduce you to careers and internships at their companies, meet alumni and leaders, and show off some of their innovations in action! This event is FREE, open to all majors, faculty/staff, and bring a friend! Register on Handshake to save your spot & get updates! Our last tour had a waitlist, so sign up today!

OUTLINE OF TOUR:

Meet at Ford Alumni Center Lobby (near Matt Knight Arena Duck Statue) NO LATER THAN 9am; We'll walk over to the bus stop (Agate) to catch the EMX to downtown Eugene. All our sites are within walking distance of one another, so be prepared to get some exercise! While at the stops, you'll get an opportunity to tour their facilities as well as meet with leaders in the field. At 1 we'll be done with the tour and you can stick around downtown to keep exploring and grab lunch OR a group will be getting on the bus to head back to campus you can join.

ABOUT OUR TOUR STOPS:

Pipeworks Studios Video Game Developers of awesome apps and well-known video games like Madden 24 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 

Nexus Business Lounge Tech Coworking Space 

Twenty Ideas: Software Dev for Health tech, Med ted, Ed tech 

Code Chops Tech coworking space located in Nexus Business Lounge  

Technology Association of Oregon: Non-profit focused on the regional tech industry, empowering entrepreneurs and fostering connections to position the Northwest as a global innovation hub. 

Open Eugene: community connectors providing access and opportunities to create, collaborate and innovate to solve problems and invest back into the community 

NOTE: make sure you have your FREE LTD bus pass loaded on your phone https://transportation.uoregon.edu/bus

questions, email htate@uoregon.edu for more info or if you don't have a Handshake account and want to join us!