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 Computing the Future 

As student interest in computer and data science continues to grow at the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Computer and Data Sciences is expanding to reflect the diversity of thought and practice in the job market. From ethics and sovereignty in Indigenous communities to blockchains, the seven new faculty members at SCDS offer students a unique insight into a 21st-century liberal arts education.

“It is thrilling to see so many new faculty join SCDS, and in particular that we have brought in such wonderful and talented people,” said Hank Childs, interim executive director for SCDS. “I am confident that they will each impact our students, the larger UO community, and the region in myriad ways. Finally, I am thrilled to see UO make such a substantial investment in the school with these hirings.”

Meet SCDS's New Faculty Members

News from CAS

POLITICAL SCIENCE - Political strategist and author Rachel Bitecofer started her college career at 24 as a single mom. In 2009, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences Magna cum laude as a McNair Scholar. She continued her education at the University of Georgia, receiving her PhD in political science and international affairs in 2015.
THEATRE ARTS – Ever since she stepped on the stage in middle school, University of Oregon alum Jerilyn Armstrong (Theatre Arts, 2017) knew she wanted to be an actor. Her curiosity and eagerness led her to build valuable connections with instructors and explore every opportunity in the Department of Theatre Arts, setting her up to pursue her passion after college.
EARTH SCIENCES - Graduate student Annika Dechert at the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences and a team of researchers are working on studying the eruption history of South Sister volcano in the Oregon Cascades. The results of the study will inform the way the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory draws up hazards maps for Central Oregon and help shape the way scientists think about other similar volcanoes. The research team published their latest findings in August in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems.

All news »

We Love Our Supporters

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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

Dec 3
Department of History Coffee Hour 10:00 a.m.

Please join us Tuesday mornings for a free cup of coffee, pastries, and conversation with your history department community! We’re excited to continue this tradition...
Department of History Coffee Hour
October 8–December 3
10:00–11:00 a.m.
McKenzie Hall 335

Please join us Tuesday mornings for a free cup of coffee, pastries, and conversation with your history department community! We’re excited to continue this tradition for our history undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. We hope to see you there!

Dec 3
Let's Talk - Tuesdays 3-5PM (CMAE/Zoom) 3:00 p.m.

Meet with Counseling Services Gonzalo Camp, who specializes in working with LatinX/ undocumented and LGBTQIA+ students, at the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence (Oregon...
Let's Talk - Tuesdays 3-5PM (CMAE/Zoom)
October 15–December 10
3:00–5:00 p.m.

Meet with Counseling Services Gonzalo Camp, who specializes in working with LatinX/ undocumented and LGBTQIA+ students, at the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence (Oregon Hall-Room 130) or click here: https://zoom.us/j/99144795374

 

Let’s Talk is a service that provides easy access to free, informal, and confidential one-on-one consultation with a Counseling Services staff member. See our website for six additional Let’s Talk days/times offered throughout the week.

Let’s Talk is especially helpful for students who:

Have a specific concern and would like to consult with someone about it. Would like on-the-spot consultation rather than ongoing counseling. Would like to consult with a CS staff member about what actual therapy looks like. Would like to meet with one of our CS identity-based specialists. Have a concern about a friend or family member and would like some ideas about what to do.

How does Let’s Talk work?

Let’s Talk will be offered via Zoom and/or in satellite locations across campus. As a drop-in service, there is no need to schedule an appointment and no paperwork to be completed. Students are seen individually on a first-come, first-served basis at the times listed below. There may be a wait in the Zoom waiting room if the Let’s Talk staff member is meeting with another student. Please wait and we will be with you as soon as we can. Let’s Talk appointments are brief (usually between 15-30 minutes) and are meant to be used on an as-needed basis.

Dec 3
Dept. of History Seminar Series: "Bears, Cattle, and Natural Disaster:  The Colonial Dream Cycle on Kodiak, Alaska,1788-1964" 3:30 p.m.

Join the Department of History and Spencer Abbe from the University of Oregon for a talk on "Bears, Cattle, and Natural Disaster:  The Colonial Dream Cycle on Kodiak,...
Dept. of History Seminar Series: "Bears, Cattle, and Natural Disaster:  The Colonial Dream Cycle on Kodiak, Alaska,1788-1964"
December 3
3:30–5:00 p.m.
McKenzie Hall 375

Join the Department of History and Spencer Abbe from the University of Oregon for a talk on "Bears, Cattle, and Natural Disaster:  The Colonial Dream Cycle on Kodiak, Alaska,1788-1964." 

Tuesday, December 3rd at 3:30 pm in McKenzie 375. Free and open to the public. 

Since the late 18th century, colonists from the Russian Empire and the United States have attempted to create agricultural settlements on the Kodiak Archipelago.  Confronted by tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hungry bears, and a short growing season, these projects consistently floundered only to begin again shortly thereafter.  This presentation examines the role of natural disasters in this unexpected resilience as long-term colonial projects confronted long-term geologic processes. 

The Department of History Seminar Series runs throughout the academic year and features guest speakers from the top universities who share their perspectives on history. Visit history.uoregon.edu for more information about the seminar series.  

Dec 3
Indigenous Science and Futures in the Klamath Basin 5:00 p.m.

This panel will feature Indigenous leaders and allies speaking on the pivotal role of indigenous science, culture, and political leadership in the removal of 4 dams along the...
Indigenous Science and Futures in the Klamath Basin
December 3
5:00–8:00 p.m.
Many Nations Longhouse

This panel will feature Indigenous leaders and allies speaking on the pivotal role of indigenous science, culture, and political leadership in the removal of 4 dams along the Klamath River. 

Speakers:

Ron Reed - traditional Karuk fisherman and ceremonial leader Jeff Mitchell - chairman of the Klamath Tribes culture and heritage committee  Glen Spain - Northwest Regional Director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Association

Light food will be provided. Doors at 5pm, program to begin around 5:15pm.

RSVP online - appreciated but not required.

Reach out to Megan Schneider with questions at meganss@uoregon.edu

Sponsored by the Just Futures Initiative and the Student Sustainability Center.