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Living in a Material World

The world is on the cusp of a new technological era. And today's students have an opportunity to shape how society will go beyond the "Silicon Age," according to Kayla Nguyen, assistant professor physics in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Materials sciences is a a new, cutting-edge CAS major, preparing students to drive technological change through high-demand careers in fields such as semiconductor manufacturing and energy and sustainable materials development. 

"We’re not stopping at silicon," Nguyen said. "There is a whole entire periodic table and a large number of combinations we can use to make new materials with different properties. Students who learn how to do this could be at the forefront of a revolution to bring in the next materials age.” 

Explore the Materials Science Major

News from CAS

THEATRE ARTS — Love, mischief and mistaken intentions take center stage this winter as University Theatre presents “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare. Directed by Jerry Ferraccio, the production marks the grand reopening of Robinson Theatre and runs Feb. 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and March 1.
ENGLISH - CAS undergraduate student Sarah Twiggs’ short story takes the perspective of an ant to win flash fiction contest. "The story was also inspired by the work I’ve been doing with posthumanism in a few of my classes," Twiggs said. "I find it really interesting to de-center the human perspective and consider new ways of thinking and being."
SPANISH - College of Arts and Sciences alum Brandon Rigby enjoyed studying Spanish, but it wasn’t until a professor suggested he major in it that he dove in. With multiple overseas assignments under his belt, he is now a global diplomat for the U.S. Department of State.

All news »

We Love Our Supporters

Your gifts change lives

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 images from the CAS connection January issue

What’s Happening in CAS?

How can you rethink goals, whether it's for personal achievement, success in the classroom or in everyday work life? CAS Psychology Professor and Natural Sciences Divisional Associate Dean Elliot Berkman offers a way to rethink the "why" behind your goals. 

Also in the January CAS Connection issue, find out what new CAS major is equipping students to drive change, how squatting in three US cities influenced housing policies, an alum who leveraged his Spanish degree to a U.S. Department of State job—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

Feb 13
CAS CareerLab Headshots 3:00 p.m.

Stand out on LinkedIn and beyond with a polished, professional headshot. Free for CAS students. No registration needed; wait time may...
CAS CareerLab Headshots
February 13
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall Tykeson Commons

Stand out on LinkedIn and beyond with a polished, professional headshot.

Free for CAS students. No registration needed; wait time may vary.

Feb 13
SHL Night at the Opera 5:30 p.m.

We have a very fun event planned for Spanish Heritage students! We will be attending the one-hour opera of La Vida Breve together and mingling at the McArthur Court Lounge for...
SHL Night at the Opera
February 13
5:30–8:00 p.m.
McArthur Court Lounge

We have a very fun event planned for Spanish Heritage students! We will be attending the one-hour opera of La Vida Breve together and mingling at the McArthur Court Lounge for refreshments beforehand. Please join us!

5:30-6:30 - Refreshments and mingling in McArthur Court Lounge 6:30 - walk to Beall Concert Hall together through the cemetery  7-8 - La Vida Breve, opera performance at Beall Concert Hall

Tickets available for FREE with Student ID - pick up at EMU Ticket Office. We have 20 tickets reserved for the program. Please email shlassistant@uoregon.edu to reserve your ticket. 

Feb 13
"Much Ado About Nothing" 7:30 p.m.

Shakespeare’s immortal comedy of love and intrigue! The people of Messina are determined to celebrate the impending marriage of Hero and Claudio with all-out merry-making,...
"Much Ado About Nothing"
February 13–March 1
7:30 p.m.
Robinson Theatre

Shakespeare’s immortal comedy of love and intrigue! The people of Messina are determined to celebrate the impending marriage of Hero and Claudio with all-out merry-making, and the Prince (Don Pedro) decides getting the always-sparring Benedick and Beatrice to fall in love is the ultimate prank. Unfortunately, the Prince’s evil brother, Don John, sees a perfect opportunity to stir up trouble, causing a huge uproar that almost destroys everything. Luckily, the inept Constable Dogberry and his band of goofy Watchmen save the day!

By William Shakespeare  Directed by Jerry Ferraccio  Robinson Theatre (Grand Reopening!)

February 13, 14, 20, 21, 22*, 27, 28, March 1*  7:30pm evening performances and 2:00pm* matinees 

Feb 14
"Much Ado About Nothing" 7:30 p.m.

Shakespeare’s immortal comedy of love and intrigue! The people of Messina are determined to celebrate the impending marriage of Hero and Claudio with all-out merry-making,...
"Much Ado About Nothing"
February 13–March 1
7:30 p.m.
Robinson Theatre

Shakespeare’s immortal comedy of love and intrigue! The people of Messina are determined to celebrate the impending marriage of Hero and Claudio with all-out merry-making, and the Prince (Don Pedro) decides getting the always-sparring Benedick and Beatrice to fall in love is the ultimate prank. Unfortunately, the Prince’s evil brother, Don John, sees a perfect opportunity to stir up trouble, causing a huge uproar that almost destroys everything. Luckily, the inept Constable Dogberry and his band of goofy Watchmen save the day!

By William Shakespeare  Directed by Jerry Ferraccio  Robinson Theatre (Grand Reopening!)

February 13, 14, 20, 21, 22*, 27, 28, March 1*  7:30pm evening performances and 2:00pm* matinees