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These Students 'Dig' Experiential Learning

Some College of Arts and Sciences students spent the summer on the sunny California Central Coast studying archeology, as well as tribal sovereignty. As part of the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History summer field school, students spent a month immersed in Indigenous cultural landscapes while studying archaeology, history and ecology and, at the same time, helping restore oyster beds. The students worked alongside CAS Indigenous anthropologist and assistant professor Gabe Sanchez and in partnership with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and the Amah Mutsun Land Trust.

“This is the future of archaeology, moving away from colonial structures and doing work that supports tribal sovereignty, access to ancestral lands and serves the people the work represents,” Sanchez said. “University of Oregon students are at the forefront of this work, working hand in hand with tribal members, learning and working together.”  

How This Program Is Changing Archeology

News from CAS

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - UO lab spaces are some of the most resource-intensive areas on campus, using two to three times more energy than typical offices and generating unique kinds of waste that aren’t collected through regular recycling streams. The recently launched Sustainable Labs program offers researchers a flexible framework to foster more sustainability in labs.
EARTH SCIENCES - CRESCENT wrapped up its first-ever cohort for the Geoscience Education and Inclusion (GEI) Twinning Program. Students worked with mentors on fully funded research projects, developing practical skills and presenting their findings to fellow scientists. The program manager, Shannon Fasola, said it offered a unique opportunity because students could focus on research without having to worry about finances.
THEATRE ARTS — University Theatre's fall production is "The Moors," and as with any good story, things are not what they appear, and the characters’ motives aren’t always honest. The play includes a six-member cast and the creative use of stage lighting to create a Victorian-style set for the manor and the moors outside the home. The show runs Nov. 7–23 and tickets are free for students.

All news »

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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!

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What’s Happening in CAS?

Students in the Department of Human Physiology are getting hands on experience in the medical industry, whether that's helping Ducks sports programs on the sidelines or shadowing local physicians in the emergency room. It's one way that CAS undergrads are getting prepared for medical careers after college. 

Also in the October issue of CAS Connection: Celebrating the genius of comics creator Jack Kirby, NASA scientists visit campus, CAS researchers give antibiotics a boost—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

Speaker conducting a class with projector

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

Nov 13
Graduate School Fair 2025 11:00 a.m.

Should you go to grad school? Going to graduate school is a BIG life decision! You can gain specialized knowledge, research, connections, and expertise in your chosen field, which...
Graduate School Fair 2025
November 13
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Erb Memorial Union (EMU) Ballroom

Should you go to grad school? Going to graduate school is a BIG life decision! You can gain specialized knowledge, research, connections, and expertise in your chosen field, which can lead to better career opportunities and increased earning potential. However, it's essential to carefully consider your goals, commitment, and financial situation before deciding to pursue further education. Coming to this event is a great first step!

Explore your interest in pursuing an advanced degree at the Graduate School Fair! (11/13 from 11am-2pm in the EMU Ballrooms)

This event offers a valuable opportunity for you to learn about various graduate programs (both at the UO and other top universities!) and the benefits they provide to prepare you for a career in research, academia, or specialized industry roles. Talk to recruiters about the application process and financial aid, or ask them about career outcomes for students who pursue advanced degrees--this is your opportunity to explore and learn!

Whether you're still exploring career paths or ready to apply for the coming year, the fair is open to students at any stage of your academic journey.

Highlights of the fair:

  • Representatives from graduate programs across the United States (including the University of Oregon), offering a diverse range of degree programs and academic disciplines including:
    • Architecture & Design
    • Business Management
    • Child Behavioral Health
    • Education
    • Environmental Studies
    • Health Sciences
    • Humanities & Arts
    • Law & Legal Studies
    • Media & Communications
    • Public Affairs & Policy
    • STEM
    • Social Sciences
    • and more!
  • Mini-Workshops featuring career readiness coaches, who will demystify the application process, writing your purpose statement, and provide tips for maximizing your experience at the fair.

Don't miss this chance to expand your horizons and discover the possibilities that await you in the world of higher education!

Register on Handshake today to learn about all the schools coming and get tips and advice for how to make the most of the fair.

For more information, visit the Unviersity Career Center in Tykeson-Garden Level to learn more about how the UCC supports students applying to grad school through career coaching and document reviews! 

Nov 13
WiT Tech + Connect 11:30 a.m.

Career Pathway Panel and Resource Event. What you’ll get out of it: The modern world revolves around data and technology. The National Association of Colleges...
WiT Tech + Connect
November 13
11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Erb Memorial Union (EMU) Redwood Auditorium

Career Pathway Panel and Resource Event.

What you’ll get out of it:

The modern world revolves around data and technology. The National Association of Colleges & Employers ranks technological skills as one of the top competencies sought by employers. Join us for a women-led panel with established professionals to learn about the role of data and computer science across industries. Discover the different ways to build these skills during your time at UO by taking advantage of majors, minors, clubs, or library events. Make connections with faulty and peers and meet industry professionals to ask your questions.

Women have played a major part in the development of the modern tech industry. Still, women earn only about 18% of computer science bachelor’s degrees in the United States while the industry employment rate is expected to grow much faster than other occupations. Although this event prioritizes female and female identifying role-models in tech, all are encouraged to participate.

This event is hosted by the Women in Technology (WiT) Club and is sponsored by the School of Computer and Data Science.

 Event Schedule:

Panel discussion  – 11:30AM – 12:30PM

Campus resource fair – 12:45 – 2:00PM

Register:

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Nov 13
Symposium in Honor of Professor David C. Johnson 2:00 p.m.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Celebrating over 40 years of innovation in materials chemistry, education initiatives, and industry collaboration at the University of...
Symposium in Honor of Professor David C. Johnson
November 13
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon (CAMCOR)

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Celebrating over 40 years of innovation in materials chemistry, education initiatives, and industry collaboration at the University of Oregon.

Symposium in honor of David C. Johnson Reception to follow.

Contact: derose[at]uoregon.edu

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

Free, professional headshots for all College of Arts and Sciences students! Need a polished photo for LinkedIn, Handshake, or your next application? CAS CareerLab is...
CAS CareerLab Headshots
November 13
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall James Commons

Free, professional headshots for all College of Arts and Sciences students!

Need a polished photo for LinkedIn, Handshake, or your next application? CAS CareerLab is offering free professional headshots for all College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate students!

Join us in the James Commons, first floor of Tykeson Hall, anytime between 3-6pm. Drop in anytime during the event, no appointment needed, although wait times will vary. Dress professionally and bring your best smile.

Your headshots will be shared with you via your DuckID, so you can easily download and use it across your career platforms.

 Light refreshments; contact careerlab.uoregon.edu with questions.