College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

Sean M. Quinlan, Dean (112 Admin. Bldg.; 208-885-6426); Traci Craig, Associate Dean of Research & Faculty Affairs; Annette Folwell, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies.

The largest division of the university, the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences (CLASS), has four goals:

  1. Prepare individuals for an array of careers and professions.
  2. Foster scholarly inquiry, creative activity, and the generation of knowledge.
  3. Serve the public.
  4. Provide the cultural and contextual foundation on which other academic and professional colleges depend.

The college—through its ten departments, schools, and several interdisciplinary programs—prepares broadly educated individuals capable of open inquiry, critical thinking, and effective communication, who understand and are responsive to the needs of individuals and society. The college values the integration of learning and discovery in its efforts to develop and support distinctive programs that enhance the land grant mission of the university within the context of the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Students are prepared to become knowledgeable, contributing citizens in a world of diverse cultures and contexts. Beyond learning how to discover, analyze, and integrate knowledge across disciplines, graduates come to value lifelong learning as the basis for excellence in any endeavor.

Admission to the College

Students who expect to enter CLASS should plan their high school electives carefully, both to lay the foundation for their general education, which will be continued in the university, and to ensure that they are adequately prepared to begin their study at the college level. Students should select subjects in English, foreign language, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and fine arts that provide a well-rounded preparation for further study. For a statement of general undergraduate and graduate admission requirements, see the Admission to the University section of the catalog.

Regular Enrollment in a Program of Studies

Students in CLASS must enroll in regular programs unless they are admitted as a non-degree seeking student. A regular program is one that leads to a degree that the College offers.

Teacher Education Program

Students in CLASS who are preparing for secondary-school teaching should consult the section on the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences.