Engaging Educational Experiences

UIC's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) houses 25 departments and programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. More than 10,000 students pursue our 40 majors, 41 minors, and 43 graduate degrees across the College. Students are mentored by faculty who bring current, innovative research into the classroom, and benefit from a unique learning environment that combines well-respected academic programs, engaged learning, and access to the city of Chicago’s rich urban setting.

Choosing LAS means choosing innovative undergraduate research, academic excellence, and high-impact student experiences.

A RICH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION: We offer students engaging intellectual challenges across a sweeping range of academic disciplines.  You can also deepen your studies by choosing complementary minors or selecting one of 11 pre-professional programs, including medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, and law.

EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL VALUE: As a Research I university, we offer remarkable value when compared to other institutions.  Students are mentored by skilled faculty who bring pioneering and cutting-edge research into the classroom. The LAS Undergraduate Research Initiative (LASURI) supports faculty/student research partnerships across all areas of study.  Financial aid packages and various merit- and need-based scholarships are available for those who qualify.  In-state tuition rates are locked in for four years.

SCHOLARSHIP & KNOWLEDGE: Our high-caliber faculty are talented researchers who pair engaging classes with a strong commitment to the personal, intellectual, and career development of students. LAS has over 350 tenure-track faculty, including Fulbright Scholars, Guggenheim Fellows, National Endowment for the Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts awardees, and a finalist for the National Book Prize and PEN/Faulkner Awards.

UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITIES: Our Chicago location offers close access to Chicago’s vibrant professional community. Our undergraduate internship program helps students gain real-world work experience and professional connections with exciting organizations such as the Shedd Aquarium, the U.S. Secret Service, Edelman Public Relations, the Make a Wish Foundation of Illinois, and the University of Illinois Hospital Systems – just to name a few!  Many students gain valuable college credit while developing work skills.

 A WELCOMING & SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY: Our commitment to diversity is reflected in our faculty, students, and staff, as well as in the subjects we teach and the work we pioneer. As the largest UIC College, we offer a culturally diverse learning atmosphere.  All LAS students are aided by professional advisors who offer full-time academic support from orientation through graduation, including First-Year seminars and free tutoring and learning centers for language, math, writing, and science.