College of Liberal Arts

Elevating humanity

In the College of Liberal Arts, our accomplished faculty in the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities foster critical thinking, effective communication, and analytical prowess focus on solving intricate problems, grasping ethics, and embracing adaptability. Experience the essence of elevating humanity.

Find your degree program

Exterior of Fransden Hall, a brick building with four white columns at the entrance surrounded by trees and bushes.

Faculty with grad students on porch at Lincoln Hall

About the College of Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts houses 25 units, each preparing students to become critically literate, global citizens who pursue professional work in the arts, humanities, social sciences and beyond.

About the College

Art professor making wooden duck sculpture

Departments and programs

The College of Liberal Arts is home to 14 departments and two programs each filled with an active community of scholars and educators specializing in fields ranging from art history to linguistics, criminal justice to philosophy.

Departments and programs

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Centers and schools

The College of Liberal Arts houses three centers and two schools dedicated to advancing scholarship and building communities across a variety of critical areas, such as global studies, social justice and public research.

Centers and Schools

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Sharing with our community

The College is dedicated to sharing history, culture and creativity with more than just our University campus through cutting-edge museum exhibits, public talk series, musical performances featuring world-class artists, and more.

Community Engagement

Black Rock Press

Black Rock Press publishes a range of literary, visual and experimental materials that address the evolving nature of the book.

The Lilley Museum of Art

The John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art provides a range of inclusive programming, world-class exhibitions, community events and learning opportunities.

Performing Arts Series

The Performing Arts Series was created from the community’s request for local performances and outreach activities by national and international touring artists.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

The College continues to develop collaborations and partnerships on campus and in the community as part of our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and elevating humanity.

Diversity and inclusion

College events

Apr 23

Off Kilter, On Point: Art of the 1960s from Colorado State University at John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art All Day Arts

Apr 23

Whittell Forest - A Living Laboratory, photography by Bobby Lee at Front Door Gallery All Day Arts

Apr 23

Dissertation Defense: Sandy Karkar at Frandsen Humanities 09:00 AM Academic Lectures and Seminars

Apr 23

Anna Newman MFA Thesis Exhibit: LAND LINES at Jot Travis Building 12:00 PM Arts

Full CLA Events Calendar

College news

A person playing a saxophone on stage at the Reno Jazz Festival in 2024.

Reno Jazz Festival returns: a celebration of music, community and creativity

From April 24 through 26, experience jazz concerts, clinics, impactful student performances

College of Liberal Arts celebrates their outstanding faculty, students and future scholars

This celebration shines light on the passion, creativity and academic excellence that make the College of Liberal Arts truly exceptional

A group of University of Nevada, Reno standing together at their dance conference.

Dance students attend the American College Dance Association Conference

University of Nevada, Reno dance students shine with outstanding performances and choreography

Read all college news