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
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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
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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

Jul 19
Convergence Zone Exhibit Reception at Sierra Arts Foundation 01:00 PM Arts
Jul 19
Late Night at The Lilley at John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art 07:00 PM Arts
Jul 23
Grid-Body-Place: Candace Garlock Catalogue Launch at John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art 04:00 PM Arts
Jul 23
Wonder Wednesdays: Art for All Ages at John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art 04:00 PM Arts
Full CLA Events Calendar

College news

Artist points to her work in gallery.

MFA Low-Residency students find inspiration at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe

Writers and artists flock from around the country to the Lake Tahoe campus for week-long residencies

Wildfire smoke engulfing trees in a somber orange smoke.

Convergence Zone: exploring the intersection of science, art and wildfire

Experience this hard-hitting exhibition at the Sierra Arts Foundation, from July 1–26, 2025 — with special reception on July 19, from 1–3:30 p.m.

Sandhya Narayanan, Ph.D.

College of Liberal Arts Assistant Professor Sandhya K. Narayanan, Ph.D., receives prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award for language revitalization research

Excited to bring this achievement back to the University, Narayanan plans on multiple years of research supported by this grant

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