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.
students jumping with staircase and trees in background

Taking Humanities courses globally

The University of Nevada, Reno, in partnership with Extended Studies, is proud to offer its inaugural humanities study abroad course. The upcoming session in 2026 blends online learning with an immersive study-abroad experience in Rome, Italy where walking tours, museum visits and group discussions allow students to connect course readings to real-world sites and histories.

Upcoming global sessions
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
Female student playing the flute during a performance

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
 
An empty presentation room filled with chairs and a large stage.

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.

College events

Jan 14
Pull Me Apart: Respresenting the Body in Painting at McNamara Hallway Gallery 08:00 AM Arts & Culture
Jan 22
The Falls of Rome (Free Lecture) at Nazir Ansari Building (AB) 05:00 PM Arts & Culture
Jan 27
This Just In: Recent Additions to the Lilley Museum of Art Collection at John & Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art 12:00 PM Arts & Culture
Jan 27
Homeland Security: Images from the Epicenter of the Cuban Missile Crisis at John & Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art 12:00 PM Arts & Culture
Full Events Calendar

College news

In the Sri Lankan grasslands, University of Nevada, Reno undergraduate student researcher Avery Nicholas (middle), interviews a Sri Lankan worker (left), with translation assistance from a staff member with the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (right).

Searching for understanding through elephants

Undergraduate researcher, Avery Nicholas, evaluates how anthropology and ecology work together to provide solutions for Human-Elephant Conflict

A large group of student stand near Rosen and Trahock. Some student hold the "Pursuit of Liberty" book.

Center for Constitutional Law a ‘focal point’ for support of teacher education, civic engagement

At a time when civic literacy and constitutional understanding are needed, new center positions the University as leader in shaping thoughtful dialogue

A human hand going to touch a robot hand.

How does AI-generated art contribute to or challenge traditional notions of creativity?

Associate Professor of Art and Head of Digital Media at the University of Nevada, Reno, explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and creativity

Read all college news