For nearly 100 years after its founding, Ohio University's reputation rested firmly on a liberal arts curriculum. Since then, many new colleges and divisions have been added. As Ohio University prepares to enter into its third century, the College of Arts and Sciences holds to what has been the central purpose of the college since 1804: to provide opportunities for the student to secure a sound liberal education. Reflecting a changing society and today's career direction, the college offers an expanded and modern curricula while continuing to be guided by the principles of a liberal tradition. Courses in the humanities, the social sciences, and the sciences encourage students to think critically about important ideas from the past and present and offer the knowledge necessary to meet the challenge of the future.
The College of Arts and Sciences has the distinction of being the largest college at Ohio University. Comprising 19 departments, the college provides 26 regular major programs; 27 minors; 57 special programs in specific, career-related areas; and 4 majors offered in cooperation with other colleges. Specific college requirements and departmental requirements for the B.A. and B.S. degrees are described on the Academic Departments home pages.