Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts at West Liberty University. For many years, Liberal Arts has been known as the intellectual heart of the University. In recent years, the College has begun a transformation into a place where students not only study traditional subjects such as Literature, History, and Philosophy, and Languages, but also gain real world skills in preparation for careers.

The phrase “Liberal Arts” refers to the skills and learning that a person should gain in order to become an effective citizen; it is the learning that frees (thus “liberal”) a person to think independently and in new ways. This sort of learning, combined with the practical training and internships that are built into all of the Liberal Arts majors, prepares WLU students for successful careers as well.

The College of Liberal Arts includes undergraduate programs in Social Sciences, Social Work, Humanities, and Criminal Justice, as well as a graduate program in Criminology. WLU Humanities students take majors in English Education, Graphic Narrative, Literature, and Writing and Rhetoric. Social Sciences students take majors in History and Geography and Planning. Many students also major in Criminal Justice, Social Work (BSW), and Social Studies Education.

WLU students, regardless of their majors, take minors in English, Graphic Narrative, Creative Writing, Writing, Teaching English as a Second Language, French, Spanish, Philosophy, Religion, International Studies, Political Science, and Pre-Law.

Many students take Liberal Arts courses as part of their General Studies requirements and decide to take a second major or add a minor. Whether you are a part of Liberal Arts at WLU for a handful of General Studies classes, for a minor, for a major, or for a graduate program, you will, I am proud to say, meet with a team of highly qualified and dedicated faculty as well as an enthusiastic and talented group of students.

–Dr. Gerard NeCastro, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts