Exploring the Diverse Academic Landscape: Programs in Lehigh University's College of Arts and Sciences

Lehigh University, nestled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, stands as a distinguished research institution renowned for its selective admissions and comprehensive academic offerings. At the heart of Lehigh lies the College of Arts and Sciences, a vibrant hub of intellectual exploration and discovery. This college is not only the academic home for a diverse range of majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs but also serves as a cornerstone of liberal arts education for all Lehigh students. The faculty within the College of Arts & Sciences are active scholars, committed to undergraduate teaching, and accessible to students as they evolve across a lifetime of learning and engagement.

A Glimpse into the Academic Departments

The College of Arts and Sciences boasts a rich tapestry of academic departments, each offering a unique lens through which students can explore the world. With over sixty different program offerings, students have the opportunity to delve into subjects that ignite their passions and align with their career aspirations.

Arts

For students with a creative flair, Lehigh's Arts programs provide a nurturing environment to hone their artistic talents and develop their aesthetic sensibilities. Majors in this area include:

Architecture: Exploring the principles of design, construction, and the built environment.
Art: Cultivating artistic expression through various mediums and techniques.
Art History: Examining the historical and cultural contexts of art and visual culture.
Design: Focusing on the creative problem-solving process to develop innovative and functional designs.
Music: Studying music theory, performance, and history to develop musical proficiency.
Theatre: Exploring the art of storytelling through acting, directing, and stagecraft.

Humanities

The Humanities programs at Lehigh offer students the opportunity to delve into the complexities of human culture, thought, and expression. Majors in this area include:

Chinese: Studying the language, literature, and culture of China.
English: Exploring the nuances of the English language and its rich literary heritage.
French: Immersing oneself in the language, literature, and culture of France.
German: Studying the language, literature, and culture of Germany.
Japanese: Exploring the language, literature, and culture of Japan.
Philosophy: Engaging with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values.
Religion Studies: Examining the diverse religious traditions and their impact on society.
Spanish and Hispanic Studies: Studying the language, literature, and cultures of Spain and the Hispanic world.

Math & Natural Sciences

For students with a passion for scientific inquiry and mathematical reasoning, Lehigh's Math & Natural Sciences programs offer a rigorous and stimulating academic environment. Majors in this area include:

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Astronomy: Studying the celestial objects and phenomena of the universe.
Biochemistry: Exploring the chemical processes that occur within living organisms.
Biology: Investigating the diversity and complexity of life.
Chemistry: Studying the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
Computer Science: Developing the skills to design, develop, and analyze computer systems and algorithms.
Mathematics: Exploring the abstract structures and patterns that underlie the universe.
Physics: Studying the fundamental laws of nature and the behavior of matter and energy.
Statistics: Learning the methods for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.

Social Sciences

Lehigh's Social Sciences programs provide students with the tools to understand and analyze the social, political, and economic forces that shape our world. Majors in this area include:

Anthropology: Studying the diversity of human cultures and societies.
Economics: Examining the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
History: Investigating the past to understand the present and shape the future.
Journalism: Developing the skills to report and communicate news and information effectively.
Political Science: Studying the theory and practice of government and politics.
Psychology: Exploring the human mind and behavior.
Sociology: Examining the structure and dynamics of human societies.

Interdisciplinary Programs

Recognizing the interconnectedness of knowledge, Lehigh offers several Interdisciplinary Programs that allow students to explore topics from multiple perspectives. These programs include:

Africana Studies: Examining the history, culture, and experiences of people of African descent.
Asian Studies: Exploring the diverse cultures, societies, and histories of Asia.
Environmental Studies: Investigating the complex interactions between humans and the environment.
Global Studies: Studying the interconnectedness of the world's cultures, economies, and political systems.
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Examining the social, cultural, and political dimensions of gender and sexuality.

Curriculum Structure and Requirements

Lehigh's College of Arts and Sciences provides a structured yet flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their education to their individual interests and goals.

Degree Options: Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science

Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. BA degrees typically have fewer major requirements, allowing for more coursework outside the major, while BS degrees typically include more extensive coursework in the major and allied fields. Both degrees require a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation and a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in the major.

Liberal Arts Program

The Liberal Arts Program is a cornerstone of the College of Arts and Sciences curriculum, providing students with a broad foundation in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The program includes requirements in:

First-Year Writing: Students complete a first-year writing requirement, focusing on pre-disciplinary writing, clear academic argument, persuasive strategies, critical thinking, rhetorical capacities, and information literacy skills.
Mathematics: Students take one course in mathematics to develop logical skills, problem-solving abilities, and computational proficiency.
Disciplinary Perspectives: Students engage with courses that emphasize and build capacity in central themes or skills present across the curriculum.
Encounters: Students complete courses designated as W (writing), Q (quantitative reasoning), or CC (contemporary challenges).
Big Questions Seminars: Students take one Big Questions Seminar, preferably in their first semester, focusing on complex questions that transcend disciplinary boundaries.

Contemporary Challenges

The College of Arts & Sciences faculty establish a set of focal contemporary challenges, and re-evaluate them periodically to ensure the topics remain current. The three current challenges are:

Social Difference and Power (analysis of social identity and structural inequities in the distribution of resources, power, and status);
Sustainability (analysis of the complex convergence of environmental, social, and economic factors impacting our planet, communities, and current and future generations);
Conflict and Security (analysis of the causes and consequences of conflict and cooperation at the interpersonal, organizational, national, and global level).

Declaring a Major

When students declare a major, they are assigned a major advisor from that department or program's faculty. The major advisor assists students with course selection, research opportunities, internship selection, and other areas of professional development.

Interdisciplinary Majors

In addition to established major programs, students can create specially structured interdisciplinary majors linking multiple disciplines. These majors require no less than 32 credits of related coursework, with at least 15 credits from advanced courses.

Double Majors and Dual Degrees

Students can pursue a double major (a single BA degree with two majors) or a dual degree (a combined BA and BS program or two BS degrees). A dual degree requires a minimum of 30 additional credits beyond those required for the first degree, typically making it a five-year program.

Minors

Minors require a minimum of 15 credits and are optional. A 2.0 minimum grade-point average is required for courses in the minor.

The Eckardt Scholars Program

The Eckardt Scholars Program is a highly selective honors program that prioritizes intellectual curiosity, independent work, and close mentoring relationships between students and faculty. Students in the program are exempt from the Liberal Arts program and work with their major advisor and the Eckardt Scholars Program Director to create a flexible course of study.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Lehigh University emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

Internships

Many departments and programs offer credit for specific internship experiences. To receive credit, internships must meet certain criteria, including a minimum of 80 hours of work per credit awarded and a distinct educational component.

Pre-Law Program

Lehigh has a strong pre-law tradition, offering advising and resources to students interested in pursuing legal careers. The university does not have a prescribed pre-law curriculum, but successful candidates for law school demonstrate skills in critical analysis, logical reasoning, and communication.

Pre-Health Programs

Lehigh also provides comprehensive support for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions. The university offers accelerated programs in cooperation with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the State University of New York College of Optometry.

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