• Aptitude in communication.
• Competency in using modes of thought characteristic of the major areas of knowledge.
• Dexterity to discover, integrate and apply information.
• Comprehensive understanding of at least one subject area.
• Means to live and work effectively in a changing physical environment and a changing social order.
• Knowledge of our basic cultural heritage.
• A sense of autonomy as well as the ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain professional preparation for leadership positions and for scholarly-creative work.

As students enter and progress through the College of Letters and Science, they embark on a path of knowledge encompassing these four components:

• Education of the Complete Person-the Liberal Arts education is a breadth of study spanning the humanities, arts, social sciences, biological sciences, and physical sciences. Accompanying this, is the ability to receive new information and expand the capacity to think critically.
• Education of Citizenship-an L&S degree helps its graduates play an influential role in this world of transformation.
• Education for a Productive Life-the Liberal Arts education attends to the practical aspirations of students-attaining jobs and pursuing meaningful career paths upon graduation.
• Education for the Love of Learning-the cornerstone of liberal arts. This component refers to the joy of learning to satisfy human curiosity.