COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Undergraduate Programs
WELCOME TO THE COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
We’re dedicated to helping you discover your path and reach your goals. With a broad range of programs across the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts, our students are encouraged to explore big ideas, ask meaningful questions, and develop the skills that drive real-world impact.
You’ll learn from expert faculty who are passionate about their fields and committed to your success. Whether you’re presenting original research, studying abroad, or engaging in classroom discussion, your education here is designed to be hands-on, comprehensive, and transformative. We invite you to explore what makes our college a dynamic and inspiring place to learn.
We offer 61+ majors and 41+ minors
MEET AN A&S HUMANITIES STUDENT!
Ellen Brown is an English major from Sheridan, Wyoming. She has a deep passion for literature across a wide range of genres, including the classics. She recently had the opportunity to study abroad in Europe, where she explored the works of William Shakespeare in both England and Italy alongside a close-knit group of fellow students.
Outside of academics, Ellen serves as an officer in the Women in Business club, an organization that provides students with valuable opportunities to network, build professional skills, and prepare for their careers.
Ellen believes UW is a place where students can build strong connections with professors and campus leaders while exploring the many opportunities available in Laramie and beyond. She encourages students to get involved and discover what they truly love, because there’s something for everyone. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a civil litigation attorney.
Her advice to future Pokes is to take full advantage of all that UW has to offer, whether that’s joining clubs, participating in study abroad programs, or playing intramural sports. She encourages students to get involved and discover what they truly love, because there’s something for everyone.
VISUAL ARTS
The Department of Visual Arts is a creative home for artists, designers, and future educators looking to make an impact through visual expression. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the department offers highquality programs grounded in professional standards. With a 79,000-square-foot facility featuring galleries, studios, and classrooms, students benefit from hands-on learning, personal mentorship, and inspiring views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts offers two distinct tracks—Studio Art and Art History, designed for students seeking a strong foundation in the visual arts within a broader liberal arts context. The Studio Art track prepares students for further study or careers in areas such as art therapy, illustration, arts administration, design, and art education. The Art History track provides a global perspective on art, historiography, and professional practices, and is closely linked to the Museum Studies minor.
For students who want to teach and inspire the next generation of artists, our Bachelor of Arts in Education program combines studio art, art history, and hands-on teaching experience. You’ll learn to develop engaging, comprehensive K–12 art curricula and gain classroom experience in local schools.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts programs in Studio Art and Visual Communication Design offer intensive, pre-professional training for students aiming to pursue careers in creative industries or continue to graduate school. The BFA in Studio Art builds on foundations coursework and allows students to specialize deeply in their chosen media while developing a strong personal portfolio. In Visual Communication Design, students learn to communicate through graphic design, digital media, and motion graphics, with an emphasis on design thinking, sustainability, and professional application.
Love to read, write, and think deeply about the world around you? An English degree might be your perfect fit. At UW, English students explore powerful stories, sharpen their writing, and learn how language shapes everything from culture to careers. Our professors are passionate about teaching and create a safe, engaging environment where you can express yourself, take creative risks, and thrive. In today’s world, strong communication and critical thinking skills are more important than ever, and that’s exactly what English majors are known for. Whether you dream of becoming a writer, editor, teacher, or something else entirely, an English degree gives you the tools to succeed in almost any field.
Publication Editor
Grant/Policy Writer
K-12 Language Arts Teacher
Community College Instructor
Corporate/Non-Profit Communications Specialist
Law School
Literary Agent Career ideas?
MODERN & CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
In today’s global society, studying language is more than acquiring vocabulary, it’s a gateway to understanding diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives. The Department of Modern & Classical Languages invites students to explore the richness of human expression through courses in language, literature, film, and civilization. Our programs prepare you to communicate across cultures, think critically, and engage meaningfully with the world. With a variety of flexible academic pathways, students gain valuable skills that open doors to careers in education, business, international relations, and many other fields.
HIGHLIGHTS
Students can pursue a major in Spanish or European Languages, Literature, & Film Studies or minor in Chinese, Classical Civilizations, French, German, Japanese, Latin & Spanish.
HISTORY
Love learning about the past and how it shapes the world today? A History degree helps you explore the people, events, and ideas that have defined societies across time. Our faculty create a supportive, engaging environment where you better understand the world, and your place in it. You’ll gain valuable skills in research, analysis, and communication — skills that every employer is seeking. Our graduates practice careers in business, education, government, law, museums, and more.
We offer History majors the opportunity to work with internationally recognized faculty in an array of specializations and methodologies, with special concentration in the American West in a global context. In addition to our strengths in United States, U.S. Western, and Native American history, we offer coursework covering Modern Europe, Latin America, Medieval Europe, Russia and South Asia. History students also have access to funding opportunities through research travel grants, conference travel grants, and other projects.
Studying Religion or Philosophy is a powerful way to understand the world and the people in it. Whether you’re interested in global cultures, social issues, ethics, or just asking big questions, both fields will challenge you to think critically, communicate clearly, and explore what drives human behavior.
Religion
Studying Religion helps you explore how religion shapes cultures, communities, and individual choices. From Native American traditions in Wyoming to major world religions like Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity, you’ll learn how beliefs influence politics, art, history, and daily life. This major is great preparation for careers in public service, education, counseling, international work, and more.
Philosophy
Philosophy trains you to think deeply and argue clearly. You’ll tackle big questions about justice, the mind, truth, and the meaning of life, while gaining strong skills in writing, reasoning, and analysis. Philosophy majors excel on exams like the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and often go on to successful careers in law, business, tech, and graduate study across a range of fields.
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION
MEET AN A&S SOCIAL SCIENCES STUDENT!
Sophia Mendez is a first-generation student from Burlington, Wyoming, and is pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology.
She chose UW after visiting in April 2024, when she was drawn to its welcoming atmosphere and the strong support she received from College of Arts & Sciences faculty. With two older siblings who also graduated from UW and had positive experiences, the university quickly felt like a home away from home. Her time at UW has been shaped by meaningful academic experiences and a strong sense of community involvement.
One of the most impactful aspects of her college journey has been her participation in the St. Paul Newman Center. Through weekly events and a supportive atmosphere, the Newman Center has helped her grow in her faith and build lasting friendships with fellow students, making her college experience especially memorable.
In addition to her campus involvement, Sophia holds a fellowship with the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center, where she works on the substance misuse prevention team.
Looking ahead, Sophia plans to apply to the Master of Public Administration program and Law School at UW. Her advice to students is simple: don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of professors’ office hours—they’re there to help and want to see you succeed. She also encourages students to get involved early, whether through student organizations or volunteer opportunities, as these experiences help build connections, create lifelong memories, and make it easier to find your place on campus.
UW’s anthropology program offers a wellrounded education in the discipline’s four major subfields: archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology or a minor in general anthropology, with access to specialized labs and hands-on learning opportunities in each area.
Our faculty bring global research experience and a passion for teaching, creating an immersive, experiential learning environment. From participating in field schools to engaging in faculty-led research, students gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of human diversity across cultures and time. Our large alumni network helps provide graduates with regional job opportunities in both public and private sectors.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Museum Studies minor—an interdisciplinary program exploring the history, theory, and handson practice of museums. Gain skills in preservation, exhibition design, and public interpretation across art, science, history, and anthropology.
COMMUNICATION & JOURNALISM
Career ideas?
Writer
Brand Manager
Editor Photographer
Content Managers
Public Relations Specialist
If you love telling stories, creating content, or making your voice heard, the Department of Communication & Journalism — known as COJO — might be the perfect fit for you. Whether you’re interested in social media, public speaking, news reporting, or branding, COJO helps you turn your passion into real-world skills. With hands-on projects, flexible class options, and supportive professors, you’ll get the experience you need to succeed in today’s fast-moving media and communication world.
Communication - Explore how messages shape the world around us. The Communication program at UW builds essential skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking. With flexible course options and supportive faculty, you can tailor your studies to your interests, whether you’re drawn to pop culture, political communication, or strategic storytelling. This is your chance to turn your voice into impact.
Journalism - Bring stories to life through words, images, and media. Journalism students at UW develop storytelling skills across platforms such as writing, video, photography, design, and more. Whether your passion lies in pop culture, politics, or public relations, you’ll learn to create content that informs, engages, and inspires in a rapidly evolving media world.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & SOCIOLOGY
The Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology provides interdisciplinary education that prepares students for careers in criminal justice, law, social science research, and public service.
Criminal Justice & Criminology
A degree in Criminal Justice & Criminology focuses on understanding crime, its causes, and how society responds. Students explore topics related to courts, corrections, policing, juvenile justice, victims, prevention, law, and policy, among others, that prepare students for a wide variety of careers. These careers include law enforcement, corrections, law, victim services, research, government, academia, and more. The program offers an interdisciplinary approach, blending criminology, sociology, and law to equip students with the skills to make a difference.
Sociology
HIGHLIGHTS
Considering law school? The pre-law minor or concentration can help students explore the legal profession through coursework, and hands-on experiences, including internships.
Sociology is the study of the development, interaction, and behavior of organized human groups. Sociology provides powerful insights into the social processes that shape our lives, the problems we face, and the possibilities we can envision. Students explore topics related to social movements, the environment, medicine, education, the family, race/ethnicity, and gender. The sociology program will invite you to think in fresh ways and prepare for an exciting range of career possibilities.
SCHOOL OF POLITICS, PUBLIC AFFAIRS & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
The School of Politics, Public Affairs & International Studies (SPPAIS) at UW brings together global awareness, public service, and leadership development in one dynamic academic home. Students gain the tools to think critically about the world, understand complex issues from multiple perspectives, and lead change in their communities and beyond. SPPAIS offers close faculty support, hands-on learning, study abroad opportunities, government internships, and a welcoming environment that empowers students to engage with local and global challenges.
International Studies
International Studies is perfect for students curious about global issues like human rights, development, conflict, climate change, and security. With tracks in Development or Security Studies, students gain real-world skills through study abroad, research, and internships that prepare them for careers in government, international organizations, nonprofits, and beyond.
Political Science
Political Science explores how governments work, how policies are made, and how people influence change. Students study topics like American politics, international relations, law, and public policy to build strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
Psychology is the science of how people think, feel, and behave, and at UW, it’s a great major for anyone curious about the mind and human experience. As a psychology student, you’ll explore topics like mental health, relationships, decisionmaking, and brain function while building valuable skills in research, communication, and critical thinking.
A degree in psychology opens doors to careers in counseling, healthcare, education, business, and more. Whether you plan to go straight into the workforce or pursue graduate school, our program prepares you to understand people and make a real impact in your community.
Career ideas?
Business
Clinical Practice
Law
Medicine
Government & Nonprofit
Agencies
Marketing
HIGHLIGHTS
Can’t make it to campus? No problem! This degree program is also offered online!
MEET AN A&S ARTS STUDENT!
Brianna Evelo is a senior from Powell, Wyoming, majoring in Studio Art with a focus on Sculpture and Ceramics. She enjoys working in 3D media because of the technical challenge and the opportunity to explore larger surfaces and spatial dimensions.
During her time at UW, Brianna has pursued her passion for creating and learning through active involvement in the Wyoming Sculpture Society and the Ceramic Arts Guild. These organizations have provided her with opportunities to attend the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conventions in Richmond and Salt Lake City, as well as an iron pouring conference in San Diego. She values the chance to engage with contemporary art and connect with working artists in real time.
Her favorite professor is Ashley Hope Carlisle, who teaches sculpture. Brianna appreciates learning under Professor Carlisle’s guidance, noting her deep knowledge and ability to push students to grow as artists. She initially chose UW for its affordability and proximity to home, and she has remained because of the tight-knit community within the art department.
After graduation, Brianna plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree and hopes to become a professor of sculpture or ceramics. Her advice to fellow students is to not be afraid to take risks and fail. She believes that practice, patience, and failure are essential to growth, learning, and a strong sense of personal accomplishment.
MUSIC
The UW Department of Music blends a personalized educational approach with robust opportunities for highcaliber musical exploration. Through engaging classes, hands-on work, dynamic performances, and multiple degree options, students develop the skills necessary to follow their own musical paths.
The Music BA is a flexible liberal arts degree combining performance, theory, and academic study. It’s ideal for students seeking broad musical training with room to explore other disciplines.
The Music Performance (BM) is a professional degree focusing on performance in jazz, winds, percussion, strings, voice, or keyboard. It offers intensive applied study and ensemble experience.
The Music Education (BM) is Wyoming’s only accredited K–12 music teacher preparation program. This degree offers hands-on training in instrumental, vocal, and general music education. Additionally, students can also choose a concentration in Music Industry Studies. This concentration is designed to support popular music makers, entrepreneurs, and recording studio engineers with the most in-demand skills in the music industry.
THEATRE & DANCE
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers a one-of-a-kind, elevated experience. As Wyoming’s only four-year theatre and dance training program, we are a dynamic, undergraduate-only community focused on bold, creative futures. We’re reimagining our curriculum to align student interests with professional preparation for careers in, around, and beyond the performing arts.
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Dance offers flexible, well-rounded training through tracks in Dance and Theatre. Designed for students seeking a broader liberal arts experience, the program emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students build a strong foundation in performance, production, and theory, while also having the freedom to explore interdisciplinary interests.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre & Dance offers focused training in Acting, Dance, Dance Science, Design & Production Management, and Musical Theatre. This pre-professional degree program combines intensive performance and technical experiences with hands-on opportunities in mainstage productions, student projects, and workshops.
AMERICAN CULTURAL STUDIES
The Department of American Cultural Studies at UW is an interdisciplinary hub for collaborative, creative, and transformative teaching, research, and community engagement. Our courses explore how identity, power, and community shape our world through the study of race, gender, sexuality, social justice, history, art, literature, politics, and popular culture.
Students gain the critical tools needed to think deeply, communicate effectively, and act meaningfully to foster social change. We empower students to pursue personalized academic paths through flexible major and minor programs, public scholarships, and internships.
Our students are prepared for dynamic careers in law, public health, education, journalism, public administration, socially engaged business, medicine, traditional and social media, marketing, non-profit advocacy, and the creative arts, among many others.
No matter your area of interest, American Cultural Studies offers a welcoming and student-centered space to build a more just and sustainable future.
NELTJE CENTER
The Neltje Center provides a one-of-akind sanctuary for UW students, faculty, and other creatives to unleash their imagination in one of the most scenic areas of Wyoming, nestled near the Bighorns just south of Sheridan.
Writers, painters, and creators of all kinds find inspiration in the surrounding natural beauty and incredible artwork. Many students experience the Neltje Center firsthand through class retreats, and music students even perform concerts in this inspiring setting, turning the center into both a classroom and a stage. It’s a place where students can explore new ideas, collaborate with peers and faculty, and create work that pushes boundaries.
The center is named after Neltje, a renowned painter and philanthropist who, in 2001, founded the Jentel Artist Residency.
To learn more, visit uwyo.edu/as/neltje-center.
LIFE IN LARAMIE
Surrounded by the scenic Snowy and Laramie Mountain ranges, Laramie blends small-town charm with the convenience of urban living. Just steps from campus, students can explore a lively downtown area filled with local shops, cafes, and restaurants. With a lower cost of living than many college towns, Laramie offers affordability alongside a rich student experience.
Major cities like Fort Collins, Denver, and Cheyenne are all within easy driving distance, giving students access to big-city amenities while enjoying the close-knit feel of a smaller community. Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of adventure—state forests, parks, and mountain trails nearby offer yearround activities like hiking, skiing, camping, paddleboarding, and more. The university’s Outdoor Program makes it even easier to explore, offering gear rentals and organizing affordable excursions for students.
Learn more about Laramie and all you can do here!
College of Arts & Sciences
1000 E. University Avenue
Dept. 3254
Laramie, WY 82071
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