Dean College Transforms School of Liberal Arts into School of Arts and Sciences

In a significant step towards modernizing its academic offerings, Dean College has officially renamed its School of Liberal Arts to the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This change aims to better represent the institution's expanding focus on science-related disciplines while maintaining its commitment to a comprehensive liberal arts education.

Scott Sibley, the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Dean College, emphasized that this transition underscores the crucial role that science plays within the liberal arts framework. The College is dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded education that includes robust programs in both the humanities and various scientific fields. “We remain deeply committed to the foundation of a liberal arts education,” Sibley stated, highlighting the importance of integrating science into the curriculum.

The newly minted School of Liberal Arts and Sciences accommodates an array of programs spanning the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural and health sciences. Among the various majors offered are Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, English, History, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Neuroscience, Exercise Science, and Public Health.

In response to the evolving demands of the job market and the interests of its students, Dean College has recently broadened its undergraduate offerings to include neuroscience and public health. This expansion coincides with national trends indicating rapid growth in neuroscience, which is increasingly vital in medicine and technology, as well as a strong projected job growth in public health infrastructure, including roles in epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health.

Moreover, Dean College has introduced specialized tracks and pre-professional pathways for students pursuing degrees in biology, psychology, and public health. These new academic paths feature options such as Pre-Med, Pre-Veterinary, Pre-Dental, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant, and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Brad Hastings, the Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, emphasized that these additions are designed to position graduates for successful careers in healthcare, education, research, and the human services sector. “Our goal is to empower students to lead with purpose and contribute to tangible solutions within their communities and beyond,” he shared.

With recent investments in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for scientific education, Dean College is poised to revolutionize how it prepares students for their future careers. This renaming is not just a change in title; it is a reflection of Dean College’s commitment to delivering a robust and relevant educational experience that adapts to the needs and interests of students.

To explore more about Dean College's diverse academic offerings, prospective students and interested parties are encouraged to visit Dean College's academic programs website. Established as a private residential New England college over 160 years ago, Dean College continues to create a unique supportive environment, fostering academic success and personal growth for all its students, embodying what is known as The Dean Difference.