Think Critically
By curating their educational experience through intentional course selection, students in CAS learn to think critically.
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College of
Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota is home to departments, programs, centers and institutes that span the arts, natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences and humanities. The College provides an outstanding liberal arts education that prepares students for successful careers and lives of purpose.
Mission
Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the mission of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas is to engage students in an exceptional liberal arts education that prepares them to be reflective individuals, responsible citizens, and thoughtful professionals committed to the common good. We consider the cultivation of belonging to be essential to academic excellence and vital for the holistic development and advancement of all who live, learn, and work in our community.
CAS Strategic Plan
In August 2024, the College of Arts and Sciences began the process of developing a strategic plan through meaningful stakeholder engagement. We sought to set clear priorities and ambitious — yet achievable — goals, culminating in a plan that articulates a compelling 5-10 year vision for the college.
The Heart of the University
The College of Arts and Sciences serves the mission of the University. In addition to educating our own majors, we teach the core curriculum that every St. Thomas undergraduate experiences, fostering the broad knowledge, critical thinking, and ethical reflection that unite students across disciplines. With almost 200 major and minor programs, plus graduate offerings, the College is ALL FOR advancing the common good in the arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics and the natural sciences.
College Foundations
Act Wisely
By cultivating development of character through engagement with wisdom traditions and ethical questions both in and beyond the classroom, students in CAS learn to act wisely.
Work Skillfully
Through interdisciplinary learning and experiences that bridge cultures, faiths, and perspectives, students in CAS learn to work skillfully to advance the common good.
CAS: Changing All Students
Get a sense of how the College of Arts & Sciences uses a blend of disciplines (including history, math, sciences, music, film, creative enterprise, economics, ethics, English, modern & classical languages, theology, and philosophy) to Change All Students.
College of Arts & Sciences Events
Quick Facts
The liberal arts program at the University of St. Thomas was established in 1894. It became an independent college after Archbishop John Ireland received a gift from railroad tycoon James J. Hill, allowing the liberal arts college to separate from the seminary. Other facts about the College include:
10
Centers and Institutes
93%
of CAS graduates have jobs or go to graduate school within 8 months of completing their undergradute degree.
250
Faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences
21
Academic Departments
96
Majors and Certificates
80
Minors to choose from
College of Arts & Sciences News
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Irish Poet Mark Roper Receives 31st O'Shaughnessy Award
The Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas announced Mark Roper as the 31st recipient of the Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Award for Poetry. Roper's award will be celebrated at a reading during the Dublin Book Festival on Nov. 5, which is presented in partnership with Poetry Ireland. Born in Derbyshire, England, in 1951,… The post Irish Poet Mark Roper Receives 31st O'Shaughnessy Award appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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In Our Prayers: Thomas Sullivan
The University of St. Thomas community mourns the passing of Thomas “Tom” Dennis Sullivan, a beloved professor of philosophy, distinguished scholar and dedicated teacher whose contributions to the university spanned 45 years. Sullivan passed away on Oct. 26, 2026. He was 88 years old. A deeply respected member of the St. Thomas faculty, Sullivan was… The post In Our Prayers: Thomas Sullivan appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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Arthur Brooks on Finding Happiness and Meaning in a Distracted World
Success doesn't always bring happiness. But bestselling author and scholar Arthur Brooks, who studies the science of happiness, says understanding happiness requires looking beyond how we feel at any given moment. "Happiness isn't a feeling any more than the smell of turkey is Thanksgiving dinner," Brooks said. "The smell of the turkey is evidence of… The post Arthur Brooks on Finding Happiness and Meaning in a Distracted World appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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Mike Klein’s ‘Littorally’ Exhibit Explores Relationship With Water
When University of St. Thomas Professor Mike Klein ’90, ’98 MA, ’09 EdD lost his father to cancer in 2001, he turned to building a cedar-strip canoe to process his grief. But when the unfinished canoe cracked during storage, Klein abandoned his plans to take it onto the water. Nearly 25 years later, the canoe… The post Mike Klein’s ‘Littorally’ Exhibit Explores Relationship With Water appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.