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College of Arts & Sciences

Dean Marcus Davis

Associate Dean Jonathan Beagle

Associate Dean Lisa Muftic

Programs of Study

The College of Arts and Sciences supports students and the broader University through three key goals:

  1. Offering major and minor programs that prepare students for meaningful careers and provide a strong foundation in critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills across a range of academic disciplines.

  2. Delivering courses that fulfill the University's general education requirements, reflecting both the College's founding mission and the strengths of its faculty.

  3. Providing essential coursework for its own students, foundational classes for Business and Engineering majors, and enriching electives for students across all disciplines.

In doing so, the College of Arts and Sciences plays a central role in advancing Western New England University's mission of integrating professional and broad-based education. Through its diverse academic programs and courses, the College ensures that all students benefit from a comprehensive and meaningful educational experience.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a wide range of undergraduate programs leading to either a a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

BA degree programs include majors in American studies, communication, creative writing, economics, elementary education, English, history, integrated studies, international studies, law, liberal studies, political science, psychology, and secondary education in English and history.

BS degree programs are offered in actuarial science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, computer science, cybersecurity, data science and statistics, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, health sciences (including a pre-optometry concentration and a pre-physician's assistant concentration), health studies (including a 3+3 OTD option), information technology, mathematical sciences, psychology (including a 3+3 OTD option), and secondary education in biology, chemistry and mathematics.

Education majors are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Education and lead to teacher certification. The College also offers an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and certificates in chemistry, communication, and Spanish.

To graduate with a bachelor's degree, students must complete:

A minimum of 120 credit hours (some programs may require more);

All major-specific requirements;

All general education requirements, and any College area requirements;

Additional electives chosen in consultation with an academic advisor.

Most students complete general education requirements during their first two years, giving them more flexibility in their final years to focus on their major, pursue a minor, or take part in internships and experiential learning aligned with their career goals.

College-Specific Graduation Requirements

In addition to University-wide requirements, students in the College of Arts and Sciences must also:

  1. Earn at least 120 credit hours of courses (no more than 15 credit hours of ROTC coursework may count toward this total);

  2. Complete all requirements for a declared major;

  3. Fulfill the Writing Intensive (WIC) Requirement, which includes at least six credits: one 200- or 300-level course and one 300- or 400-level course. These courses may also count toward major or general requirements and are approved by the Department of English;

  4. Complete at least 30 credit hours of advanced coursework (courses numbered 300-400), which may include courses in the major and other areas. Note: ROTC courses cannot count as advanced coursework.

Minors

Alongside a major, students may take one or more minors. To declare a minor, students must submit a Request for Change of Academic Program Form to their academic Dean's Office e-mail for approval, no later than the Priority Registration date before their final semester.

To earn a minor, students must:

Successfully complete all required courses for the minor with a minimum GPA of 2.000.

Complete at least two courses (six credits) for the minor at WNE.

For a full list of available minors, please consult the Minors section of the catalog.