College Spotlight: Arts & Humanities

By Becs Smith, Class of 2021Becs Smith

Welcome to the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH)! Our college focuses on inclusivity, forward thinking, and creativity. Specifically, we have 22 undergraduate programs, 12 graduate programs, and 38 undergraduate minors within our eight departments.

“We train students to figure things out and to lead, and that’s what we’re seeing during this very difficult time, that the students who have these skills are actually doing quite well,” says Dr. Jen Bacon, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “Our students are solving the challenges they face each day, and they are creating new ways to share information and new kinds of stories to tell.”

Here is an overview of the eight CAH departments: 

 Art + Design

 Focus your inspiration into creating a masterpiece. 

Some degree programs are Graphic + Interactive Design, Studio Arts, and Art History.

 

 Communication and Media

 Find how you want to be heard. 

Communication Studies students have the opportunity to participate in the study abroad program in Ireland! This program is typically available in the first summer semester session.

 

 English

 Stimulate your imagination and enrich your understanding of words and texts.

The English Department is affiliated with the WCU Poetry Center, the University Writing Center, and the Frederick Douglass Institute.

 

 History

 Problem-solve about the past and let those experiences take you toward your future.

There are opportunities for many local internships in the West Chester Borough!

 

 Languages and Cultures

 Open up a whole new world!

Our wide array of languages includes: American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.

 

 Philosophy

 Discover the answers to the big question: “Why?”

The department offers different majors and minors in Religious Studies, Peace and Conflicts, and an Applied Ethics.

 

 Theatre and Dance

 Tell your story on and off stage.

There are different minors in Musical Theatre, Design and Production, Acting, and Dance.

 

 Women’s and Gender Studies

 Experience a new and inclusive way of thinking.

Internships are available in the Crime Victims Center of Chester County, Planned Parenthood, and WCU Center for Women’s and Gender Equity.

 

 

All of the CAH departments are incredible, and you don’t have to pick just one. Pick a class! Pick a minor! Pick a major! The College of Arts and Humanities will welcome you with open arms. We offer art galleries, performed readings, talks with distinguished authors, and more. Our mission in the College of Arts and Humanities is to help understand the human story, no matter whose story it is.

RAMS UP!

Becs Smith is finishing their degree in Theatre with a concentration in Design, Tech, and Management and a minor in Women's Studies. Smith has been a part of the College of Arts and Humanities Ambassador program for the past three years and has worked closely with the dean and other faculty. They are devoted to making the College of Arts and Humanities a welcoming place virtually and in person. 

 Is there something you would like to learn about that you think should be featured? Send us an email with your ideas. You can also share our blog by using the share to Facebook, Twitter, and email buttons on the left hand side of this page.

Back to top of page.