As a nationally known research institution, Mississippi State University provides limitless possibilities for students. Since MSU’s beginning in 1878, every accomplishment, every breakthrough, every idea—great or small—has been fueled by an unwavering determination to make a difference.

The College of Arts & Sciences is grounded in a comprehensive set of educational options encompassing groundbreaking research in an environment that embraces intellectual and creative freedom. We are transforming and empowering local, state, and global communities by engaging new technologies, finding new ways to solve complex problems, and collaborating with scholars and experts in every field.

Our college includes more than 5,000 students, 323 full-time faculty members, nine doctoral programs, 14 master’s programs, and 27 undergraduate academic majors offered in 14 departments. It is home to the most diverse units for research and scholarly activities, including natural and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities.

MSU is classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a “Very High Research Activity” doctoral university, the highest level of research activity in the country. MSU is one of only 146 schools to hold the designation. Departments within the College of Arts & Sciences benefit from the prestigious distinction by recruiting the nation’s top researchers and faculty members who bring to our college dedicated teaching and research opportunities for our students.

The College of Arts & Sciences prepares students to be leaders in whatever career they choose by imparting the skills of creative and collaborative thinking and communication essential to navigating the enormous challenges the world faces today. With our emphasis on approaching problems from a range of perspectives, our students, faculty, and staff seek out new solutions to big problems, develop ideas to make the lives of our neighbors better, and inspire others to do the same. A degree in the College of Arts & Sciences provides students with an educational experience that uniquely prepares them for their career of choice and a life filled with learning, growth, and change.

Dating back to the ancient Romans, a comprehensive education focused on logic, rhetoric and grammar—all focused on thinking and discussion. Aristotle said the idea of being a citizen meant someone who was informed about many issues—all with the goal of creating a well-rounded scholar. The college provides this pedagogical model preparing our students for the future—by doing so, we are Taking Care of What Matters!