College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) at Bradley offers a diverse range of academic programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and computational sciences. With small class sizes, hands-on learning experiences, and dedicated faculty mentorship, LAS provides an enriching education that prepares you for graduate school, research opportunities, and career success. Whether you’re exploring new ideas or building specialized expertise, our programs foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning to help you thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

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College Resources

Lecture Series

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Bradley University is home to over 130 full-time faculty members, many of whom enjoy national and even international reputations. Established in 2012, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Lecture Series provides an excellent venue to highlight and to celebrate our talented professors’ outstanding scholarly and creative work. This lecture series also creates a regular and exciting opportunity to disseminate scholarly knowledge and creative insights within and beyond the Bradley University community.

Additionally, it consistently sparks new ideas, forges fruitful collaborations, and promotes continuing inquiry and dialogue on a range of compelling issues in the humanities, social sciences, and natural and computational sciences. As a result, the lecture series underscores the enduring and transformative value of the liberal arts and sciences.

First-year Seminars

First-Year Seminars build valuable academic skills as you study interesting topics with faculty and 14 of your newest friends. These courses, offered to students whose majors are part of Bradley’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, are intentionally small so you can build relationships with classmates and professors.

Seminars explore deeper questions such as: “Why are we here?” “How do we live well?” and “What does Instagram say about my identity?” As you ask these questions, you challenge yourself to become a better learner. Research, writing and presentations open your eyes to new perspectives, strengthen your critical thinking skills, enhance your communication abilities and show you how topics connect to the world around you.

During summer orientation, talk to a student aide or adviser before you register for fall classes. They can guide you to a seminar that will fit your interests.

Course-Embedded Microcredentials

Professional Pathways is an innovative, high-impact practice that bundles groups of approved credit courses into microcredentials to verify mastery of specific, industry-based skills.

Bradley University undergraduate and graduate students can accumulate the embedded microcredentials while working toward their degrees and use the resulting digital badges to showcase the granular knowledge and in-demand skills that set them apart in today’s job market.

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Centers and Institutes

The Center for STEM Education

Advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
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Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service

Supporting and producing outstanding public service leaders.
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Global Scholars Program

In a globalized world, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Global Scholars Program offers you an opportunity to gain a background in global studies and cross-cultural knowledge. The program blends foreign languages, study abroad and select general education courses that expose you to global and cultural forces. It’s a springboard of information, ideas and skills critical in a competitive job market.

Why Become a Global Scholar?

The Global Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for College of Liberal Arts and Sciences majors to be exposed to a broad spectrum of global and cultural forces. It’s designed to encourage you to be involved in global affairs, and it’s a valuable springboard if you want to pursue future international opportunities. The program accomplishes this by introducing a global perspective to your general education courses in several disciplines.

You will earn a “Global Scholar” designation after completing requirements. The designation is recognized three ways:

Formal recognition by the dean of the college
Citation at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors Day Ceremony
Identification, through an exclusive logo, on your official university transcript and resume

Requirements

World Languages – 0-8 hrs.

LAS Global Scholars students must complete at least two semesters of college-level foreign language study or its equivalent. This requirement may be met in several ways:

Completion of a two-semester sequence (101-102) or higher.
Transfer of similar credits from another institution.
By proficiency examination (AP or CLEP).
Note: If you place into a level above 102, only one course is necessary.

Coursework – 10 hrs.

LAS 125: Global Topics – 1 hr.
Bradley Core Curriculum (BCC) World Cultures category – 3 hrs.
BCC Global Systems category – 3 hrs.

The third 3-credit hour course can also be from the World Cultures or Global Systems categories or from one of the following natural science courses:

BIO 300: Population, Resources and Environment
CHM 102: Chemistry and Civilization
GES 300: Oceanography: The Human Perspective

Note: Only 3 credit hours can be from your major.

Study Abroad – 3 hrs.

Studying abroad gives you a deeper understanding of the institutions, history and languages of other societies and cultures. Bradley provides a variety of study abroad options throughout the year at institutions in 18 countries. Visit the Study Abroad website for more information.

Capstone – 3 hrs.

You have three options to complete this requirement:

Completion of an independent study course on a global-themed topic.
Completion of ENG 304: Advanced Writing – Research in Individual Discipline on a global-themed topic.
Completion of a capstone course on a global-themed topic.

You must earn a “B” or better in the capstone course. Capstone application form must be completed.

Note: You must maintain at least a 3.0 overall GPA at Bradley in order to graduate as an LAS Global Scholar.

Student Organizations

Connect with fellow Braves from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and from around campus!
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Departments

Explore our diverse academic departments that offer the skills and knowledge to help you thrive in the business world.

Biology Department

Study the basics of life and build a profession in a specality that aligns with your passions

Chemistry & Biochemistry Department

Bridge your understanding between applied science and the world around you

Computer Science & Information Systems Department

Power the growing digital space with your own skills

English Department

Become a critical thinker, educator, versatile writer and more

History Department

Learn from the past to help make change in the future

Mathematics Department

Study math for its intrinsic beauty as well as for its ability to give insight into real-life problems.

Physics Department

Explores how the laws of nature affect the world around us

Political Science & International Studies Department

Build a foundation for a strong step towards the legal field

Psychology Department

Study interpersonal relationships, group dynamics and human behavior

Sociology, Criminology & Social Work Department

Pursue a profession in criminal justice, public service or legal studies

World Languages & Cultures Department

Dive into vibrant global communities and build your linguistics skills

College News

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College of Liberal Arts & Sciences