Prospective Students

Find Your Future

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Alabama invites you to share an intellectual and creative journey with our dedicated and dynamic faculty.

Earning a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, or Graduate degree from the College of Arts and Sciences will be a defining experience for you and a stepping-stone to your future success. A baccalaureate degree in one of our many undergraduate degree programs, or a masters or doctor of philosophy degree in one of our graduate degree programs, will give you the opportunity to discover and explore your passion, and find your future career. In the years after graduation, Arts and Sciences majors have among the highest rates of employment and the greatest gains in median salary of any major – visit our webpage on the value of an A&S degree for details.

Educational Value

Our programs offer many of the advantages of an expensive private-school education, such as high-quality, engaged research faculty, small class sizes, and individualized attention, at a fraction of the cost of most private schools. And in contrast to many large universities, the majority (79%) of the course hours taught in the College are taught by full-time faculty. This compares very favorably with the average US university, where fewer than one-half of course hours are taught by full-time faculty.

Approximately 250 full-time, research-active, and student-focused faculty members providing individual attention.
24 Undergraduate Majors, 13 Graduate Programs, and nearly 50 Undergraduate Concentrations.
Nearly all Arts and Sciences faculty have the highest degree in their field (Ph.D. or equivalent) and are active researchers or artists.
Small class sizes, with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio university-wide. Many Arts and Sciences programs have even better student-faculty ratios.
A high percentage (79%) of courses in the College are taught by full-time professors.
Over 100 Arts and Sciences College scholarships are available, plus hundreds of University scholarships.
Modern classrooms, laboratories, and computer labs.
Vibrant student organizations in nearly every major.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested in a major in the Arts and Sciences, but shouldn’t I take a more vocational major to find a financially rewarding career?

Because it prepares you for a wide range of careers, the liberal arts education you will receive as an A&S major is one of the best ways to prepare for your career. It is true that a few vocational majors, such as some engineering majors, start at a very high salary. But be careful about how you interpret this, because over time, Arts and Sciences majors tend to see higher rates of salary growth than nearly all vocational majors. This means that after a few years in the workplace, Arts and Sciences majors often catch up or surpass the salaries of more vocationally-oriented majors. Please visit our Value of an A&S Degree page for more details about the career prospects of our majors

How is the College of Arts and Sciences different from the University of South Alabama?

The College of Arts and Sciences is one of nine colleges at the University of South Alabama. Each College is composed of many departments, and these departments offer the various major degree programs. Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse college at the university. Because of its diversity, and because its offerings are at the heart of a modern college education, the College of Arts and Sciences also provides many of the core courses for majors in the other eight colleges.

Do I have to decide on a major before I can be in the College of Arts and Sciences?

No, you can join the College as an undecided major. While you are undecided, the official name of your major will be General Studies, and you will be advised by a professional advisor in the A&S Advising Center. As a General Studies major, you will have the same opportunities to register for classes as other students with a major. A General Studies major is an excellent way to start, because it allows you to find a major that’s the right fit for you while still making progress toward your degree.

Where can I find information to help me choose a major?

Choosing a major is a significant decision. If you are unsure, you can start as a General Studies (undecided) major and still work toward your degree while you take classes and explore different options. Here are some other sources of information to help you find a major:

- You can read about the different departments and major descriptions on the Arts and Sciences website, to see what interests you.

- You can talk with one of our professional advisors in the Arts and Sciences Advising Center. These advisors will know what kind of major might be a good match with your interests and skills. To make an appointment, visit our Advising Center webpage, choose Making Appointment, and then choose “Make an Appointment with Ms. Shylonda Stewart”.

- You can talk to the faculty of any program you are interested in to learn about career options in that major.

- The University of South Alabama Career Center offers a range of career advising and testing to help you pick a major that matches your interests and aptitude.

Can I change my major after I arrive at USA?

Yes, major changes can be made during most of your undergraduate career. However, be advised that frequent major changes can slow down your progress toward your degree, so it’s best to talk about your proposed major change with your academic advisor before making the change

What is a major concentration?

Some majors have concentrations in specific sub-fields related to the major. If your major department offers concentrations, the concentration you choose will make your education more specialized in the concentration area. However, neither your degree title nor your diploma will be affected by your choice of concentration.

What is a minor, and do I have to have a minor?

A minor is additional education in a specific area that is different from your chosen major. Minors exist to insure that all bachelor degree students receive an education that includes both breadth and depth. Most Arts and Sciences majors require a minor. The only exceptions are Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, or Bachelor of Music degrees. Talk with your academic advisor about finding the right minor for you.

Would I have any opportunity to do research as an undergraduate student at USA?

Absolutely. Many of our departments have active research programs that include undergraduate researchers. In addition, USA has an active Undergraduate Research Program that is available to students in all disciplines. Arts and Sciences faculty make research, scholarship, and creative activities an important part of the undergraduate learning experience.

UCUR Program Application

I am attending another college but want to transfer to USA. Will the College of Arts and Sciences accept my courses for transfer credit?

In many cases yes, but to get transfer credit, your transcript must be received and processed by the University. The USA Office of Admissions can help you to find out what course credits may transfer to USA.

How do I apply for scholarships or financial aid at the University of South Alabama?

If you are an incoming freshman, you are automatically considered for a university scholarship upon admission to the university. Many other types of financial aid may be available to you as well, including Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Federal Direct Loans. Please visit the USA Office of Financial Aid for details.

Is there an Honors College available to majors in the Arts and Sciences?

Yes. The University of South Alabama has a thriving Honors College that is open to qualified students in Arts and Sciences. The Honors College combines special courses with small class sizes, top research faculty, and extra-curricular activities. In addition to the Honors College, many Arts and Sciences departments have major-specific clubs or honors societies. Be sure to talk with your faculty advisor about these exciting opportunities.