College of Liberal Arts

A degree in the liberal arts is more valued in the job marketplace than ever. Companies and organizations of every type want people who can analyze data, work in creative teams, think critically, interpret messages and communicate ideas. They want contributors who can solve the kinds of problems that can’t be fixed with rote thinking. And that is exactly the kind of person that a degree in one of the liberal arts from UWA can help you become.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

— William Butler Yeats

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Choose the Program That’s Right for You

Turn your passion for reading, creating, writing, researching, human interaction into a professional path with management-level potential. Select from a broad-range of interests, and work closely with expert faculty.

Commitment Leads to Passion

And passion leads to extraordinary opportunities.

Liberal arts degrees provide a holistic and well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Rooted in the belief that knowledge transcends narrow boundaries, liberal arts degrees encompass a diverse array of disciplines. Graduates of liberal arts programs emerge with a deep appreciation for the complexities of the human experience and the world around them, equipping them not only with practical skills but also the ability to engage meaningfully in society, solve complex problems, and contribute to a more interconnected and culturally rich global landscape.

Faculty Spotlight

Drawing inspiration from classic toys like jacks, tinker toys, and even carbon molecules, art professor, Nick Davis, crafts 3D pieces for his do-it-yourself sculpture kits using Blender, a 3D modeling and animation software program he also utilizes for teaching animation on campus. His DIY sculpture kits, known as modular sculptures —a work of art that can be moved, separated, and recombined —are part of a conceptual art project he calls the ‘School of Poetic Living,’ a school of thought designed to encourage creativity and promote imagination.

Our Departments

Department Spotlight: Department of Psychology and Sociology

Whether your passion lies in understanding the human mind, advocating for social justice, or exploring the intersections of both, the Department of Psychology and Sociology at UWA is your gateway to a world of knowledge, discovery, and social impact. Join us in illuminating the complexities of human behavior and society.

Alumni and Student Experiences

“When I attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College one of my bosses told me about the school and how much they had enjoyed their time here. I was originally on the fence about it being such a small town the college is in, but I've grown to love it here and all the opportunities and great people I have met while attending school at UWA. I am a student who did not start in the IMC program originally. I was previously in a major that I thought I wanted to be in until the day I went and toured the IMC department. I have never met a group of professors who were so kind and full of outgoing, bold personalities like myself. I have made a connection with each professor, and I can confidently say that I have learned something unique from each one. I would also like to thank Dr. Amy Jones for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the IMC program, where I truly feel I belong. My favorite part about my major is that you get a chance to truly tap into your creativity and use that to be successful in the real world. I would tell any students who are interested in joining the IMC program to not doubt their decision and that you truly will find out you have endless opportunities down this path. UWA is truly special in the sense that there is somebody for everybody. I am sure you will enjoy your time here with all the fun things that come with going here.”

Mahkayla Young, Ocean Springs, MS, Integrated Marketing Communications

About the College of Liberal Arts

Learn From the Experts

The skills you’ll learn in the College of Liberal Arts — the ability to think critically, to solve complex problems, to communicate effectively — are growing in demand in almost every industry.

COLA Programs and Initiatives

Accreditation

The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees.