College of Arts and Sciences Philosophy and Mission
The College of Arts and Sciences is responsible for the university's commitment to the broad range of knowledge beyond the specific missions of the technical programs within the university. In support of the overall mission of the university, the College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes the applied nature of the disciplines within its scope inside the framework of a liberal education. To support the mission of the university, the College of Arts and Sciences recognizes its responsibility to serve the needs of the whole student.

We recognize that serving the whole student means that the College of Arts and Sciences provides students with critical thinking skills and with a learning environment to help them appreciate the world in which they live. These needs can be met by offering students a balanced education with courses and programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, mathematics, computer science, and communication. In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences sponsors courses that foster openness to new ideas, inquisitiveness, problem-solving skills, and a desire for continued learning. Part of the broader mission of the school is to help students develop a critical perspective on themselves and their work by providing them with an understanding of their own culture as well as an exposure to other cultures and societies.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a curriculum that intends to strengthen and enhance the broad educational development of all Southern Polytechnic State University students. To this end, the school's various departments offer specific courses and also degree programs to meet student needs. In general, students are active participants rather than observers; they are regarded as citizens and guardians of the future as well as potential masters of their disciplines.

Among its specific objectives, the College of Arts and Sciences strives to: 

• Ensure that all Southern Polytechnic State University students attain substantive knowledge and methodological skills in each of its various departments.   • Cultivate throughout the curriculum well-developed skills in synthesis, analysis, problem-solving, and evaluation.   • Strengthen every student's communication skills so that graduates can speak and write effectively.   • Encourage students to engage in independent learning, to pursue intellectual excellence, and to formulate questions and possible solutions about individuals, society, and nature.   • Provide opportunities for students to develop a better understanding of the world's diverse cultural heritage.   • Encourage a careful examination of the effects of technological change on human behavior, society, value systems and ethics. The College of Arts and Sciences offers an associate degree transfer program in General Studies, baccalaureate degree programs in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Technical and Professional Communication and master's degree programs in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Technical and Professional Communication.

Advising for Pre-Health Programs
The College of Arts and Sciences offers the courses needed by students seeking to apply to medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary school.

All of the above health oriented programs, except pharmacy, are predoctoral programs. That is, normally a student earns a baccalaureate degree before matriculation into a doctoral program at the professional school. However, in the case of pharmacy students apply for admission to a professional school after they have satisfied the prerequisite requirements for admission. Students should note that within any one field, different professional schools may vary slightly in their requirements, and thus, the student may want to consult a particular school's admission office.

Students considering any of the aforementioned programs must, from the very beginning, face the reality that admissions are very competitive. In fact, a great majority of students find, by their junior year, that they do not have the grades needed to gain admission to a professional school. This reality leaves many students with the need to consider alternative careers.

Students interested in any of the above programs should note that there are no preprofessional majors per se; for example, a predental student may choose to major in any of the programs offered by the schools of Arts and Sciences, Management, Architecture, or Technology. The choice of majors is wide open provided the student satisfies all requirements of the professional school. In addition, in the process of completing the requirements for the aforementioned programs, the student may also want to satisfy the requirements needed to earn an Associate of Science in General Studies. Students interested in one or more of the aforementioned programs are encouraged to contact the Department Head for Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences.

Advising for Pre-Engineering Program
An advising program for pre-engineering is conducted by the Mathematics Department.