- Welcome
- Office of the Dean
- Departments & Programs
- Faculty & Staff
- Graduate Programs
- Institutes & Centers
- Student Opportunities
Welcome to the College of Arts & Sciences
We bring the strengths of the small liberal arts college into the context of a large comprehensive university. Our students experience a curriculum devoted to combining theory and practice, and find themselves on the path to post-graduate success. Potential employers value the UD commitment to educating the whole person, while graduate and professional schools find our students well-prepared to meet the challenges of post-graduate education. The College fosters an environment marked by connected learning, and sends forth broadly-educated students, thoroughly prepared for their future endeavors.
Office of the Dean
The Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is located on the first floor of O'Reilly Hall. It is across the Central Mall from Kennedy Union and is close to several residence halls. Those who administer to the college - the dean, associate deans and assistant deans - are a diverse group of faculty from departments across the College. In addition to their administrative efforts, they are often actively involved in research and scholarship. Learn about faculty research >>
Dean
Benson, Paul H.
Professor; Dean
937-229-2601
Associate Deans
Brown, Mary J.
Associate Dean for Financial, Information, and Data Analysis
937-229-2176
Pair, Donald
Professor; Associate Dean for Integrated Learning and Curriculum
937-229-2602
Polzella, Donald J
Professor; Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Graduate Programs
937-229-2602
Assistant Deans
Erdei, John
Associate Professor; Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs
937-229-2604
Huff, Ricki
Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs
937-229-2603
Wilbers, Tim
Associate Professor; Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs
937-229-2603
Administrative Support Staff
Alexander, Amanda
Administrative Assistant for Student Academic Affairs
937-229-2603
Babal, Tracy
Administrative Assistant for Student Academic Affairs
937-229-2604
Braner, Peggy
Assistant to the Dean
937-229-2601
Brennan, Colleen
Senior Administrative Assistant to the Associate Deans for Integrated Learning & Curriculum
and for Faculty Development & Graduate Programs
937-229-2602
Emley, Cathy
Senior Administrative Assistant to the Associate Dean for Financial, Information, and Data Analysis
937-229-2176
Witherspoon, Aaron
Academic Success Specialist, College of Arts and Sciences
937-229-3634
Departments & Programs
As the largest academic unit at UD, we offer more than fifty undergraduate and graduate degree programs. We also maintain an extensive continuing education unit that supports lifelong learning. While we are able to provide a wide range of programming in the arts, the humanities, the sciences and the social sciences, our educational philosophy continues to focus on personal attention and close faculty-student interaction.
Our Departments
- Department of Biology
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Communication
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of English
- Department of Geology
- Department of History
- Department of Languages
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Military Science (ROTC)
- Department of Music
- Department of Philosophy
- Department of Physics
- Department of Political Science
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Religious Studies
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
- Department of Visual Arts
Our Programs
Faculty & Staff
Faculty members of the College of Arts and Sciences demonstrate connected learning and scholarship by integrating teaching, research, and service. They engage students from across the University in this process through traditional and innovative approaches to learning.
Our administrative staff is well-prepared to assist with both student and faculty needs such as academic department administration, program coordination, laboratory management, technical support, and more.
Office of the Dean
Departments & Programs, A - L
- American Studies Program
- Department of Biology
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Communication
- Department of Computer Science
- Core Program
- Criminal Justice Studies Program
- Department of English
- Department of Geology
- Department of History
- Human Rights Studies Program
- International Studies Program
- Department of Languages
Departments & Programs, M - W
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Military Science (ROTC)
- Department of Music
- Department of Philosophy
- Department of Physics
- Department of Political Science
- Prelaw Program
- Premedical and Predental Studies Program
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Religious Studies
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
- Theatre Program
- Department of Visual Arts
- Women's and Gender Studies Program
Graduate Programs
The College of Arts and Sciences offers graduate programs leading to a doctoral degrees in biology and theology. The College, through the Department of Physics, also collaborates with the School of Engineering to offer an interdisciplinary program leading to a doctoral degree in electro-optics. A doctorate in theology is offered by the Department of Religious Studies.Master's degree programs are offered in a number of areas, including biology, communication, computer science, chemistry, English, mathematics, psychology, public administration, and religious studies. Several departments offer multiple programs at the master's level. The Department of Communication offers both communication and communication/interdisciplinary programs. The Department of Psychology offers programs in clinical psychology, experimental/human factors psychology, and general psychology. The Department of Religious Studies offers M.A. programs in theological studies and pastoral ministry. The Master of Public Administration program is offered by the Department of Political Science.
The College works in collaboration with the School of Education and Allied Professions on two graduate degrees. The Department of English offers a Master of Arts in English with a teaching track. The Department of Music offers graduate music coursework for the Master of Science in Education degree (music education concentration).
Graduate assistantships are available in all programs, and full-time students have the opportunity to apply for summer support through a grant program administered by the University Graduate Council.
Our Graduate Programs
- Graduate Programs in Biology
- Graduate Programs in Chemistry
- Graduate Programs in Communication
- Graduate Programs in Computer Science
- Graduate Programs in Electro-Optics
- Graduate Programs in English
- Graduate Programs in Mathematics
- Graduate Programs in Music
- Graduate Programs in Psychology
- Master of Public Administration
- Graduate Programs in Religious Studies
Institutes & Centers
The institutes and centers of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Dayton provide cutting-edge technology, connect the campus with social justice issues and service opportunities, and prepare students for Catholic ministry in a variety of ways.
Fitz Center for Leadership in Community
With the leadership of the Fitz Center, students and faculty partner with urban neighborhoods to build relationships and communities, solve issues, and engage in connected learning and scholarship.
Learn more >>
Institute for Pastoral Initiatives
The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives uses the resources of the University for partnerships with the Catholic Church to create and implement programs that meet the needs of the Church. These goals are achieved through research, education, consulting, the presentation of forums, and many other resources for diocesan and lay ecclesial leaders. Visit the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (www) >>
TREND - Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton
TREND aims to understand the basic biology of how damaged tissues and organs can regenerate. The center is committed to interactions with prominent scientists in the field, by inviting them to campus and by establishing the Emerging Technology Forum, for active discussions of new ideas. The center's focus areas include research collaboration, advanced academic and research training, and technology transfer. Visit the Center for Tissue Regeneration & Engineering at Dayton (TREND) (www) >>
Student Opportunities
The college experience extends well beyond the classroom at the University of Dayton. New students soon discover that opportunities are boundless. We recognize your vast potential, and therefore provide outlets for every student's interests and talents, be they in technology, the arts, research, service, writing, performance ... we have the resources to help you flourish.
At the University of Dayton, our learning is not limited to the classroom. Your academic study is enriched by a wealth of opportunities. Take advantage of them.
We invite you to visit your academic program for program-specific opportunities. Below is a list of opportunities for students of any major.
Annual Horvath Exhibition: This annual art show is open to students of all majors. More >>
Annual Humanities Symposium: A student symposium with a Humanities Based Theme. More >>
Chaminade Scholars: This program challenges honors students of any major to explore theologically the reality of their calling. More >>
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS): This graduate program is open to eligible students all majors with an interest in GIS. More >>
Healing Hearts: A health-related service club open to students of any major. More >>
Humanities Base Writing Contest: This annual undergraduate student writing content is open to students of any major. More >>
Internships, Co-ops and Other Related Opportunities: Gain hands-on learning experiences, with the aid of Career Services and academic departments. More >>
Learn, Lead and Serve Program: Students of any major can apply for sponsorship of research projects. More >>
Performing Arts: Enrich any undergraduate major with performing arts activities. More >>
Rescue Squad: This student volunteer squad serves the UD community 24/7. More >>
SEE Initiative: The Sustainability, Energy and the Environment Initiative. More >>
Semester of Service: Students take a semester or summer off to experience 450 hours of service in the Dayton community. More >>
Service Learning: Service is one of the foundations of UD’s Marianist tradition. More >>
Stander Symposium: Students of all undergraduate and graduate programs are encouraged to present research. More >>
Study Abroad: Students may enrich their UD experience with study in a variety of international settings. More >>
Women's Center: A resource for the entire campus community that is dedicated to promoting gender justice and enhancing the campus climate for women and men. More >>
