- Welcome
- Office of the Dean
- Departments & Programs
- Faculty & Staff
- Graduate Programs
- Institutes & Centers
- Student Opportunities
- News & Events

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
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
Shafer, Cindy
Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs
Trick, Kim
Associate Professor; Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs
937-229-2604
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
Donahue, Maura
Director, Budget and Operations
937-229-2176
Emley, Cathy
Senior Administrative Assistant to the Director, Budget and Operations
937-229-2176
Speed, Jennifer
Coordinator of Grants & Funding
937-229-2669
Timko, Katie
Graphic Designer & Web Content Editor
937-229-3742
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 Global Languages and Cultures
- 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 Interdisciplinary Studies
- Graduate Programs in Mathematics
- Graduate Programs in Music
- Graduate Programs in Psychology
- Master of Public Administration
- Graduate Programs in Religious Studies
Certificates

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. Learn more >>
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. Learn more >>

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. A listing of just some of our student opportunities are available from the link at right.
For More Information
News & Events
Read about College events.
The College of Arts and Sciences is at the center of a diverse community that is the University of Dayton. Our events and activities enhance the academic experience for students, faculty and staff and allow many opportunities to enhance professional and personal growth.
A Uniter
03.14.2013 | Catholic, Culture and Society, FacultyTheologian Ramon Luzarraga believes Pope Francis may have the ability to put scandal behind the Catholic church. He did it in Argentina. More
LitFest 2013
03.12.2013 | Culture and Society, Campus and CommunityThe university's bi-annual literary festival returns this spring with writing workshops, a poetry slam and public readings from renowned authors. More
Healthcare Symposium
03.07.2013 | Campus and Community, HealthThe new federal healthcare law and controversies in preventive medicine are the focus of this year's healthcare symposium March 23. More
Building Bridges
03.06.2013 | Faculty, Catholic, Hot TopicsUniversity of Dayton Professor of Faith and Culture Miguel Diaz writes about the challenges facing the next Pope in this piece for America Magazine. More
