About
Points of Pride
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the academic and cultural core of Illinois State University, providing students the knowledge, skills, experiences, and connections they need to thrive—not just in their first job, but throughout their careers and lives.
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19 schools, departments, and interdisciplinary programs across the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences
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6,300+ students enrolled in 141 degree and certificate programs
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Every first-time student takes at least one CAS course
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20+ countries across six continents where CAS students study abroad
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1,000+ internships completed by CAS students annually
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100+ student organizations directly connected to CAS programs
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$6+ million in scholarships administered, on top of $67+ million in financial aid delivered to CAS students
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$24+ million in external grant funding actively supporting CAS researchers
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93% of graduates are employed within six months
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$53,364 average starting salary for the Class of 2026. $64,559 average early career salary (1-10 years from degree). $85,099 average middle career salary (10-25 years from degree). $102,674 average late career salary (25+ years from degree).
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82,475 alumni living and working in all 50 states and 95 foreign countries
CAS gives students the flexibility and opportunity to create their own path. Through a broad liberal arts education, hands-on experiences, supportive faculty and staff, and connections that extend beyond the classroom, students develop the knowledge and skills to adapt, contribute, and succeed in a rapidly evolving world. Start here and you can go anywhere.
Message from the Dean
Welcome to the College of Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University! Our college is comprised of 19 departments, schools, and interdisciplinary programs. We are the academic heart and hub of Illinois State University, because we are home to the core curriculum that forms the basis for all degree programs. All ISU students take general education courses in our college, and approximately 6,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in our college's numerous degree programs. We offer a wide range of undergraduate majors and minors, graduate certificates, Master's and doctoral degrees, which means that all students can find a home in the College of Arts and Sciences!
The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse college at Illinois State University. It is in our college where the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences converge and blossom. We stand for the values of a liberal arts education, including critical inquiry, analytic thinking, scientific investigation, exchange of ideas, collaboration, and real-world application. A liberal arts education prepares our students to be informed, engaged citizens and leaders, wherever they may reside. The versatile skills that students master in our college prepare them for a lifetime of career opportunities. Ultimately, our objective is to prepare students who will make a difference in the world.
The faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences are expert practitioners who have a passion for both teaching and research. The depth of their expertise is impressive, and they are the reason ISU students are so successful, both on campus and beyond. Our staff in the College of Arts and Sciences is exceptional as well. Staff members make sure that students and faculty have what they need to succeed and make sure that Illinois State University and our college are the best that they can be.
I encourage you to explore our website to find the exciting opportunities available to you as well as the remarkable accomplishments of those who make their academic homes in this College. Many of our more recent achievements are detailed in CASNews. (If you aren’t currently receiving CASNews, contact Matt Wing at mjwing@IllinoisState.edu to subscribe.)
Heather Dillaway
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences