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.

19 schools, departments, and interdisciplinary programs across the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences
6,300+ students enrolled in 141 degree and certificate programs
Every first-time student takes at least one CAS course
20+ countries across six continents where CAS students study abroad
1,000+ internships completed by CAS students annually
100+ student organizations directly connected to CAS programs
$6+ million in scholarships administered, on top of $67+ million in financial aid delivered to CAS students
$24+ million in external grant funding actively supporting CAS researchers
93% of graduates are employed within six months
$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).
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.

You can explore in CAS.

Discover your passion in one or more of our 141 degree programs across undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels, and spanning the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences. We also offer 30 undergraduate minor programs.

Pair majors and minors to combine your interests and create your own unique professional pathway.

Jump-start your graduate or professional degree by enrolling in one of our 15 accelerated programs.

Go global and study abroad in one of 20+ countries across six continents for an immersive educational experience.

Find your favorite places on campus to learn. We have 365+ classrooms, laboratories, student success and experiential learning spaces, art galleries, and more across 14 campus buildings. We’ll be growing soon thanks to Board of Trustees approval of an $84 million Science Complex. Construction is slated to begin in 2027.

You can connect in CAS.

Find your people by networking with 6,300+ students majoring in our academic programs.

Get involved by joining one of the 100+ student organizations directly connected to our programs and disciplines.

Engage with the college’s vast alumni network. Many of our 82,475 alumni regularly return to campus to offer their expertise through residencies, guest lectures, and networking opportunities.

Get to know our supportive faculty and staff, 600+ individuals strong—all dedicated to your success.

You can make an impact in CAS.

Conduct research and engage with groups that advance knowledge and make a positive difference in the world.

Inspire the next generation of learners through one of the college’s 14 teacher education programs.

Learn to think critically, engage with complex problems, communicate across differences, and understand the world better through experiences that will help you make your community a better place.

You can be inspired in CAS.

Discover faculty at the top of their disciplines. With 500+ educators in the college, our faculty represent 42% of the University’s teaching force. Each of them brings unique teaching and research expertise.

Learn from award-winning faculty. CAS has more Distinguished Professors and University Professors—the highest faculty titles achievable at the University—than any other academic college at Illinois State. Our faculty are routinely recognized among the University’s leaders in teaching, research, and service at rates higher than their commensurate representation.

You can gain experience in CAS.

Contribute to groundbreaking discoveries by working alongside accomplished researchers. Our faculty are supported by $24+ million in active external research grants.

Find the internship or student work opportunity that helps launch your career through real-world experience with prospective employers. CAS students completed 1,000+ internships last year.

Get involved in the college’s three patient clinics, providing critical services to patients while you get hands-on experience. Or launch a career in journalism by interning at WGLT, Illinois State’s National Public Radio affiliate and part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

You can prepare for what’s next in CAS.

Graduate career-ready. 93% of CAS graduates are employed within six months. Top employers of CAS graduates include State Farm, COUNTRY Financial, State of Illinois, Chicago Public Schools, OSF HealthCare, AbbVie, CDW, Amazon, and Rivian.

Pursue your degree confident in your future. 96% of new CAS graduates reported that they left Illinois State feeling prepared for their career or graduate school.

Get ready to embark on a career that’s both fulfilling and rewarding. Our alumni earn, on average, $85,390 annually. Graduates of the Class of 2026 recently began their careers with an average starting salary of $53,364. Our graduates earn more on average than Illinois State alumni at-large.

At Illinois State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, you can find your community, discover your purpose, seize opportunities, and build the skills and confidence to shape what comes next. We give you the freedom and support to make your education your own. Whether you’re asking big questions, exploring new possibilities, preparing for a career, or finding a way to make a difference, the College of Arts and Sciences gives you a place to begin—and the knowledge, experiences, and connections to go anywhere. Whatever you want to do, wherever you want to go, whatever comes next, you CAN in CAS. #YouCANinCAS

* Published September 2026. All data from most recent year available.