College of Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Career Services is dedicated to guiding students toward purposeful and impactful career trajectories, beginning at the outset of their academic journey. Through individualized coaching, strategic career planning, and access to an extensive network of employers and alumni, CLA Career Services supports students in aligning their academic interests and personal values with long-term professional goals. From the development of a comprehensive four-year plan to the pursuit of internships and post-graduate opportunities, the office offers tailored, developmental support designed to meet the diverse needs of Liberal Arts students. CLA Career Services fosters a reflective and empowering environment in which students are equipped to articulate their strengths and translate their liberal arts education into meaningful professional success.

Discover the Purdue College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Initiatives, where we are advancing academic excellence and research in response to the evolving demands of the modern world. Our initiatives include the development of ethical frameworks for AI and Big Data, as well as a comprehensive strategic plan focused on transformative scholarship, innovative education, and societal impact. Explore how we are preparing for the future of work and contributing to the advancement of knowledge and critical thought.

The Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts program offers students an opportunity to enrich their education by engaging in transformative texts and exploring critical themes across disciplines. Designed as a 15-credit undergraduate certificate, Cornerstone serves as a "core within a core," complementing any major by enhancing communication, critical thinking, and creative skills. Through a two-semester sequence of courses—SCLA 101 and 102—students delve into foundational texts that have shaped human thought, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and themselves.

Following this, students select from five thematic areas:

• Science and Technology
• Environment and Sustainability
• Healthcare and Medicine
• Business and Management
• Conflict Resolution and Justice

This interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to navigate complex global challenges and excel in diverse professional fields. Recognized nationally as a model for revitalizing the liberal arts in higher education, Cornerstone is a pathway to becoming an innovative and thoughtful leader.​

The innovative Degree in 3 program, enables students to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in three years. This accelerated path allows graduates to enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies a year earlier than traditional programs, providing both time and cost savings. Students can pursue this option with or without Advanced Placement (AP) credits by incorporating summer sessions into their academic schedule. The program maintains the same rigorous academic standards and offers opportunities for internships and study abroad experiences. Degree in 3 is an excellent path for motivated individuals seeking to expedite their education and career trajectory.

The Degree Plus program enables students to earn two bachelor's degrees in four years—one from CLA and another from a different Purdue college—without extending their time or tuition costs. By waiving the CLA core curriculum, Degree Plus students can seamlessly integrate a liberal arts education with disciplines like business, science, or technology. This dual-degree pathway enhances critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, making graduates more marketable and competitive in diverse career fields.​

College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Graduate Studies offers a diverse and collaborative environment for advanced academic pursuits. With programs spanning disciplines:

• Department of Anthropology
• Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance
• Brian Lamb School of Communication
• Department of English
• Department of History
• School of Interdisciplinary Studies
• School of Languages and Cultures
• Department of Philosophy
• Department of Political Science
• Department of Sociology
• Theatre

Providing students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous research and scholarship. Graduate students benefit from a supportive community, access to extensive resources, and the guidance of esteemed faculty members.​

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University showcases the intellectual vitality and scholarly impact of its community through a dynamic array of news and events. Featuring faculty research, student accomplishments, distinguished lectures, and cultural exhibitions, the CLA News & Events page highlights the ongoing contributions of the college to academic discourse and public engagement. This platform serves as a window into the diverse scholarly activities and innovative initiatives shaping the liberal arts at Purdue.

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at Purdue University is committed to advancing knowledge through interdisciplinary research that addresses global challenges. CLA faculty and students engage in cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, including political science, anthropology, linguistics, and more.

The college supports research initiatives and is home to several specialized research centers that contribute to academic excellence. These centers foster innovative research and provide platforms for collaboration and real-world application.

CLA also hosts events like Research Day, organized by the College of Liberal Arts Research Academy (CLARA), to showcase scholarly achievements and foster multidisciplinary collaboration.