Welcome to the College of Arts and Sciences at West Chester University! The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the largest college at WCU, enrolling nearly 4,000 undergraduates and over 600 graduate students in a wide variety of degree programs in the humanities and sciences. CAS houses 13 departments including Anthropology & Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Communication Studies, Computer Science, English, Geology & Astronomy, History, Languages & Cultures, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, and Psychology. In addition, we offer a number of unique interdisciplinary programs of study including Pharmaceutical Product Development, Pre-Medicine, Liberal Studies, Women's Studies, Latin American Studies, and Holocaust & Genocide Studies. The college also houses the university Writing Center, the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project, the Poetry Center, and the English as a Second Language Program.

CAS programs prepare students for their future professions as well as for advanced study. The programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences provide students with the analytical and communication skills necessary for every profession. Our students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and respond thoughtfully to diversity. Members of our faculty work closely with students, allowing them to practice and perfect presentation and writing skills, which will serve them well in all occupations. Through our general education programs, students develop an appreciation for the complexity of the issues that they will face both in the workplace and in our rapidly changing world.

One thing that was critically important in my own undergraduate college experience was the opportunity to work closely with a professor on a research project. It was this experience that changed my life, igniting the passion for my discipline that eventually led me to graduate school and to a career in academia. In the CAS, there are ample opportunities like this. Exciting undergraduate research projects are available across many disciplines including psychology, chemistry, biology, anthropology, sociology, geology, environmental science, ancient biomaterials, and physics. Many professors at WCU are eminent scholars who have published work that is recognized both nationally and internationally. Importantly, our professors are universally committed to student success. Therefore, these scholars routinely include students in the exciting work of their disciplines. They open up new worlds for students by providing unique opportunities through undergraduate research projects. Our professors, therefore, serve not only as teachers, scholars, and advisors, but also as mentors. They challenge students to go beyond themselves - to achieve more than they thought possible - to be the best that they can be.

I invite you to learn more about our programs and the opportunities that we offer by exploring our website. I hope that you will contact us with your questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lori A. Vermeulen
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Chemistry

lvermeulen@wcupa.edu