Message from Dean Bob Brinkmann

Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences — your intellectual home on campus. We offer a wide range of majors as well as most of the university's general education curriculum. A liberal arts education is a key foundation of the American higher education system and our approach embraces NIU's values of curiosity and creativity, equity and inclusion, ethics and integrity and service and stewardship.

The college's faculty are among the most accomplished in the nation. They are writers, scientists, artists, and public intellectuals who have been featured by major outlets like CNNPBS NewsHour and New York Times. Most importantly, however, they are gifted teachers who care about your success. The college is also home to fantastic staff who are dedicated to the mission and vision of NIU. Our college community fosters a caring environment that promotes diversity and inclusion. We are here to help you achieve and experience all the great things NIU has to offer.

Undergraduate students can major in one of 34 different undergraduate programs. Our departments and centers create great experiences for students by curating opportunities for undergraduate research, study abroad and a range of other activities including student clubs and interactions with world-renowned intellectuals. We also offer a multitude of minors and certificates. We have great programs that fit an array of interests.

Graduate students in our nationally ranked programs are changing the world by advancing new technologies and finding new ways to understand these difficult times through their research, writing, and creative endeavors. The broad scope of graduate offerings in our college helps to drive our commitment to follow the university's mission to "…empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning…" Our faculty and students often collaborate with regional, national, and international partners to advance discovery and innovation that empowers our students and builds tomorrow's leaders.

Of course, learning does not end with classroom experiences. The DeKalb and greater northern Illinois region provide wonderful settings to examine urban, suburban and rural issues of importance to our society. We also seek to advance an international perspective to better understand our world. Our local, regional and international network creates amazing opportunities for our students to engage on the critical issues of our times.

I can't think of a better time to be a student at NIU. The opportunities here are endless. I encourage you to explore our degree offeringsresearch activities and student experiences. Go Huskies!

Bob Brinkmann
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Smerge Endowed Dean's Chair

Contact Us

Dean's Office
General Information

Phone 815-753-7953
Zulauf Hall 312

Advising
Add/Drop Class, Enroll, Transfer, Withdraw, etc.

Phone 815-753-0114
Zulauf Hall 201

Employment Opportunities