College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters

The College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters at the University of Michigan-Dearborn prepares students to think critically, create boldly, and make a meaningful impact. Through hands-on research, internships, community partnerships, creative expression, and personalized faculty mentorship, our bachelor's and graduate programs empower students to solve complex challenges, discover new ideas, and shape the future. Whether you aspire to cure cancer, tell impactful stories, shape public policy, explore artificial intelligence, or tackle environmental challenges, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters will help you turn your passion into purpose.

UM-Dearborn professor pointing to a computer screen with a student in a CASL classroom.

Our Majors, Minors, & Certificates

A group of students collaborate in the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, gathered around a participant wearing an EEG cap with electrodes used to measure brain activity. One student points toward a computer monitor while others observe and discuss the experiment, as faculty and additional students look on in the background

Our Master's Programs

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Admissions & Aid

Turn Your Dreams into Practice

Here in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, our students learn by doing. From groundbreaking research and hands-on learning to community partnerships and career preparation, discover the experiences that make a liberal arts and sciences degree from UM-Dearborn stand out.

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Community Outreach

CASL students and faculty are deeply connected to the communities around them. From working with local schools, museums, and nonprofits to partnering with organizations like the Arab American National Museum and leading projects such as the InsideOut Prison exchange, students get to make a difference in Dearborn and Southeast Michigan, while building valuable professional skills.

Three students work together at an archaeological dig, carefully brushing and excavating soil inside a marked trench while tools and buckets sit nearby.

Practice-Based Learning

At CASL, learning goes beyond the classroom. Students gain hands-on experience through opportunities like assisting with cold case investigations alongside the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, participating in archaeological digs at River Raisin, conducting cancer research in faculty labs, and using brain cap technology to explore psychology and human behavior. We currently have nearly 350 courses that include PBL practices.

Students work together on chemistry project

Research With Faculty

Students at CASL do not have to wait until graduate school to do meaningful research. They work alongside faculty on projects in the sciences, social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities, mathematics, and the arts — from air quality and happiness studies to microbiology, AI, economics, archaeology, and public history.

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Career Development

CASL prepares students for what comes next by connecting academics with real-world experiences. Through internships, career panels, alumni networking, faculty mentoring, and events like CASL Career Day, students build the confidence, skills, and connections they need to launch successful careers.

students in a math class work together on solving equations with laptop

Liberal Arts in the Age of AI

In a rapidly changing world, CASL students learn the human skills that matter most. Critical thinking, communication, creativity, ethical decision-making, adaptability, and problem-solving are paired with emerging technologies like AI to prepare students to lead in any industry.

Dean Dagmar Budikova

Welcome to the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL). As the Dean, I am thrilled to lead this dynamic community of students, scholars, educators, and staff, all committed to fostering excellence in education, innovation, and discovery. Our diverse team is dedicated to igniting intellectual curiosity, nurturing creativity, advancing scholarship, and ultimately enhancing the educational journey of our students at all academic levels. Our culture is grounded on the principles of inclusivity, respect, and the creation of welcoming environments that uplift everyone – faculty, staff, and students alike.

Read Dean Budikova's Message

Rankings & Recognition

Gold and blue U.S. News & World Report badge reading: “Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report, Undergraduate Psychology, 2026.”

U.S. News & World Report ranked CASL's undergraduate Psychology program fourth among public universities in the state for 2026.

CASL is home to science programs recognized by leading professional organizations. Our Chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), and the Biochemistry program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).

Our Actuarial Mathematics program is recognized as a Bronze Level program by the Casualty Actuarial Society for academic quality and demonstration of commitment to preparing future property and casualty actuaries for the profession.

By becoming part of the CASL community, your time at UM-Dearborn will be life-changing and unforgettable.

Dagmar Budikova

Dean of CASL & Professor of Geography

The Look to Michigan Campaign advances student success, faculty excellence, holistic growth, and sustainability. In CASL, we’re preparing future difference-makers through an accessible, inclusive education that builds thriving communities on campus and beyond. Your support drives what’s next.

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