College of Liberal Arts
College Overview
The College of Liberal Arts provides students with an education that will prepare them to thrive personally and professionally in a complex and ever-changing world. The twelve departments in the college encompass the fine and performing arts, the humanities, and the social sciences, fields that emphasize:
- critical thinking
- creativity and originality
- high-level oral and written communication
- multiple literacies and cultural competencies
- research skills
- technology fluency and principles for ethical use
- self-discovery and the cultivation of lifelong learning
The College of Liberal Arts gives students the opportunity to build a strategic vision regarding their professional goals. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a variety of careers, and are supported in their endeavors by our nationally- and internationally-recognized faculty. Moreover, College of Liberal Arts students are empowered to impact their families, communities, and the world at large through the application of the values of the liberal arts: the ability to think deeply, to express oneself effectively, to identify and solve problems, and to exercise self-awareness. The College of Liberal Arts prepares students to lead enriched and enlightened lives.
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Policies
Admission
Individual departments and programs in the College of Liberal Arts may set specific requirements to declare and pursue a major, minor, or certificate. Please see each department’s or program's catalog entry for additional information.
Educator Certification
The College of Liberal Arts partners with the College of Education to provide pathways towards teacher certification in certain subject areas. More information is available on the COLA Dean’s website.
First Year Experience (UNIV) Requirement
College of Liberal Arts students are required to complete the First Year Experience requirement by completing a one (1) hour UNIV course (UNIV 1000, 1101, or 1131) or a course within their major department that satisfies the UNIV requirement. Students should consult with their advisors regarding the appropriate class for their degree plan. Additional information is available through the Division of Student Success.
Grade Grievance
College of Liberal Arts students may submit a grade grievance complaint to the COLA Dean’s office if they have first attempted to resolve the matter with their instructor and with the instructor’s department chairperson. Instructions for submitting an Academic Grade Grievance to the Dean of COLA are available on the COLA Dean’s website.
Honors Recognition in Liberal Arts
College of Liberal Arts students may be recognized by inclusion on the Dean’s List or may graduate with Latin honors (summa, magna, cum laude). Students may also combine their COLA degrees with Honors recognition through the Honors College. Please see the Honors College website for more information.
Language Requirement
The College of Liberal Arts requires that students pursuing a BA demonstrate proficiency in a modern or classical language at the first-year college level (1441 and 1442), unless the major degree pursued does not require a modern or classical language. Some degree plans may require more than one year of language study. Students should consult with their academic advisors regarding the language requirement for their major.
Language proficiency may be demonstrated in a variety of ways:
- Successfully complete first-year language (1441 and 1442) at UT Arlington
- Receive the prescribed score on one of the following tests: AP (Advanced Placement), Avant STAMP, CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), or IB (International Baccalaureate)
- Transfer language credits from another institution
- Provide proof of a secondary education in a modern language (as evidenced by a diploma from a high school in which the language is the primary language of instruction)
Students who have earned a Global Seal of Biliteracy certificate or completed an Avant STAMP test within the past two years may also be eligible to receive course credits. Please contact the Department of Modern Languages to learn more.
Scholarships
The College of Liberal Arts offers scholarships for outstanding undergraduate students. Information about these scholarships is available on the COLA Dean’s website. Students should also speak with their advisors about additional scholarships offered through their major departments.
Study Abroad
The College of Liberal Arts offers opportunities for students wishing to study abroad. Please see the Office of International Education for more information.
College of Liberal Arts Graduate student Policies
COLA Graduate Student Success Support
The College of Liberal Arts offers a variety of graduate student support mechanisms and funding opportunities. These programs and awards are designed to encourage research or creative activity that leads to transformative student experiences and successful degree completion.
A competitive Graduate Teaching Assistantship is offered to students applying for one of COLA’s PhD and MFA programs. The Graduate Teaching Assistantship aims to provide graduate students with professional experiences in higher education and financial support so students can fully dedicate themselves to their academic studies.
Eligibility: Applicants must fulfill UTA’s graduate admissions requirements. Additional criteria may be established by the academic departments.
The Dean’s Award for Graduate Success supports graduate student research and creative activity. This award aims to support graduate student research or creative activity.
Eligibility: Applicants must be in good academic standing; students on academic probation are not eligible. Students must be enrolled full-time in a College of Liberal Arts thesis, dissertation, portfolio, or performance graduate program. Students who travel in summer must be enrolled full-time in the preceding spring semester. Doctoral students who have only dissertation hours remaining may enroll in a minimum of 3 credit hours.
Program-specific Policies
Each graduate program in the College of Liberal Arts is governed by a Graduate Studies Committee. Each program’s Graduate Advisor implements the Graduate Studies Committee’s student success strategies, advises graduate students about their degree plans, and maintains student records.
COLA’s academic departments offer discipline-specific assistantship or scholarship opportunities. Availability and requirements vary. Application and eligibility requirements can be found on the academic programs catalog pages.
Partnerships
COLA collaborates with UTA’s Graduate School regarding applicable policies and to make additional academic and professional development as well as funding resources available to its graduate students.