SLA-Department

School of Liberal Arts

APPLY NOW
red M background

A Unique Liberal Arts Education That Goes Beyond The Textbook.

Marist’s School of Liberal Arts program exposes students to an interdisciplinary academic experience. Through which, they are encouraged to become creative thinkers, skilled writers, and innovative problem solvers. By exploring multiple academic areas, students increase their marketability post-graduation and diversify their thinking for their future and beyond.

 
 
Image of Marist student on lap top.

Future Options and Choices for Undeclared Students (FOCUS)

At Marist, we believe college should be a time for exploration, discovery, and personal growth. That’s why we created the FOCUS program to provide undeclared first-year students with the support, guidance, and mentorship they need to navigate a path to academic and professional success.

FOCUS Program Highlights:

  • A four-credit, year-long course for undeclared students
  • Designed to walk you through the wide range of academic opportunities
  • Helps students explore their passions and future career options that align with their interests
     
Learn More About the FOCUS Program

The Center for Civic Engagement & Leadership

The Center for Civic Engagement & Leadership (CCEL) connects students to their community by providing volunteer opportunities, internships, student employment, and Community-Based-Learning classes. Students engage in local initiatives, developing essential skills that extend beyond the classroom. Faculty utilize the Center's extensive network of community partners to offer students experiential learning opportunities that complement their traditional classroom learning.

Through the Center for Civic Engagement and Leadership, learn how Jessica Hawkins '22 donated hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to the local surrounding community.

Learn More About the Center for Civic Engagement & Leadership

A Distinct Learning Experience For A Dynamic Future

Image of Dr. Tarantello

Inspired to Open Minds and Open Doors

Dr. Tarantello believes the power of mentorship builds lifelong skills—and confidence.

An English literature professor inspired by her own Marist education, Patty believes in the power of curiosity and personal connections. Just as her professors did, she encourages students to think critically, embrace new ideas, and find joy in unexpected discoveries. For Patty, every lesson is a chance to open a new door of possibility. 

Watch Dr. Tarantello's Story
Be Inspired

 

Asset Publisher

Department of World Languages and Culture

Image of Africana Studies icon.

Africana Studies

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
Image of french icon.

French

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
Image of global studies icon.

Global Studies

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon for italian

Italian

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state Red icon in the shape of a scooter for Italy
icon for lation american studies

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon for spanish

Spanish

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
program icon for french education

French Education

Certification
Red outline of a ribbon for the Certificate programs Red icon the shape of New York state
program icon for spanish education

Spanish Education

Certification
Red outline of a ribbon for the Certificate programs Red icon the shape of New York state

Asset Publisher

English Department

Image of Creative Writing icon.

Creative Writing

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
image of icon for english

English

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon for literature

Literature

Minor, Concentration
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red plus sign enclosed in a broken line red box for the Concentration programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon for professional writing

Professional Writing

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon for writing

Writing

Minor, Concentration
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red plus sign enclosed in a broken line red box for the Concentration programs Red icon the shape of New York state
program icon for english education

English Education

Certification
Red outline of a ribbon for the Certificate programs Red icon the shape of New York state
image of applied ai icon

Applied AI

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state

Asset Publisher

History Department

Image of American Studies icon.

American Studies

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
Image of history icon.

History

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
Image of Hudson River Valley Regional Studies icon.

Hudson River Valley Regional Studies

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon for medieval and renaissance studies program

Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
Image of Public History icon

Public History

Concentration
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red plus sign enclosed in a broken line red box for the Concentration programs Red icon the shape of New York state
Image of Social Justice icon

Social Justice

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
program icon for Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
program icon for history education

History Education

Certification
Red outline of a ribbon for the Certificate programs Red icon the shape of New York state

Asset Publisher

Philosophy and Religious Studies Department

Image of catholic studies icon.

Catholic Studies

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
Image of cognitive science icon.

Cognitive Science

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon for jewish studies

Jewish Studies

Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon image for philosophy

Philosophy

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon for religious studies

Religious Studies

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state

Asset Publisher

Political Science Department

icon for political science program

Political Science

Major, Minor
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Solid red circle for the Major programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red icon the shape of New York state

Asset Publisher

Pre-Law and Paralegal Program

Image of Paralegal icon

Paralegal

Certificate
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a ribbon for the Certificate programs Red icon the shape of New York state
icon image of pre-law program

Pre-Law

Program
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red icon the shape of New York state

Asset Publisher

Theatre Program

icon for theatre program

Theatre

Minor, Concentration
Red graduation cap for the Undegraduate programs Red outline of a circle for the Minor programs Red plus sign enclosed in a broken line red box for the Concentration programs Red icon the shape of New York state

Unparalleled Access to American Democracy

Over 30 Marist students participated in the New Hampshire Presidential Primary on a trip led by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, giving students unparalleled access to American democracy. The globally recognized institute is the gold standard in survey research, playing a pivotal role in data analysis. The Marist Poll's New Hampshire primary experience began in 2012 and has taken place annually during each presidential election season, allowing students to immerse themselves in every aspect of the primaries, from media to the candidates.

Long Reach Society Scholarship

The Long Reach Society Scholarship is a transformative opportunity that extends beyond a traditional scholarship program. While many members pursue majors in American Studies, History, or History Education, a minimum requirement for the scholarship is a minor in history. Scholarship benefits include:

  • A generous financial award applied to all four years of tuition at Marist.
  • A $10,000 annual scholarship, in addition to other forms of financial aid the University may offer.
  • Grants and enrichment funds to help pay for internships (including travel costs), study abroad opportunities, and classes with a travel component. 
  • A dedicated faculty member provides personal support and guidance.
  • Research opportunities and support to apply to the prestigious Fulbright Scholar program. 
Learn More
Image of museum visitor exploring the FDR Presidential Library

Connect to the Past in the Present at the FDR Library

Conveniently located approximately five miles from the Marist campus, Marist hosts the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library’s digital archives, making it one of only six colleges or universities in the nation affiliated with a Presidential Library. Administered by the National Archives and Records Administration since 1941, the Library preserves and makes accessible to the American people the records of FDR's Presidency. The Roosevelt Library's mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the lives and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their continuing impact on contemporary life. This work is carried out through the Library's archives and research room, museum collections and exhibitions, innovative educational programs, and engaging public programming.

 

 

Message from the Dean

When students and their families visit the Marist, we often suggest that the best way to understand the liberal arts at Marist is to take a walk around Fontaine Hall, the award-winning building that houses our school. The variety of conversations taking place in Fontaine Hall makes the School of Liberal Arts a dynamic learning community. Close faculty and student relationships and interdisciplinary analysis, including team-taught courses, are crucial to our work here. In a given semester, students might have the opportunity to take Religion and the Law with a political scientist and theologian, Blues Poetry with a poet and historian, or Environmental Literature with a literary scholar and a scientist.

Read More About Dr. Shaffer

The immersive experience of these travel courses makes students want to learn more. You’re not just learning about a place - our tour guide explained every story vividly.

Brianna Perez-Quiroz

Political Science Major, History Major, Latin American Studies Minor, Global Studies Minor

Read Brianna's Story >

This was my first spring attachment at Marist, and without the PEF, I wouldn’t have been able to participate with the same comfort and peace of mind. It’s been unforgettable just in my first year.

Vania Omosemoje

Global Studies Major, Political Science Major, Music Minor

Read Vania's Story >

I started out as a biology major, but I ended up being really influenced by my First Year Seminar on the drug trade [taught by Assistant Professor of History Kristin Bayer]. That class really challenged how I think about the world and made me fall in love with history as a discipline.

Sage Kawelo

History Major

Read Sage's Story >

The more I thought about it, I didn’t want to let these frustrations prevent me from getting a college degree. I view life as an exercise in resiliency, and I’m as stubborn as an ox.

Marc Andrews

Philosophy Major

Read Marc's Story >

Five years ago, if you asked me if I can achieve everything I do today I don’t think I would have the answer. I think from a young age I realized that you can reach your fullest potential once you realize you can define your own paths and choose your own way.

Qadan Mohamed

Psychology Major, Business Minor

Read Qadan's Story >

Eventually, I’d like to be a full-time author, supporting myself through my books. It’s my greatest passion in life. I want to share these stories with people. I want my readers to feel inspired, to close my books with a renewed sense of strength.

Erin Forbes

Digital Media Major, Creative Writing Minor

Read Erin's Story >

Earn College Credit While In High School With Marist Summer Pre-College

For over fifteen years, Marist has created a top-ranked summer pre-college program that gives students a sense of college life, provides a taste of a college major, and allows students to earn college credit while still in high school. At Marist's Summer Pre-College program, you'll engage in daily class sessions with leading faculty and explore exciting career opportunities in your field. High school sophomores and juniors will engage in hands-on learning experiences either in-person or virtually, while working with industry professionals and like-minded peers.

Learn More

GLI Scholarship for Incoming Freshman History Majors

The newly established Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History (GLI) Scholarship at Marist is awarded to students from GLI’s vast national network of affiliated schools who demonstrate exceptional achievement in the study of history. This scholarship is designed to give History majors at Marist the opportunity and freedom to pursue exciting undergraduate research and apply it to their future careers. All incoming freshman history majors are eligible for one of three $10,000 scholarships, and we encourage all who fit these criteria to apply and make a difference with their history degree from Marist.

Learn More About GLI

David Woolner</br>History

Dr. Woolner is an American history scholar who teaches popular courses like World War II and the FDR Seminar. Dr. Woolner is Senior Fellow and Resident Historian at the Roosevelt Institute, and he has published many books including <i>The Last 100 Days: FDR at War and Peace</i>. A frequent commentator on the links between the past and the present, his media appearances include interviews with CNN, the BBC, the History Channel, NPR, and more.

Melissa Gaeke</br>Political Science

Melissa A. Gaeke, Ph.D. is the Director of the Center for Civic Engagement & Leadership and Senior Professional Lecturer in Political Science at Marist. She holds a doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. Her interests include engaging students in activities that teach them about civic engagement and working with nonprofit organizations to build their capacity to access resources and connect with stakeholders.

Brian Loh</br>Philosophy

Loh is a specialist in early Chinese religious philosophy. At Marist, he teaches courses on Asian religion and religion’s treatment and use of the body. His current project is a study of the treatment of strangers and the formation of philosophical lineages in early China.
Tile M Red
Image of the Hudson River on the Marist College campus

The History of the Hudson River Valley Surrounds You

The Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College is the academic arm of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Our location not only provides ample opportunity to learn from and promote the surrounding area but additionally, it serves as an educational resource for students and scholars alike. Rich in history, utilizing our region as a classroom allows students to immerse themselves into a program with deep connections to the historic Hudson River Valley, New York State, and study a region that has been called “the Landscape that defined America.”

Learn More About HRVI

Asset Publisher

Get More Info

Loading contact form...