College of Arts and Letters

Empowering Students to Make a Difference in the World

A Place of Endless Possibilities

The College of Arts and Letters offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and social sciences. Our programs explore the dynamics of human experiences, personal identities, cultural and cross-cultural expressions and practices, and philosophical beliefs regarding human life and existence. As a community of learners, students deepen their understanding of history and prehistory, literature, languages, religions, gender, ethnicity, class and race, and social and political actions.

85+

Majors & Minors

Graduate Programs

30+

Certificate Programs

Explore Our Programs

2024 Presidential Research Fellows awarded $25K each to further their projects

Why We Give: J. Keith Behner and Catherine M. Stiefel

woman with glasses holds Mesoamerican mask of man with beard

Indigenous Mask Collection Showcases Artistry and History of Mesoamerica

Insight Magazine

Read the latest edition of CAL's news magazine.

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the College of Arts and Letters, where in fields ranging from ancient history to big data, we are asking the deep questions and doing the hands-on work that make a fundamental difference in the world. In many ways and many places, we are at the heart of San Diego State University, and we’re excited to have you with us.

Todd Butler

Dean, College of Arts and Letters

Making an Impact

Researchers and innovators in CAL constitute a global and interdisciplinary intellectual community engaged in research that impacts the university, the community, and the world.