College of Liberal Arts

The world of work is changing.
We're preparing students for what comes next.

Technology expands what we can do, but human skills determine how thoughtfully, creatively, and responsibly we use it.

In a workplace shaped by rapid advances in AI and technology, liberal arts graduates—equipped to think critically, adapt, communicate, and lead ethically—are more needed than ever, across nearly every industry and in jobs that have yet to be imagined.

Learn more about the College of Liberal Arts

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Meet Us on Campus

Learn about academics, co-op and internships, financial aid, and more.

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Apply Early. Know Early. Apply Early Decision 1 or Early Action by November 1st.

Apply for Fall 2027

Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines are November 1.

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What does amazing look like?

Get a glimpse of what it's like to innovate, imagine, and impact your world.

Watch the College of Liberal Arts undergraduate video

4:1

Student-to-faculty ratio

Classes are small and students receive personal attention from faculty and staff.

13

Countries represented

Students from across the United States and from 13 countries are enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts.

^$12.3M

Technology changes. Humanity leads.

Students sitting and listening to a presentation

Build Your Own Path

Students sitting on a brick wall on a sunny day

Learn by Doing

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Innovating Across Disciplines

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Performing Arts for Everyone

Meet the Dean

Our world, our workplaces, and our everyday lives are increasingly shaped by technology. That’s why studying a liberal arts discipline at RIT—a technical university known for innovation and creativity—is a smart choice for your future. Here, students develop the enduringly valuable human skills that technology can’t replace and employers seek: critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, ethical judgment, and adaptability.

Kelly Norris Martin

Dean, College of Liberal Arts

585-475-2142

Kelly.Martin@rit.edu

Full Message from the Dean

Research that Pushes the Status Quo

October 7, 2026

Rochester Public Market hosts Italian Heritage Day with food, culture and genealogy

WHAM-TV features RIT students taking part in Rochester’s annual Italian Heritage Day, helping teach Italian language lessons while celebrating the region’s Italian culture and traditions.
October 7, 2026

Italian Heritage Day returns to Rochester with food, entertainment, and language lessons

WHEC-TV highlights RIT students participating in Rochester’s fourth annual Italian Heritage Day, where they led language lessons and connected with the local Italian American community through food, culture, and conversation.
October 2, 2026

Hinda Mandell on … Crocheting in the Classroom?

Hinda Mandell, professor of journalism, appeared on Notre Dame's Designed for Learning podcast to discuss using crochet and other hands-on activities to engage students, support learning, and draw their attention away from digital spaces.
September 22, 2026

Technical Theatre Pathways course helps students navigate RIT’s performing arts community

Technical Theatre Pathways, a new course offered by RIT’s School of Performing Arts, gives students a full picture of the varied behind-the-scenes roles that help bring a stage performance to life.