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School of Liberal Arts

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"As an experiential learner, the opportunities made available to me at Marist truly catered to the way in which I learn best. I was able to study in Washington D.C. for a semester, gather public opinion working at the Marist Poll, observe what happens on the ground at the New Hampshire primary, and take on a variety of internships during my studies."
- Meghan Shea '22, Political Science and Philosophy major

About the School of Liberal Arts

The School of Liberal Arts empowers students to function as creative thinkers, skilled writers, and innovative problem-solvers. With a cross-disciplinary mindset, the School of Liberal Arts encourages its students to explore multiple academic areas of interest to increase their marketability after graduation. The School’s interdisciplinary approach to learning and flexible curriculum empower students to diversify their thinking and prepare for their future beyond Marist.

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Red Fox Spotlight

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Teresa Cimino

Encinitas, CA
Undergraduate Student
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Elisabet Guerrero Hernandez

Bronx, NY
Undergraduate Student
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Mac Mugabo

Kigali, Rwanda
Undergraduate Student
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Madeline Garcia

Staten Island, NY
Alumni
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Nicole Doyle

Jackson Heights, NY
Undergraduate Student
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Lizbeth Santos-Cruz

Flemington, New Jersey
Undergraduate Student
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A Message from the Dean

When students and their families visit, I 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. 

Dr. Martin Shaffer, Dean

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School of Liberal Arts

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Experience the Liberal Arts in Action

The School of Liberal Arts empowers students to function as creative thinkers, skilled communicators, and innovative problem-solvers. With a cross-disciplinary mindset, the School of Liberal Arts encourages its students to explore multiple academic areas to pursue their interests and get ready for life after Marist.  The School’s culture of faculty mentoring, interdisciplinary approach to learning, and an abundance of experiential learning opportunities prepare our students to succeed in productive and meaningful careers after graduation.

 
 
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Choose "And" in Your Academic Pursuits

You can expect an enriching environment at Marist that will inspire your academic pursuits. In the School of Liberal Arts, you're empowered to choose "and," not "or " when it comes to your education by combining majors, minors, and concentrations to fit your interests through a distinct blend of liberal arts and pre-professional studies. Here are some examples of how Marist students embraced the power of "and":

  • History major and Business minor and Africana Studies minor = UNICEF Archival Consultant
  • English/Writing major and Psychology minor and Paralegal Certificate = Family Law Attorney
  • Political Science major and French minor and Music minor = Senior Manager, Public Events, Doctors without Borders
Read More about Marist's Triangle Approach

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 >

Read More About the Tarver Internship >

A Distinct Learning Experience For A Dynamic Future

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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

 

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English Department

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Creative Writing

Minor
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English

Major, Minor
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English Education

Certification
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Literature

Minor, Concentration
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Professional Writing

Minor
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Theatre

Minor, Concentration
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Writing

Minor, Concentration
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History Department

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History

Major, Minor
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History Education

Certification
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Public History

Concentration
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Philosophy and Religious Studies Department

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Philosophy

Major, Minor
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Religious Studies

Major, Minor
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Political Science Department

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Political Science

Major, Minor
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Pre-Law and Paralegal Program

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Paralegal

Certificate
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Pre-Law

Program
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Department of World Languages and Culture

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French

Major, Minor
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French Education

Certification
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Italian

Major, Minor
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Spanish

Major, Minor
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Spanish Education

Certification
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Interdisciplinary Programs

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Africana Studies

Minor
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American Studies

Major, Minor
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Applied AI

Minor
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Catholic Studies

Minor
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Cognitive Science

Minor
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Global Studies

Major, Minor
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Hudson River Valley Regional Studies

Minor
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Jewish Studies

Minor
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Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Minor
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Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Minor
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Social Justice

Minor
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Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Minor
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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. 
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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.

 

 

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 About Dr. Shaffer

 

 

Office Hours with 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.

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