The Augustana University College of Arts & Sciences is the foundation of an Augustana education — offering diverse undergraduate programs deeply rooted in the liberal arts. Across the college's five areas — Life Sciences, Pure & Applied Sciences, Humanities & Cultural Studies, Languages, Literature & Communication and Social Sciences, as well as the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS) — students are prepared to lead successful careers and meaningful lives.
College of Arts & Sciences at AU
Meet the Dean
At Augustana, we believe that students are more than their major. The Augustana College of Arts & Sciences is where they gain both deep knowledge in their chosen field and the broader skills that make a life meaningful — clear communication, ethical reasoning, creativity and empathy.
As dean, Dr. Jennifer Gubbels helps carry this vision forward. A biologist by training, she has also explored questions at the intersections of science, faith and ethics — experiences that convinced her of the power of the liberal arts to connect head with heart. At Augustana, the liberal arts are not separate from professional training, but integrated — preparing students not just for work, but leadership, service and a lifetime of learning.
| COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES | ||||
| AREAS | ||||
| HUMANITIES & CULTURAL STUDIES | LANGUAGES, LITERATURE & COMMUNICATION | LIFE SCIENCES | PURE & APPLIED SCIENCES | SOCIAL SCIENCES |
DEPARTMENTS | DEPARTMENTS → Communication & Media Studies | DEPARTMENT → Biology | DEPARTMENTS → Chemistry & Biochemistry | DEPARTMENTS → Economics |
Latest News
Augustana University student Zach Richardson ‘26, of Canton, South Dakota, was given an opportunity to intern with Sports Illustrated in Fall 2025. The journalism and media studies double major, and AU Football player for five years, said building meaningful connections in the journalism field is important to his future career.
Augustana University student Pierce Cunningham ‘26, of Luverne, Minnesota, has been awarded the Joseph W. Yedlicka Scholarship for study abroad by Pi Delta Phi — the collegiate National French Honor Society. The scholarship recognizes the student’s academic achievement in the study of the French language, and the literatures and cultures of the French-speaking world.
A newly published report by Augustana University shows that 98% of 2025 graduates — who completed degrees in August, December and May of Academic Year 2024-25 — achieved a positive career outcome. Many of these graduates chose to continue their education, with 22% enrolled in graduate school or professional programs.
More employment data, as well as other post-graduation activities and destinations for members of the Augustana Class of 2025, is detailed in the Career Outcomes Report published at augie.edu/outcomes.