College of Liberal Arts

students in the liberal arts building study together

Why Choose Liberal Arts?

You're more than just one thing—and so are we. USI's College of Liberal Arts brings together art, history, psychology, communication, and more. Here's what makes us different:

Small Classes, Real Connections

Get to know your professors in smaller, personalized classes where you're more than just a number.

Hands-On Learning

Gain real experience through internships, creative projects, research, and community work—not just lectures.

Career-Ready Skills

Our graduates work in tech, business, healthcare, nonprofits, marketing, and every industry in between. Liberal arts prepares you for anything.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Learn the creative thinking and problem-solving skills to launch your own business or startup.

Creative Energy

Whether you're into theater, writing, debate, or community projects, you'll find your people and your passion here.

Departments

Our Facilities

Exterior view of the McCutchan Art Center and Pace Galleries from Bent Twig Lane

Art Center and Galleries

The McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries, located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center, contributes to the education experiences at USI by providing a professional exhibition space to present the work of art majors, alumni, faculty, visiting artists and the University's permanent collection.

See the Galleries

Exterior view of the Performance Center at night from University Boulevard

USI Performance Center

The USI Performance Center has been completed adjacent to the expanded University Center. A project long-awaited by the University of Southern Indiana, crews broke ground on the Performance Center in 2012. The new facility opened in the spring of 2015.

See the Space

Mallette Studio Theatre

The Mallette Studio Theatre is a black box stage with space used as a classroom laboratory and for student performances. It is an intimate theatre that seats from 50 to 100 audience members. The Mallette Studio Theatre is located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. The Mallette Studio Theatre is located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center

Learn More

Exterior view of David L. Rice Library from the Quad

Center for Communal Studies

The Center for Communal Studies at the University of Southern Indiana promotes research and education on historic and modern communal groups. Founded in 1976, it houses extensive archives in Rice Library, including materials from noted scholars. The Center supports scholarship and public interest in how intentional communities address social and environmental challenges.

Learn More About the Center

Social work students speak with older adults at a resources fair in the University Center

Center for Social Justice Education

The Center for Social Justice Education (CSJE) at the University of Southern Indiana, founded in 2009, advances social justice and empowerment through education, research, and collaboration. It promotes critical thinking and a systems perspective to support individual and societal well-being and drive social change globally.

See Social Justice Initiatives

Student DJ smiles from behind the soundboard at the radio studio, which is covered in music posters

Scripps Howard Center for Media Studies

The Scripps Howard Center for Media Studies at the University of Southern Indiana offers top-tier mass communication education in the Midwest. Funded by a $200,000 grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation, it provides state-of-the-art media technology and learning spaces. The Center hosts professional seminars, social media symposiums, journalism roundtables, and outreach programs for high schools, serving as a hub for media education and collaboration.

See the Studio

Upcoming Events

feminine (isms)

Event time: June 25, 2026 at 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Event location: Liberal Arts Center (LA)

feminine (isms)

Event time: June 26, 2026 at 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Event location: Liberal Arts Center (LA)

feminine (isms)

Event time: June 28, 2026 at 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Event location: Liberal Arts Center (LA)

feminine (isms)

Event time: June 29, 2026 at 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Event location: Liberal Arts Center (LA)

MORE EVENTS

USI public relations and advertising student Deanna Hardy posing with her awards

Student Spotlight: Deanna Hardy

ADDY award-winning student Deanna Hardy sat down with us for an interview about her time at USI and looking forward to life after graduation.

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sukanya Gupta

For Gupta, teaching is more than a profession—it’s a space for discovery, connection and curiosity. Drawn to the classroom by a love for knowledge-sharing and meaningful dialogue, she thrives on the multidisciplinary nature of literature. “We cannot understand a text in isolation,” she explains. “It is a product of its time.” Her own academic path reflects that worldview.

Photo of a large group posing at The Mountain Workshop, a photojournalism workshop

Student Spotlight: Sydney Young

Meet Sydney Young, a senior Art major from Rockport, Indiana, who’s been passionate about photography since she picked up her first camera at 14. At USI, she’s involved in Photo Club, intramural volleyball and even teaches a Hype Hop dance fitness class.

Portrait of USI social work student Mandy Sims

Student Spotlight: Mandy Sims

Born and raised in Evansville, Indiana, Mandy Sims has spent the last 30 years building a successful career as a cosmetologist while raising her family and serving her community. A proud mother of two adult sons and a 15-year-old daughter, Sims has always had a passion for helping others feel their best, both inside and out.

Life at USI

Explore campus life through photos.

Campus life photo showing student activities and facilities

Connect With Us

812-464-1855

About College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Del Doughty

Dean of the College of Liberal Arts