College of Arts and Humanities
Inspiration for Life
As the heart of Fresno State, the College of Arts and Humanities is the largest academic unit of the university. It is a stimulating center of intellectual and cultural activity, dedicated to academic excellence, integrity, intellectual freedom, and civic and cultural engagement with the San Joaquin Valley. The College includes the following departments and programs:
Armenian Studies
The Armenian Studies Program offers courses on Armenian history, Armenian language and literature, art and architecture, film, William Saroyan, the Genocide, and contemporary issues. Courses in Armenian history are also offered under the Department of History.
Explore Armenian Studies
Art, Design, and Art History
Students study and produce work that includes state-of-the-art computer applications, conceptual art and design theories and applications, and leading-edge art, graphic design, and interior design projects.
Explore Art, Design, and Art History
Communication
The program presents a balance of humanistic and scientific instruction including communication skills people need to function effectively in teaching, business, law, the communication professions, public service, politics and management.
Explore Communication
English
Students in our five degree programs learn to write well in small, collaborative communities where students and instructors work together to analyze, apply, and construct meaning with a wide range of texts and for a variety of professional purposes.
Explore English
Linguistics
Language is a defining characteristic of the human species; without language, there would be no civilization, no culture, no scientific or technological development, none of the achievements and capabilities distinctive to the human species. Therefore, the study of the nature of language is fundamental to the understanding of what it means to be human.
Explore Linguistics
Media, Communications and Journalism
Blending theory, professional practice and hands-on learning, we build leaders who can think critically, write well and thrive in rapidly changing environments. MCJ graduates are represented on the staffs of many of America’s finest newspapers, radio and television stations, broadcast and film production companies, advertising agencies and public relations firms.
Explore MCJ
Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures believes that the study of a language should enable the student to participate in oral and written communication in the language, gain knowledge and understanding of the cultures of the world, connect with other disciplines and acquire knowledge that may be unavailable to the monolingual English speaker, develop insight into the nature of language and culture, and participate in communities at home and abroad.
Explore MCLL
School of Music
Music is the language of the soul and our programs provide undergraduate and graduates instruction in music for those planning professional careers as performers, composers, and studio teachers, as well as those preparing for advanced degrees in performance and composition.
Explore Music
Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy offers students opportunities for a rich and rewarding undergraduate experience in general philosophy, pre-Law, religious studies, peace and conflict studies and Middle East studies.
Explore Philosophy
Theatre and Dance
The most important element in the department's success is the students. They enjoy unusual opportunities to play leading roles, to direct, and to design for lab and mainstage productions.
Explore Theatre and DanceThe College also supports four art galleries including the Phebe Conley Art Gallery, 16 discipline-specific computer labs, a tutorial Writing Center, the University Press, a concert hall and the Wahlberg Recital Hall, a fully-equipped John Wright Theatre and the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Arena Theatre; dance, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics studios, a foundry, television and film production studios, KFSR, and smart classrooms. Under the Dean and Associate Dean, the College employs approximately 150 full-time faculty members and more than 160 additional employees that include part-time faculty, graduate assistants and graduate teaching associates, and clerical and technical staff.