Welcome to the School of Liberal Arts and Business (LAB), a living laboratory where education, exploration and personal growth intersect. At LAB, our students engage in a living laboratory of learning, experimenting with diverse fields— from Accounting to Art, Business to Theatre, Political Science to Philosophy. We blend professional expertise with liberal and performing arts exploration, encouraging curiosity and discovery.
Get involved in co-curricular activities like:
- Interdisciplinary Study and Undergraduate Research
- Internships and Business Networking
- Theatre, Music Ensembles and Art Shows
- Study Abroad and Leadership Programs
- Social Justice and Volunteer Opportunities
Just like a living lab, our programs empower students to test and refine key skills—ethical reasoning, problem-solving, creativity and research. Our students navigate complex social systems, explore the human experience, and build the tools necessary for both career success and lifelong growth. Our students grow as informed, compassionate individuals and professionals in their fields of study.
With 22 majors and numerous minors – many featuring applied tracks or interdisciplinary approaches – LAB provides hands-on opportunities for real-world learning, including capstone experiences and collaborative projects. Explore our 13 departments— Africana and Latinx Studies; Art; Business; Communication and Media; Economics; English; History; Music; Philosophy; Political Science; Theatre; Women's and Gender Studies; and World Languages and Literatures—and discover how knowledge comes to life when theory meets practice.
Our faculty, renowned for their expertise, guide you through this dynamic process. Students benefit from strong alumni networks, academic honor societies and discipline-specific clubs. Our accredited programs in Business (AACSB), Music (NASM), and Theatre (NAST) offer specialized resources and guidance to help you thrive.
Employers value graduates who combine professional expertise with critical thinking, problem-solving, advocacy and creativity. In our living laboratory, we provide the skills necessary for long-term success—teamwork, ethical decision-making, cultural awareness and research. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge curricula, you’ll be prepared for both the workforce and graduate school.
LAB is a place where ideas come to life, and where you can experiment, fail, learn and, ultimately, thrive. We don’t just prepare you for a career; we prepare you for a life of growth, resilience and contribution to your community and the world. Join us in the living laboratory of Liberal Arts and Business, and discover what you can create, explore and become.
Dr. Jeanine Minge
Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Business
607-436-2520
Our Goals
The School of Liberal Arts and Business cultivates informed, adaptable and socially responsible individuals through interdisciplinary education that blends the liberal arts with professional and creative pursuits. We help students grow into confident, thoughtful leaders through hands-on learning, creative exploration and real-world experience. We guide students to think critically, act ethically and thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.
We envision a future led by resilient, creative and critically minded individuals who are responsive to a rapidly changing world. In our living laboratory of learning, you’ll cultivate curiosity, develop practical skills and embrace diverse perspectives through interdisciplinary exploration and real-world experience.
We aspire to shape culturally aware leaders and innovative problem-solvers who approach their chosen fields with intentionality, integrity and compassion. Our graduates are well-rounded, mindful and engaged community members—committed to social responsibility, inspired by human expression and dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Our Guiding Principles
Academic Excellence: We uphold rigorous, transformative learning that prepares students for meaningful lives and impactful careers.
Integrity: We act with honesty, responsibility, and ethical clarity—in our learning, leadership and lives.
Curiosity: We foster a spirit of exploration, open-mindedness and a love of learning across disciplines and cultures.
Collaboration: We value teamwork, dialogue and diverse perspectives as essential to problem-solving and innovation.
Creativity: We embrace imagination and creative expression as powerful tools for understanding and shaping the world.
Social Responsibility: We prepare students to lead with purpose, engage with their communities, and work toward a more just and compassionate future.
Inclusivity and Respect: We cultivate a welcoming environment where all voices are heard, valued and treated with care and dignity.
Sustainability: We are committed to environmental, social, and economic sustainability—fostering a mindset of stewardship and long-term thinking in all we do.
Resilience: We equip students and faculty to thrive in a rapidly changing world through resilience, flexibility and forward thinking.