College of Arts and Science
Where anything is possible.
Why A&S?
We value interdisciplinary thought, collaborative innovation, and deep scholarship across diverse fields of study. We take a unique approach—informed by the art and inspired by the science—to understanding how the world works and what makes us human. We believe in crossing boundaries, forging connections, and exploring unexpected intersections to address the most pressing challenges of our time.
This is the place to find your passion and explore it all. This is the College of Arts and Science. Where it all comes together.
- African American and Diaspora Studies
- American Studies
- Architecture and the Built Environment
- Art
- Asian Studies
- Cinema and Media Arts
- Classical and Mediterranean Studies
- Communication Studies
- Economics and History
- English
- European Studies
- European Studies: Russia and Eastern Europe
- French
- French and European Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- German and European Studies
- German Studies
- History
- History of Art
- Italian and European Studies
- Jewish Studies
- Latino and Latina Studies
- Law, History, and Society
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Russian Studies
- Spanish
- Spanish and European Studies
- Spanish and Portuguese
- Theatre
HUMANITIES
SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Graduate Program in Economic Development (M.A.)
- Latin American Studies (M.A.)
- Medicine, Health, and Society (M.A.)
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical and Biological Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program
- Mathematics (M.A., Ph.D.)
- Neuroscience
- Physics and Astronomy
- Psychological Sciences
- Quantitative & Chemical Biology Program
- Master of Liberal Arts and Science (M.L.A.S.)
HUMANITIES
SOCIAL SCIENCES
NATURAL SCIENCES
All programs are Ph.D. programs unless otherwise noted.
Explore Our Programs
We offer more than 100+ majors and minors across 70+ fields of study. No matter the program, all our students learn to think creatively, analyze critically, and communicate clearly—habits of the mind that prepare them to succeed in any career throughout their lives. Use the dropdown menu above to learn more about a specific program, or use the left and right arrows to browse all programs.
African American and Diaspora Studies
AADS is an interdisciplinary program that examines the experiences and contributions of Blacks in Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean region, and Europe. Students have the opportunity to pursue a second major in a related field or study abroad at the University of Cape Town. AADS majors most commonly pursue careers in law, public service, education, and public health.
American Studies
The interdisciplinary American Studies program examines United States history and culture from international, cross-cultural, and comparativist perspectives. Students combine coursework with field research, citywalks, and service-learning; and each graduating class completes a group capstone project. Popular career paths include law, government, consulting, and journalism.
Anthropology
Anthropology provides a broad-based understanding of human nature, cultural diversity, social power, and cultural dynamics through time. Students have abundant opportunities for immersive fieldwork, original research, study abroad, and close collaboration with faculty. Graduates often go into medicine, law, community development, or business.
Architecture and the Built Environment
This interdisciplinary major covers the history and theory of architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and related topics. With qualifying courses available across three schools, students can customize the major to fit their academic and career goals. This is an ideal course of study for aspiring architects or for students planning careers in civil engineering, public health, demography, GIS, and more.
Art
Art majors enjoy comprehensive training in both traditional and new-media disciplines, access to top-notch studio and gallery facilities, and mentoring by accomplished faculty and visiting artists. The program offers funding opportunities for post-graduate projects, study in New York and London, and numerous internships. Alumni work in the film industry, graphic design, museums, and more.
Asian Studies
The Asian Studies major combines language study in Chinese, Hindi-Urdu, Japanese, Korean, or Tibetan with a focus on the culture, art, history, religion, and politics of China, Japan, or South Asia. Students can study abroad in Asia and apply to live at Vanderbilt's McTyeire International House. After graduating, students commonly advance to dynamic careers in business, finance, law, and policy.
Biochemistry and Chemical Biology
This interdisciplinary major covers the cornerstones of medical technology and therapeutics. Students focus on Biochemistry or Chemical Biology, and all participants complete at least one semester of research in Vanderbilt's world-class labs. This course of study meets most or all pre-med curriculum requirements and is excellent preparation for careers in health care, research, and related industries.
Biological Sciences
The Biological Sciences major provides a broad-based education in topics ranging from ecosystems to molecular structure. The program is highly flexible and includes extensive research experience. This major is ideal for students planning careers or graduate study in biology, biotechnology, or medicine.
Business Minor
Offered as a minor, the Business program includes coursework from across Vanderbilt, with the core curriculum taught by the Owen Graduate School of Management. Students learn the foundations of general business disciplines, with the option to focus on one of seven pathways, such as entrepreneurship, finance and accounting, or strategy.
Chemistry
The American Chemical Society-approved Chemistry major allows students to choose from four focus areas: Chemical Biology, Chemical Sciences, Environmental, or Materials Chemistry. World-class labs, faculty projects, and on-site scientific and medical institutes provide unique research opportunities. Alumni work in medicine, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, regulatory agencies, national laboratories, and more.
Cinema and Media Arts
Emphasizing cinema as both a modern aesthetic form and hands-on cultural practice, the interdisciplinary CMA curriculum combines training in filmmaking with the study of media theory and global film history. Students complete capstone senior projects in the form of original research or a finished film. Alumni find work in law, academia, and all aspects of the film and entertainment industries.
Classical and Mediterranean Studies
This interdisciplinary major studies ancient Greece and Rome, the spread of major religions, and the pre- and early-modern Mediterranean world. Students specialize in Classical and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, Mediterranean Archaeology, or Mediterranean Studies. The program strongly encourages research abroad, and students often go on to careers in medicine, law, or academia.
Climate Studies
This innovative program links the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities for an interdisciplinary perspective on the critical issue of climate change, its challenges, and solutions. Students obtain a solid foundation in climate science and are also encouraged to dive deeper into one area of study. Common career choices include sustainability departments of large organizations, law, government, policy, research, education, and public health.
Communication of Science and Technology
Communication of Science and Technology prepares students to serve as a bridge between the laboratory and the public. Participants study writing, public speaking, and media production and can choose a broad-based or deep-diving science track. With many labs and institutes on campus, hands-on experience is easy to obtain. Popular alumni careers include law, public policy, technical writing, and PR.
Communication Studies
Communication Studies analyzes public discourse, with an emphasis on media, persuasion in civil society, and social advocacy. The department houses Vanderbilt's nationally competitive debate team and offers opportunities for undergraduate research, academic prizes, study abroad, and internships. Alumni often pursue careers in law, business, marketing, media, and government.
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Earth and Environmental Sciences majors gain a broad-based understanding of earth processes before specializing in Solid Earth, Earth Surface, or Environmental Science. More than half do research with faculty, with the opportunity for fieldwork on all seven continents. Popular career paths include the energy industry, conservation and land-use planning, and law.
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Offered through the Department of Biological Sciences, this major focuses on the relationship between organisms and their environments. It includes ample opportunity for directed or independent research under the supervision of renowned science faculty. This major is ideal for students planning careers or graduate study in genomics, evolutionary biology, ecology, conservation, and related fields.
Economics
The most popular Arts and Science major, Economics provides a solid grounding in both micro- and macroeconomics and econometrics. Students have the freedom to create specialized courses of study by incorporating coursework from other departments or study abroad. Graduates typically complete MBAs after several years of work in fields such as banking, manufacturing, consulting, or startups.
Economics and History
The Economics and History major, offered jointly with the Department of History, studies the origins and organization of modern society through the lens of economic systems, historical movements, the development of emerging markets, and the relationship between economics and social issues. Alumni often go on to work in business, journalism, law, and academia.
English
English offers an increasingly diverse survey of Anglophone literature combined with specialization in Literary Studies, Creative Writing, or Specialized Critical Studies. Students have the opportunity to manage campus publications and interact with award-winning writers. Alumni typically follow careers in law, business, journalism, publishing, academia, or creative writing.
Environmental Sociology
Offered through the Department of Sociology, this major studies modern societies and the environment at a variety of levels, from households to global relations. Students often complete hands-on research, including through the Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and the Environment. Popular career paths include public policy, renewable energy, public health, and environmental law.
European Studies
In the interdisciplinary European Studies major, students choose a thematic course of study (such as the impact of the European Union) or focus on a single European nation or region. The program strongly encourages study abroad and application to the McTyeire International House. Alumni typically work in U.S. government or international aid agencies, academia, or international law or business.
European Studies: Russia and Eastern Europe
This interdisciplinary major examines Russia's strategic importance and cultural, political, and economic history within the larger context of Europe. The program includes extensive advanced language study and strongly encourages study abroad. Graduates typically undertake careers in diplomacy, policy, or international business/finance.
French
The French major focuses on the world's fourth-most-common language. Opportunities include study abroad, business and medical diplomas through France's CCIP program, internships in Normandy, and teaching fellowships through the French consulate or Fulbright program. Students often go on to careers in law, finance, diplomacy, medicine, and teaching.
French and European Studies
Offered through the Department of French and Italian, this interdisciplinary major examines French language and culture in light of broader European history and society. The program requires a semester of study abroad through an approved program in France. Alumni typically work in international law, finance, medicine, government, or academia.
Gender and Sexuality Studies
This major examines gender and sexuality in the context of history and society. The program is truly interdisciplinary, encompassing coursework from 19 departments and five schools. Students often complete service-learning projects to add hands-on experience to their curriculum. Popular career paths include medicine, law, government, counseling, and journalism.
German and European Studies
This interdisciplinary major examines Germany's strategic importance and cultural, political, and economic history within the context of modern Europe. The program includes extensive advanced language study and strongly encourages study abroad. Graduates typically undertake careers with an international focus, such as diplomacy, policy, or international business/finance.
German Studies
German Studies, offered at Vanderbilt since the university's founding, covers the intellectual and cultural history of German-speaking nations from the Middle Ages to the present. Students can apply to live in McTyeire Hall, where German is one of five featured languages. German Studies is excellent preparation for careers in international business, politics, and numerous academic and research fields.
History
History majors study social change and the question of how a past becomes a present. Students focus on one of eight areas: Asia; Latin America; Europe; Early America and the United States; Middle East and Africa; Global and Transnational History; Science, Medicine, and Technology; or Comparative History/Special Topics. Participants typically go on to careers in government, business, medicine, and law.
History of Art
The History of Art major spans artistic and architectural developments from the ancient world to the present. Research seminars provide opportunities to work on faculty projects, and the program strongly encourages advanced study in a language related to the student’s area of focus. Majors typically pursue careers in architecture, museums, auction houses, or design.
Italian and European Studies
This interdisciplinary major examines Italy's cultural, political, and strategic importance within the larger European community. The program strongly encourages participation in internationally focused internships, study abroad, and Italian-themed events at McTyeire Hall. Graduates often go on to careers in diplomacy, academia, or international business.
Jewish Studies
Jewish Studies majors choose from four subfields of study: Biblical Studies; Antiquity and Medieval Thought; Modern and Contemporary Experience; or Culture, Philosophy and Literature. To enrich their studies, participants can access resources such as the Zimmerman Judaica collection and archaeological digs in Israel. Alumni often serve as policymakers, diplomats, clergy members, or academics.
Latin American Studies
Named a National Resource Center on Latin America by the U.S. Department of Education, the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies (CLACX) is Vanderbilt’s largest and most active interdisciplinary program.
Latino and Latina Studies
This interdisciplinary program studies Latinos'/as' identity and role in U.S. history, culture, and intellectual life. Students gain advanced proficiency in Spanish and pursue an area of focus such as politics, literature, or anthropology. With the Latinx population projected to reach 133 million by 2050, this degree is highly relevant for careers in medicine, law, government, the media, and more.
Law, History, and Society
This interdisciplinary major examines how law and legal regimes have worked in the past and how they connect to broader social, cultural, and economic patterns. Students work extensively with original legal documents and typically engage in archival research. Participants often go on to careers in the law or in the judicial or legislative branches of government.
Mathematics
The Mathematics program is one of Vanderbilt's largest, with many opportunities for undergraduate research. Students choose from three tracks: Standard; Applied, for engineering students; and Honors, for aspiring honors or Ph.D. students. The department also offers a full set of actuarial courses. Other popular career choices include medicine, engineering, finance, and computer science.
Medicine, Health, and Society
This interdisciplinary program investigates the cultural, economic, demographic, and biological factors that impact health. Students choose one of six concentrations, such as Global Health, Health Policies and Economies, or Health Behaviors and Health Sciences. The degree is an ideal foundation for future doctors, nurses, health care administrators, and policy makers.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Offered through the Biological Sciences department, this major provides an in-depth understanding of how organisms function at the cellular and molecular level. Participants have access to extensive research opportunities, thanks to numerous on-site research centers and labs. This major is ideal for students interested in biological and biomedical research or in medicine.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major led by faculty from the College of Arts and Science and the Medical School. Undergraduate research is a core component of the curriculum, with more than 80 labs — including the Vanderbilt Brain Institute — participating in the program. Alumni typically pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, psychology, and research.
Philosophy
The Philosophy major examines the most fundamental questions about human activities and the contexts in which they occur. Enrichment options include the living/learning community in McGill Hall and the department’s Speakers Program, which brings nationally and internationally renowned philosophers to campus. Students typically go on to careers in law, medicine, education, and public policy.
Physics and Astronomy
This major provides a broad-based understanding of physics, applied physics, medical physics, and astronomy/astrophysics. All majors complete at least one semester of research, and students often have the opportunity to co-author significant scientific papers. Students most often pursue careers in medicine, pharmacology, the military or space program, engineering, or software development.
Political Science
Political Science majors specialize in American Government, Comparative Politics, International Politics, or Political Theory. Research and enrichment opportunities include the Latin American Public Opinion Project, Tennessee Intercollegiate Student Legislature and Moot Court teams, and more. Most alumni work in law, government, market research, and the Foreign Service.
Psychology
This major covers the primary areas of contemporary psychology: clinical science, human cognition, developmental psychology, social psychology, and neuroscience. Students have numerous opportunities to participate in research, both as subjects and as investigators. Alumni typically pursue careers in counseling, psychiatry, neuroscience, business, or education.
Public Policy Studies
This interdisciplinary major brings together political science, economics, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, statistics, and public finance. In addition to completing core coursework, students focus deeply on a particular policy area and demonstrate expertise through a capstone paper. Common career choices include government, law, finance, and the NGO sector.
Religious Studies
Religious Studies educates students on the nature, history, and function of religious traditions, both individually and comparatively. Areas of concentration include African American Religious Traditions, Buddhism and Asian Religious Traditions, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The degree is an ideal foundation for aspiring clergy, lawyers, politicians, and communications professionals.
Russian Studies
This major focuses on Russian language and culture, with the option to study history, political science, or economics as they relate to Russia. Students can apply to live on the Russian hall at McTyeire International House, and the department strongly encourages study abroad. This degree provides a solid foundation for careers in the Foreign Service, international business, and academia.
Sociology
Sociology majors choose from four specializations: Culture, Institutions, and Socialization; Health, Environment, Population, and Migration; Politics, Law, and Conflict; and Race, Ethnicity, and Gender. The department strongly encourages study abroad, especially with the VISAGE program. Popular career paths include law, politics, public health, criminal justice, and social services.
Spanish
Spanish majors study the language and literature of Spain and Spanish America, with classes also available in Catalan. Students can apply to live at McTyeire International House, and the department offers several unique study-abroad and service-learning options, such as programs focused on medical and immigrant issues. Alumni go on to careers in medicine, law, economics, media, and more.
Spanish and European Studies
This interdisciplinary major investigates Spain’s cultural, historical, and economic importance within the larger context of Europe. Students must demonstrate advanced language proficiency and complete coursework in European history, culture, and politics. The degree is ideal preparation for a career in international business, the Foreign Service, or government and policy.
Spanish and Portuguese
Spanish and Portuguese majors gain advanced competence in both languages and study the culture and history of Spain, Portugal, Spanish America, and Brazil. The department strongly encourages study abroad and application to live at McTyeire International House. Students often pursue careers in politics, policy, academia, and business.
Theatre
Theatre majors gain extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of the field, including acting, production design, criticism, and more. The department offers four mainstage performances per year, plus a master-class series taught by successful stage and screen professionals. Alumni have a high success rate obtaining professional positions in theatre, television, and film.
Anthropology
The Anthropology Ph.D. provides a broad foundation in anthropology as a discipline, with a research focus on Latin America. Studying at Vanderbilt opens the door to extensive research and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. In addition to serving as the editorial seat of Ancient Mesoamerica, the university houses world-class labs and Latin American collections.
Astrophysics
The Ph.D. in Astrophysics covers observational, theoretical, and computational Astronomy. In addition to coursework and the dissertation, candidates must fulfill a teaching requirement and regularly attend department events. Students have access to world-class research facilities, such as Vanderbilt's Dyer Observatory, the Marshall Space Flight Center, and the SMARTS and KELT-South telescopes.
Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences Ph.D. candidates may enter the program directly through the department or through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program. IGP students focus on biomedical applications in the context of 11 related disciplines, while direct entry provides maximum coursework flexibility and is more suitable for students with a strong interest in one or more departmental labs.
Chemistry
The Chemistry Ph.D. program encourages interdisciplinary research through collaborations within the university and with Vanderbilt’s renowned medical school. Areas of focus include chemical biology, environmental chemistry, materials chemistry, and nanotechnology. The program is an ideal opportunity to work with peers from a variety of fields to resolve challenges in health, energy, and society.
Comparative Media Analysis and Practice
CMAP is a joint Ph.D. program that pairs study in a home department (such as Anthropology) with critical investigation of modern media culture and the innovative making of digital objects. Participants engage in seminars and projects as a cohort. To help meet the demands of joint requirements, students can apply for a year of funding in addition to the five years they typically receive from their home departments.
Earth and Environmental Sciences
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers two Ph.D. options: the Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Ph.D. in Environmental Science (a joint program with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering). Students enjoy a close-knit atmosphere, outstanding lab facilities, and research opportunities on four continents.
Economics
The Ph.D. in Economics involves in-depth study of micro- and macroeconomics, plus original scholarship in the field. Participants have the freedom to incorporate interdisciplinary coursework that supports a chosen specialization (such as the European economy). Incoming students must have prior training in economics, calculus, and statistics. Differential equations, real analysis, and econometrics are strongly recommended.
English (M.F.A., Ph.D.)
Vanderbilt's English Ph.D. covers British, American, and Anglophone literature, film, and cultural studies. Students have opportunities to teach literature and writing and to complete projects at leading institutions such as the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. The English Department also offers a two-year M.F.A. in creative writing.
French
The French Ph.D. covers both France’s cultural and intellectual history and global Francophone cultures and literatures. Participants have the opportunity to spend a year in France and benefit from access to Vanderbilt’s many interdisciplinary centers. The department also offers a Graduate Certificate in Second Language Studies.
German Studies
The German Studies Ph.D. is a truly interdisciplinary experience, with available specializations in Literature, History and Cultural History, Visual Culture and Media Studies, Music and Sound Studies, and Intellectual History. Students also have access to numerous research centers, such as the Max Kade Center for European and German Studies and the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities.
Graduate Program in Economic Development (M.A.)
GPED provides students from diverse, worldwide backgrounds with the tools to understand economic decision making and data analysis. The program leads to the M.A. in Economics and is STEM-designated by the U.S. government. Training is appropriate for a variety of career paths or as preparation for further graduate study in Economics and related fields.
History
The History Ph.D. requires specialization in one major and two minors, with options available in a wide range of time periods, geographies, and interdisciplinary areas. Candidates must show reading knowledge of at least one language other than English. Students have consortium access to Chicago's Newberry Library, London’s Institute for Historical Research, and other famed research centers.
History of Art (M.A.)
History of Art is part of Vanderbilt's unique 4+1 program, which allows students to complete a combined B.A. and M.A. in five years. Admission is exclusive to Vanderbilt students who have a minimum 3.5 GPA and are completing a major, minor, or extensive coursework in History of Art. The program is ideal preparation for museum and gallery work, heritage management and preservation, or Ph.D. study.
Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical and Biological Sciences
This program provides a common first-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in biomedical applications for 11 scientific Ph.D. fields. Students complete one year of IGP coursework and four lab rotations before selecting a dissertation lab in a participating program. Selected options include Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, and Neuroscience. For a full list, please see the IGP webpage.
Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program
Offered through the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, the Interdisciplinary Materials Science Ph.D. allows students to collaborate with and learn from faculty and peers in engineering, chemistry, physics, and medicine. Research options include Bio/medical; Theory, Modeling, and Simulation; Optics; Energy; Semiconductors; and Materials Research.
Latin American Studies (M.A.)
The M.A. in Latin American Studies offers thesis and non-thesis options, with both providing training in research. Candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in one and intermediate proficiency in another of four languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and K'iche' Maya. This program is Department of Defense-approved for Foreign Area Officer Training.
Master of Liberal Arts and Science (M.L.A.S.)
Designed specifically for Nashville's adult learners, the 3 ½-year MLAS program allows working professionals to earn a master’s degree on a flexible, part-time schedule. The program provides stimulating, graduate-level courses that encourage informed thought, open-mindedness, and active engagement. Concentrations are available in Ethics, Creative Arts, History, and Creative Writing.
Mathematics (M.A., Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. in Mathematics provides the opportunity to study with renowned faculty, including a Fields medalist and fellows of the American Mathematical Society. Students complete coursework in algebra, analysis, and topology before pursuing dissertation research in their chosen specialties. The program also offers an M.A. degree for those planning careers in K-12 education or actuarial science.
Medicine, Health, and Society (M.A.)
This M.A. is part of Vanderbilt's 4+1 program, which allows students to earn a B.A. and M.A. in five years. Participation is open to current MHS or related majors, and the curriculum focuses on health care-related social issues. Students gain research experience, enhance their interdisciplinary training, and strengthen their applications for medical or professional school.
Neuroscience
Offered jointly with Vanderbilt Medical School, the Neuroscience Ph.D. trains researchers in neural plasticity, sensory system organization, object recognition, attention, and decision making. Students benefit from access to world-class facilities such as the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, plus frequent colloquia.
Philosophy
Coursework for the Philosophy Ph.D. covers both history and topics of philosophy. Faculty specialties are wide-ranging and include ethics, feminist philosophy, phenomenology, and more. Methodologies include analytic, continental, historical, and pragmatic. In addition to completing coursework and the dissertation, candidates must demonstrate competence in a foreign language and pass a logic exam.
Physics and Astronomy
Physics Ph.D. candidates work with faculty specializing in biological and medical; condensed matter/materials; and particle, nuclear, and relativistic heavy-ion physics. To support their research, students have access to facilities such as Vanderbilt’s research centers for imaging and nanoscale engineering, Oak Ridge and Brookhaven national laboratories, and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
Political Science
Political Science Ph.D. candidates specialize in American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, or Political Methodology. Departmental initiatives, such as the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, support dissertation research. A dedicated placement specialist assists students with postdoctoral and employment success.
Psychological Sciences
This program is a joint offering of the College of Arts and Science and Peabody College. Candidates choose from five specializations: Clinical Science, Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Science, Neuroscience, and Quantitative Methods. Students benefit from access to several world-class research centers, such as the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and the Vanderbilt Vision Research Center.
Quantitative & Chemical Biology Program
This program serves students who wish to pursue doctoral research at the intersection of the physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Entering students typically have undergraduate degrees in a non-biological field. Following a year of QCB coursework and lab rotations, students choose a dissertation lab from among 12 participating programs. Please see the QCB webpage for a full list of options.
Religion
The Ph.D. in Religion offers the option to pursue research from one of two perspectives: critical/humanistic or theological. Participants choose both a primary and secondary area of study, such as Ethics and the New Testament, and must demonstrate a reading knowledge of two foreign languages relevant to their research. Please see the program webpage for a full list of available specializations.
Sociology
The Sociology Ph.D. involves deep study in two of the following areas: Culture, Institutions, and Socialization; Health, Environment, Population, and Migration; Politics, Law, and Conflict; and Race, Ethnicity, and Gender. Ample research opportunities are available through Vanderbilt’s many interdisciplinary centers and programs, such as the program in Environmental Sociology.
Spanish
Coursework for the Ph.D. in Spanish focuses on the language itself as well as linguistics, film and culture studies, and theory. Students must also complete a related minor, usually Portuguese or Latin American Studies. Significant research opportunities are available through Vanderbilt’s many interdisciplinary programs, such as the Center for Second Language Studies.
Spanish and Portuguese
The Spanish and Portuguese Ph.D. requires near-native proficiency in both languages. Students interested in language pedagogy may also wish to earn the Graduate Certificate in Second Language Studies. Department ties to other organizations, such as the Brazilian Studies Association and Vanderbilt’s Center for Teaching, provide ample support for dissertation research.
100+
majors & minors
7:1
student-to-faculty ratio
92
countries represented by our undergrads
Spotlight
inter+SECTIONS
Conservation paleobiologist Larisa DeSantis explores the intersection of climate change + evolution with her research on the extinct marsupial lion. Watch the debut episode from inter+SECTIONS, a new faculty research video series from the College of Arts and Science.
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Immersion Vanderbilt
Immersion Vanderbilt is an intensive learning experience that provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to pursue their passions and cultivate intellectual interests through experiential learning.
Our Community
The students and faculty of the College of Arts and Science are true intellectual omnivores. They bring new perspectives to their fields and innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues.