College of Arts and Letters

Empowering Students to Make a Difference in the World

A Place of Endless Possibilities

The College of Arts and Letters offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and social sciences. Our programs explore the dynamics of human experiences, personal identities, cultural and cross-cultural expressions and practices, and philosophical beliefs regarding human life and existence. As a community of learners, students deepen their understanding of history and prehistory, literature, languages, religions, gender, ethnicity, class and race, and social and political actions.

85+

Majors & Minors

Graduate Programs

30+

Certificate Programs

Explore Our Programs

Discover Your Career Path

CAL Advance helps you explore your career options — no matter what you’re majoring in within the College of Arts and Letters.

This year’s Quest class includes seven seniors, two juniors and a graduate student

Ten students honored with 2025 Quest for the Best award

Students dance the hula during spring fling presentation at SDSU.

Mellon Foundation grant bolsters groundbreaking Asian American Studies program

woman fixes drone while group of people watch

SDSU’s research opportunities entice international students

Insight Magazine

Read the latest edition of CAL's news magazine.

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the College of Arts and Letters, where in fields ranging from ancient history to big data, we are asking the deep questions and doing the hands-on work that make a fundamental difference in the world. In many ways and many places, we are at the heart of San Diego State University, and we’re excited to have you with us.

Todd Butler

Dean, College of Arts and Letters

Read the his full message.

Making an Impact

Researchers and innovators in CAL constitute a global and interdisciplinary intellectual community engaged in research that impacts the university, the community, and the world.