- <a href="/live/image/gid/317/width/650/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image92495"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/500/height/240/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/500/height/240/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/317/width/500/height/240/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/800/height/383/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/800/height/383/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/317/width/800/height/383/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/317/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg" alt="Students and faculty sitting together, talking." width="1440" height="690" data-max-w="2663" data-max-h="1778"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Studying the liberal arts means that all of your classes will be grounded in critical thinking, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and problem solving.</div>
Academic Programs
Our liberal arts education gives you the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes and explore connections across disciplines. Our academics are challenging and rigorous, but you will be supported every step of the way by your advisors, your professors, and your peers. And for those of you who are ready to think about your education long term, we offer pathways to and partnerships with our Graduate School of Education and Counseling and School of Law.
Majors and Minors at Lewis & Clark
Your Lewis & Clark education will provide you with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects, and to dig deep into those you find most intriguing. Lots of interests? Double major, or add a minor or two. Your education in and out of the classroom will prepare you to see connections others miss and to creatively solve complex problems, skills that are valuable in all professions.
You will take approximately 32 courses during your time here, and you’ll have choices when it comes to every single one. Your classes will be split roughly into thirds: general education, major requirements, and electives.
Art (Studio) | Major Minor |
Art History | Major Minor |
Dance | Minor |
Music | Major Minor |
Theatre | Major (concentrations in performance, design/tech, literature/history, and dance) Minor |
English | Major |
History | Major Minor |
Philosophy | Major |
Religious Studies | Major Minor |
World Languages and Literatures | Major |
Chinese | Minor |
Classics | Major Minor |
French Studies | Major Minor |
German Studies | Major Minor |
Hispanic Studies | Major Minor |
Japanese | Minor |
Latin American and Latino Studies | Minor |
Russian | Minor |
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Major |
Biology | Major |
Chemistry | Major Minor |
Computer Science | Major Minor Optional concentration in cybersecurity |
Computer Science and Mathematics | Major |
Mathematics | Major Minor |
Physics | Major Minor |
Economics | Major Minor |
International Affairs | Major |
Political Science | Major Minor |
Psychology | Major |
Rhetoric and Media Studies | Major Minor |
Sociology and Anthropology | Major |
Asian Studies | Major Minor |
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Major |
Classics | Major Minor |
Data Science | Minor |
Earth System Science | Minor |
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation | Minor |
Environmental Studies | Major Minor |
Ethnic Studies | Minor |
Gender Studies | Minor |
Health Studies | Minor |
Latin American and Latino Studies | Minor |
Middle East and North African Studies | Minor |
Neuroscience | Minor |
Political Economy | Minor |
The Liberal Arts Advantage
Studying the liberal arts means that all of your classes will be grounded in critical thinking, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and problem solving. You’ll draw on these skills throughout your life, no matter where you work or what you do. Our academics are also closely connected with our location in Portland. The Connect-Portland (PDX) designation is given to courses highlighting the experiential, experimental, and inquiry-based learning that is derived from our location. Lewis & Clark is the perfect place to get an education that will prepare you to take on the world.
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Graduate-Level Research
Interested in conducting graduate-level research or getting published in a peer-reviewed journal? Our faculty are ready to partner up with you.
College Internships
Looking for a paid internship while earning class credit? We have opportunities through our entrepreneurship minor, our Office of Sustainability, and our Career Center.
Accelerated Degree Programs
Want even more of the Lewis & Clark experience? Through our 4-5-6 Commitment, we offer a five-year bachelor’s degree + master’s in teaching degree (MAT) with our graduate school and a six-year bachelor’s degree + law degree (JD) with our law school.
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> My favorite class has been Major Figures: James Joyce with Professor Rishona Zimring. It was the perfect opportunity to explore both <em>Ulysses</em> and the Modernist era of literature.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14603-aubrey-roche">Aubrey Roché BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Beaverton, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I like that the biology major allows me to take a wide variety of classes to explore all of my interests. The major is wildly applicable, which is great as I consider future career paths. All the professors in the department are amazing, and I love hearing about their work and passion for biology.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20604-clover-sinning">Clover Sinning BA ’26</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta"> Minneapolis, Minnesota</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I’m amazed by the breadth of science within our department, and the opportunities for students to find what aspect of biology interests them the most. It’s evident that our faculty cares deeply about each one of us, and that we have their unending support through that discovery.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18342-liv-nicks-turnley">Liv Nicks-Turnley BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta"> Longmont, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I enjoy understanding how the world works from the basics of cell biology to bigger environmental patterns. I aim to be more informed when I go out into the world and explore with intention and awareness.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18326-gen-coutant">Gen Coutant BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Queensbury, New York</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I love the class discussions and debates in international affairs because there are a lot of intelligent, but vastly different, opinions that come up. It’s very rousing and educational.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17800-jade-weihz">Jade Weihz BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Phillipsburg, New Jersey</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I believe my summer research with Professor Campion will give me greater insight into what career options may look like for me as a history student.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18454-maddie-selby">Maddie Selby BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Portland, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> The skill that I used most to find and earn my current internship was networking!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/9853-madeleine-bentley">Madeleine Bentley BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Bainbridge Island, Washington</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I love that computer science and mathematics are so closely related. I find that it is always cool to use my computer science background when I am working through a math problem, or vice versa!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18310-katie-shimaura">Katie Shimaura BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Mililani, Hawai‘i</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Introduction to Linguistics expanded my knowledge about how a language works, and I love learning how linguists analyze languages. One day I hope to do it myself!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14559-juan-martin-lopez-melendez">Juan Martín López Meléndez BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">La Piedad, Michoacán, México/Fresno, California/Las Vegas, New Mexico</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> International Political Economy with Dr. Elizabeth Bennett has been my favorite class. It is the most comprehensive study of the formation of contemporary global economy available at Lewis & Clark, and Dr. Bennett is an expert at accessibly presenting subject material and leading class discussions.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17791-loren-pawelski">Loren Pawelski BA ’24</a><br/></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I find the philosophy major interesting because the courses span a wide selection of traditions and philosophers. The department also encourages students to explore topics that they are personally interested in.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18338-grace-marchant">Grace Marchant BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Upland, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Biology integrates concepts from various disciplines to investigate life’s complex mechanisms. In addition, it offers endless opportunities for research and discovery.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20603-kiara-y-gonzalez">Kiara Y. González BA ’27</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Moca, Puerto Rico</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I find it fascinating and quite liberating how the teaching of art history at L&C breaks out of the box of fine arts and leaves space for much-needed critique and analysis.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18330-mithila-tambe">Mithila Tambe BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Pune, Maharashtra, India</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> We only handicap ourselves if we don’t try to understand the world from someone else’s point of view, and explore the scary idea that we ourselves might be wrong.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/11314-sam-bundenthal">Sam Bundenthal BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Fairfield, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Knowing the people in my biology major well has been so nice. I feel more comfortable and supported in upper-level courses because of that.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18331-arielle-bloom">Arielle Bloom BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Portland, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
Study Abroad With Lewis & Clark
Lewis & Clark study-abroad programs are immersive experiences in unexpected places, often with one of your own faculty members as your leader. Our programs are either a semester or full year long, giving you time to live new experiences and perspectives rather than simply to observe them. No matter your major—even the sciences—you will be encouraged to study overseas.
Academics FAQ
Yes! You will take approximately 32 courses during your time here, and you’ll have choices when it comes to every single one. Your classes will be split roughly into thirds: general education, major requirements, and electives. You have a lot of flexibility in choosing general education and elective courses outside of your chosen major.
Art (Studio)
Art History
Asian Studies
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Computer Science
Computer Science and Mathematics
Economics
English
Environmental Studies
French Studies
German Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
International Affairs
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Theatre
Student-Designed Major
World Languages and Literatures
Art and Art History
Asian Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Classics
Computer Science
Dance
Data Science
Earth System Science
Economics
English
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
Environmental Studies
Ethnic Studies
French Studies
Gender Studies
German Studies
Health Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
Japanese
Latin American and Latino Studies
Mathematics
Middle East and North African Studies
Music
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Russian
Theatre
The liberal arts education you’ll receive from Lewis & Clark College is an ideal background for any professional career. You’ll learn to be an innovative thinker, creative problem solver, and thoughtful leader—traits that are invaluable in our knowledge-based economy.
If you already have a career in mind, we also provide preparation in several professional fields so you can get started on your path. While not majors, these preprofessional offerings allow you to focus in your area of interest as you develop a wide range of skills through all of your courses. Faculty are available to advise students interested in these fields:
- Engineering (3-2 with partner schools)
- Law (3-1 BA/MSL and 3-3 BA/JD with L&C Law School)
- Health Professions
- Education (4-1 BA/MAT with L&C Graduate School)
- Business and Management (4-2 BA/MBA with partner schools)
All of our majors are excellent preparation for whatever path you take after graduation. The best part of a liberal arts education is the interconnectedness of courses between seemingly disparate subjects. Some of our most popular majors are biology, environmental studies, psychology, and sociology and anthropology.
Earn Your Degree With Lewis & Clark
- Top 100
Lewis & Clark is in the top 100 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2023–24 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list.
- Boost
The majority of students who use tutoring report that they are doing fine academically in their courses, and they simply want to improve their understanding of the material.
- 60%
Sixty percent of our undergraduates study overseas as part of their Lewis & Clark education.
- Free
Free peer tutoring is available for over 100 courses across 25+ subjects.
- 12:1
Lewis & Clark College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.
Featured News
Decoding Cellular ‘Shape-Shifters’
Biologist Sharon Torigoe and her students investigate the mechanisms that determine a cell’s fate.
Bruce Suttmeier
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