- <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 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 |
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> I was drawn to Lewis & Clark because I loved the excited energy of the campus and the dedicated and ingenuitive spirit of the students. I could feel, and still do, that big things were happening here and I wanted to be a part of it.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/9449-riley-arnold">Riley Arnold BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Monument, Colorado, and Tampa, Florida</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Challenge yourself (whether that be academically, socially, professionally, etc.) and trust your ability to handle what may come of it.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/10640-ella-crawford">Ella Crawford BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Alameda, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I am a double major. Every moment I am in the theatre, I feel like I am coming home. And what I appreciate about psychology is that I’m constantly learning about things that I didn’t even know I wanted to learn about.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18354-mack-mae">Mack Mae BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Ogden, Utah</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19007-elsa-horsted">Elsa Horsted BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Roseville, Minnesota</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Biochemistry makes life make so much more sense! It provides a network for the functions of every living organism, and, when combined with molecular biology, this major is the mechanism of life.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18325-katya-schwieterman">Katya Schwieterman BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Paonia, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I appreciate the range of academic possibilities available at L&C, no matter your declared path and major.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17735-kenan-imamovic">Kenan Imamovic BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Lewis & Clark’s combination of academic excellence, community, and location made it a great fit for me.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17730-hashim-salman">Hashim Salman BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Amman, Jordan</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A strong understanding of the classics is the keystone of interpreting a huge portion of literature, philosophy, medicine, politics, and more.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16674-leo-mcnaughton">Leo McNaughton BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Milwaukie, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> The size of the chemistry department allowed me to create deep connections with my STEM peers and the faculty. It seems like the faculty are always in their office with the door open and ready to help!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17614-genevieve-basile">Genevieve Basile BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Santa Rosa, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> When I came to visit, it just felt right; I could see myself going to school here and being happy.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/8299-anna-foster">Anna Foster BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Wilmette, Illinois</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> My favorite course was Ordinary Differential Equations. This class greatly tested my interdisciplinary skills and enabled me to use knowledge I had gained from all different kinds of classes at Lewis & Clark to come up with creative ways to construct, manipulate, and use models.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16685-drew-blauth">Drew Blauth BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Redlands, California</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> 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 really enjoyed the variety of classes within the psychology department because it gave me the opportunity to test out different aspects of the field. All the professors in the department are wonderful as well.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18344-alex-wally">Alex Wally BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Seattle, Washington</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Learning about storytelling in my English major has taught me a lot about human behavior, history, and writing techniques that will be helpful for my future career.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18339-burton-scheer">Burton Scheer BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Gainesville, Florida</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
- 4-5-6
Lewis & Clark’s 4-5-6 Commitment can help you make the most of your future.
- Top
For the seventh time in 10 years, Lewis & Clark has been named a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Top Producing Institution for 2023–24.
- Top 100
Lewis & Clark is in the top 100 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2023–24 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list.
- 60%
Sixty percent of our undergraduates study overseas as part of their Lewis & Clark education.
- Top
Lewis & Clark earned a spot on Princeton Review’s 2024 “Best Colleges” list.
Featured News
A Puppet? A Wolf? Boxing? It’s ‘Wolf Play’!
Wolf Play, which opens March 8 on Lewis & Clark’s Main Stage, is directed by Suhaila Meera, assistant professor of theatre. With the help of a puppet, boxing moves, and wolf pack metaphors, the play explores issues of family, parenting, community, survival, and love.
Bruce Suttmeier
Office Hours: Mondays-Fridays 8:30 a.m.-noon, 1-5 p.m.
Albany Quadrangle, 201