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  • <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 media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/500/height/240/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/317/width/500/height/240/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/800/height/383/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/317/width/800/height/383/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.webp 1x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 1x" data-origin="responsive"/><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." data-max-w="2663" data-max-h="1778" data-optimized="true"/></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>
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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.

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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.

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.


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Student-Led Symposium

Want to plan an academic symposium? We have five student-led symposia a year.


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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.


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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> <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> I appreciate the way digital media has broadened my understanding of art and creativity. Learning about the ineffable nature of art and its connection to AI has enriched my perspective and deepened my passion for artistic expression.</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20611-miranda-caba-solano">Miranda Caba Solano BA ’27</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Caguas, Puerto Rico</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p></p> <div class="lw_profiles_329"> <p> I love how no matter what class I find myself in, I can connect it back to psychology. There is so much you can do in psychology, whether that is through therapy, research, or teaching. It feels like the opportunities are endless.</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18362-cloe-moreno">Cloe Moreno BA ’24</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">San Diego, California</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p></p> <div class="lw_profiles_329"> <p> Any student from abroad can be sure to find a support system here that will enrich and help them create their college experience.</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/9535-emma-franco">Emma Franco BA ’20</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p></p> <div class="lw_profiles_329"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I think all of the classes I’ve taken so far expanded my knowledge as a student. I have taken a lot of Chinese classes with</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Instructor Liu Meiru</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. She is a very knowledgeable and cheerful person. She makes learning Chinese fun.</span></p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16641-htoo-ray-wah">Htoo Ray Wah BA ’23</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Portland, Oregon</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p></p> <div class="lw_profiles_329"> <p> I chose to transfer to Lewis & Clark because of the diverse staff, friendly community, and the beautiful campus. Most of all, I knew Lewis & Clark would challenge me academically and help me to grow to be the best person that I can be.</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/10618-blythe-ballesteros">Blythe Ballesteros BA ’20</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Mililani, Hawai‘i</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p></p> <div class="lw_profiles_329"> <p> Professors in the history department give students the space and support to research aspects of history that they are interested in, rather than limiting students to their specific area of interest and study.</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20401-molly-gibbons">Molly Gibbons BA ’24</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Missoula, Montana</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p></p> <div class="lw_profiles_329"> <p> Environmental studies allows you to explore so many different directions and avenues. I enjoy feeling like I could study a wide variety of topics, all which allow me to follow my passion about combating environmental degradation.</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20614-izz-lamola">Izz Lamola BA ’25</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Seattle, Washington</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p></p> <div class="lw_profiles_329"> <p> Sociology and anthropology are at a confluence point between the sciences and humanities, which allows me to engage with both perspectives. This multidimensional perspective is a very thought-provoking way to approach just about any issue and keeps me on my toes.</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18349-cooper-kroll">Cooper Kroll BA ’24</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Seattle, Washington</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> 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> 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> I appreciate that the sociology and anthropology major emphasizes learning about and from life experiences very different from my own. I didn’t realize how narrow my thinking was until I began expanding my perspective and practicing intersectionality.</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20402-cameron-kalopsis">Cameron Kalopsis BA ’24</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">London, Ontario, Canada, and Glendale, California</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p></p> <div class="lw_profiles_329"> <p> I am endlessly grateful for the opportunities that the political science department has provided to its students.</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18509-madeleine-macwilliamson">Madeleine MacWilliamson BA ’24</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Campbell, California</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p></p> <div class="lw_profiles_329"> <p> The English major at L&C has the option for students to include a creative writing concentration such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry!</p> </div> <p></p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18348-grace-billings">Grace Billings BA ’24</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Poulsbo, Washington</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.

Our ... Our biology program in New Zealand is a great way for science majors to study overseas and earn classes toward their major.

Academics FAQ

Earn Your Degree With Lewis & Clark

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  • 12:1 

    Lewis & Clark College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.

  • 60% 

    Sixty percent of our undergraduates study overseas as part of their Lewis & Clark education. 

  • 4-5-6 

    Lewis & Clark’s 4-5-6 Commitment can help you make the most of your future.

  • Five 

    L&C’s five academic student-led symposia reflect our commitment to inquiry, innovation, collaboration, and global engagement.

  • 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.

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Bruce Suttmeier, Dean of the College, Associate Professor of Japanese

Bruce Suttmeier

Dean of the College, Associate Professor of Japanese
casdean@lclark.edu
503-768-7100

Office Hours: Mondays-Fridays 8:30 a.m.-noon, 1-5 p.m.
Albany Quadrangle, 201